Air Fryer Cod: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer breaded cod is a quick and easy meal to make for the family. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish and chips, without the grease. The cod is tender and flaky, with a crispy breaded layer on the outside. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the cod fillets, but it typically takes around 8 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. You can use frozen cod, but it is recommended to defrost it first and pat it dry. The breading usually consists of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, with various seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs.

How to bread cod for the air fryer

Ingredients

• Cod fillets or loins
• Eggs
• Oil (not an aerosol spray)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Italian herbs (optional)

Method

• Pat the cod dry with paper towels and set aside.
• Prepare three shallow dishes for the breading.
• In the first dish, add flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika.
• In the second dish, whisk an egg.
• In the third dish, add the Panko breadcrumbs. You can also add Italian herbs to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
• Dip each cod fillet into the flour dish, then the egg dish, and finally the Panko dish. Press the fish into the Panko to ensure it sticks.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about five minutes.
• Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the cod pieces in the basket, ensuring they don't touch.
• Spritz the cod with oil and air fry for 10-15 minutes at 400°F. Flip the cod halfway through the cooking process.
• The cod is done when it flakes apart easily with a fork. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for cooked cod.

Tips:

• You can use fresh or frozen cod, but make sure it is thawed before cooking.
• If you want to add extra flavour, season the cod with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, or Old Bay seasoning before coating it with the breading.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the cod.
• Spritz both sides of the cod with oil spray for an even crisp.
• Leftover cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Air fryer temperature and time for breaded cod

The ideal temperature to cook breaded cod in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). The cooking time can vary between 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. It is recommended to cook the cod for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for a perfect, crispy texture.

Preparation

Before cooking, the cod should be prepared by cutting it into the desired size. It is important to pat the cod dry with a paper towel and season it with salt, pepper, and other preferred spices. The three-step breading process involves dipping the cod in flour, followed by an egg wash, and finally coating it with breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs can be regular or panko, and various spices can be added to the mixture for extra flavor.

Cooking

Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature of 400°F (200°C), the cod should be placed inside in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not touch each other. Spritz or brush each fillet with oil and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping the cod halfway through the cooking process. The cod is ready when it is golden brown, crispy, and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the cod should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Tips

To ensure the best results, it is recommended to not overcrowd the air fryer basket and to preheat the air fryer before adding the cod. Spritzing both sides of the cod with oil spray and flipping it halfway through cooking will promote even browning. Additionally, it is important to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod and ensure it reaches the recommended temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Air fryer cod without breading

If you're looking for a simple, no-fuss fish dinner, air fryer cod without breading is the way to go. This cooking method yields flaky and tender cod with a slightly crispy exterior—all while keeping things healthy and delicious. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect air fryer cod without breading.

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Start by cutting your cod fillets into pieces that will fit inside your air fryer basket. If your fillets have skin, that's fine—just make sure to place them skin-side down in the basket. Pat the cod dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help with browning and ensure a crispier exterior.

Step 2: Season the Cod

Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the cod fillets. You can use fresh lemon juice or bottled juice, whichever you prefer. Then, sprinkle on your desired seasonings. Some popular options include paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, Old Bay, or other spices to suit your taste.

Step 3: Air Fry the Cod

Preheat your air fryer to 350–370°F (180–190°C). Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Cook the cod for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness after 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. Cod is best enjoyed when it's just cooked through, so keep a close eye on it.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

The cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this. Alternatively, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently flake the fish. If it separates easily, your cod is ready to be enjoyed!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Air fryer cod goes well with a variety of sides, such as lemon wedges, fresh herbs, fruit salad, asparagus, microwave rice, coleslaw, or chickpea salad. You can also get creative with sauces like tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or a zesty salsa.

Remember, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes to enjoy your crispy, tender cod again!

How to store leftover air fryer cod

To store leftover air fryer cod, you'll need to let it cool down first. Then, place it in a sealed, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Kept this way, your leftover cod should last for up to 3-4 days.

When it comes to reheating, it's best to use your air fryer again, as this will yield better results than a microwave. Reheat the cod at 350°F for around 3-5 minutes.

What to serve with air fryer cod

Air fryer cod is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Fish and Chips

For a classic take on fish and chips, serve your air fryer cod with a side of French fries. You can easily prepare these in the air fryer as well, making it a convenient and tasty option. Don't forget the tartar sauce for that extra tang!

Salad for a Light and Refreshing Dish

For a lighter option, pair your cod with a simple green salad. A tangy vinaigrette dressing can add a nice touch to complement the mild flavour of the fish. You could also try an asparagus or cucumber salad for something different.

Roasted Vegetables for a Heartier Meal

If you're looking for something more substantial, roasted vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potatoes go well with cod. These can be prepared in the air fryer as well, making it a convenient one-appliance meal.

Lemon Wedges and Herbs for a Classic Fish Dish

The mild flavour of cod goes well with a squeeze of lemon, and garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill adds a nice touch. This combination is a classic for a reason—it's simple yet delicious.

Tasty Sauces to Elevate Your Dish

While not necessary, a good sauce can take your cod to the next level. Try a simple lemon butter sauce, tartar sauce, or even a spicy chipotle sauce for a tang and heat. You could also make a garlic aioli or spicy tartar sauce to impress your guests.

Air Fryer Sides for a Crispy Treat

If you're looking for more crispy treats to go with your cod, consider air fryer tater tots, asparagus, or even Texas Toast. These options will give you that satisfying crunch without the grease of traditional frying.

Coleslaw and Fries for a True Fish Fry

To replicate the feeling of a true fish fry, serve your cod with a side of coleslaw and French fries. It's a classic combination for a reason—the crispiness of the fries and the creaminess of the coleslaw complement the flaky cod perfectly.

Rice for a Hearty Carb Option

For a hearty carb option, serve your cod with a side of rice. This could be plain rice or a flavoured variety like fried rice or rice pilaf. It's a great way to round out the meal and leave your guests feeling satisfied.

Fish Tacos for a Fun and Flavourful Twist

For a fun and flavourful twist, turn your cod into fish tacos. Simply flake the cod with a fork and stuff it into your favourite tortillas with some taco slaw, avocado, and fresh cilantro. It's a great way to enjoy your air fryer cod with a Mexican-inspired twist.

Frequently asked questions