Air Fryer Cod Fillet: How Long To Fry?

Air fryer cod is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to fried fish. With no breading involved, you can achieve a crispy exterior with a tender and flaky inside in under 15 minutes. The air fryer method is also packed with health benefits, as it requires less oil and cooks the food evenly.

Seasoning and prep

The key to a tasty air-fried cod fillet is in the seasoning and prep. Here are some tips to help you achieve delicious, flaky, and crispy cod:

Choose the Right Cod Fillets

Select cod fillets that are similar in thickness and size to ensure even cooking. Fresh cod is always preferable, but frozen cod can also be used. If using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it before cooking.

Pat the Fillets Dry

Before seasoning, use paper towels to pat both sides of the cod fillets until they are dry. This step helps remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.

Brush with Oil or Butter

Brush both sides of the cod fillets with a thin coat of oil or melted butter. This step adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick to the fish. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral cooking oil of your choice.

Season Generously

Don't hold back on the seasonings! Since air frying uses minimal oil, you'll need to compensate by seasoning the cod generously. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

Let the Cod Absorb the Seasonings

After brushing and seasoning the cod fillets, let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to absorb into the fish. This step enhances the taste and makes the seasonings stick better during cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350-400°F (180-200°C). This step ensures that your cod cooks evenly and efficiently.

Grease the Air Fryer Basket

Before placing the cod in the air fryer, grease the air fryer basket or tray with oil or cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Air fryer temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking cod in an air fryer is around 200°C (400°F). This temperature ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. Preheating the air fryer to this temperature before adding the cod is essential for achieving the desired texture and flavour.

Some recipes suggest cooking at slightly lower temperatures, such as 350°F or 370°F, especially when cooking frozen cod or thicker fillets. These lower temperatures prevent the fish from drying out or overcooking.

It is worth noting that air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the model and brand. Some air fryers may not reach temperatures above 200°C (390°F). Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and temperature settings.

Additionally, the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the thickness of the cod fillets. Thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time, while thinner fillets may cook faster. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish, which should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

When cooking frozen cod, it is best to thaw the fillets first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Air fryer time

The air fryer is a popular appliance for cooking fish, and cod is no exception. The air fryer's ability to create a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior makes it a great choice for this delicate fish. Here are some tips and guidelines for air-frying cod to perfection.

Pre-Cooking Preparation:

Before cooking your cod in the air fryer, there are a few important steps to ensure the best results:

• Start with fresh or thawed cod fillets. If using frozen fillets, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking.
• Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
• Brush the cod fillets with oil or melted butter. This will help the seasonings stick to the fish and promote even browning. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or butter.
• Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred herbs and spices. You can use a variety of seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Now, let's get into the specifics of air-frying time and temperature for cod:

• For fresh or thawed cod fillets, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. As a general rule, air fry cod at 350-400°F (180-200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
• For thicker fillets, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Always check the internal temperature of the cod to ensure it has reached 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
• When cooking frozen cod fillets, the process is a bit different. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 4 minutes to thaw the fish, then add the oil and seasonings. Increase the temperature to 370°F (190°C) and air fry for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
• It is important to note that air fryer models may vary, so always refer to your air fryer's instructions for preheating, cooking times, and temperatures. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired doneness.

Tips for Success:

To ensure your cod fillets turn out perfectly, here are some additional tips:

• Don't flip the cod fillets during the cooking process. This will help prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket and falling apart.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod. This is the best way to ensure the fish is cooked safely and thoroughly.
• Serve the air-fried cod immediately for the best taste and texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for about 2-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Get creative with your seasonings and sauces! You can experiment with different spice blends, or serve your cod with tartar sauce, avocado cilantro dipping sauce, or lemon wedges.

Air-frying cod is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. By following the above guidelines and tips, you can ensure your cod fillets turn out crispy, flaky, and full of flavor. So, fire up your air fryer and enjoy the perfect cod dinner!

Frozen cod fillets

Cooking Frozen Cod in an Air Fryer

Overview:

Cooking frozen cod in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy weeknight dinner. The best part is that you don't have to wait for the cod to defrost, and it still turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 355°C/180°C or 360°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray. This step is essential to prevent the cod from sticking to the basket.
• Place the frozen cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between them and they are in a single layer.
• Lightly spray or drizzle the cod fillets with oil and sprinkle with your choice of seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, lemon juice, dried parsley, or other herbs and spices.
• Air fry the cod fillets for 10 minutes at 370°F/190°C. Then, flip the fillets using tongs and spray or drizzle with a little more oil.
• Air fry for an additional 5-8 minutes at the same temperature. The total cook time will depend on the thickness of your cod fillets and how hot your air fryer runs, so adjust the time as needed.
• Check if the cod is done by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C. The fish should be white and flaky throughout. If it is not done yet, air fry for a few more minutes and check again.
• Serve the cod hot with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• It is best to use cod fillets that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
• Be sure to spray or drizzle the air fryer basket and cod fillets with oil to prevent sticking and drying out.
• Don't air fry at a higher temperature for less time, as this can make the cod dry and overcooked.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and herbs to find your favorite flavor combinations. Some options include Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, or dill.
• For a crispy texture, you can coat the cod with breadcrumbs or panko before air frying.
• If you want to add some crunch without the breadcrumbs, try adding a sprinkle of panko or breadcrumbs halfway through the cooking time.
• You can also serve the cod with a dipping sauce on the side, such as tartar sauce, aioli, or salsa.

Reheating cod

The length of time you should reheat your cod for depends on the quantity of fish you are reheating, and the power of your air fryer. As a general rule, it should take around 1/3 of the original cooking time to reheat your cod. For example, if your cod originally took 15 minutes to cook, it should take around 5 minutes to reheat.

If you are reheating a single serving of cod, this should take around 2-3 minutes at 350°F. For multiple servings, you may need to allow a little longer, and you may need to reheat in batches to ensure even heating. It is also a good idea to check the internal temperature of your cod with a meat thermometer; cod should be reheated to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Some people prefer to reheat their cod in the microwave, as this helps to retain moisture. Around 1-2 minutes on a medium heat should be sufficient.

Frequently asked questions