Air Fryer Cod: The Perfect Timing

Cooking frozen cod in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. It takes around 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the air fryer. The key to success is not to overcook the fish, as this will make it tough and dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 145˚F, when the flesh will be opaque white and flake easily.

How to cook frozen cod in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen cod fillets
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Any other seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Pat each side of the cod fillets with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Combine olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush each side of the fillets with the mixture.
• Brush the inside of the air fryer basket with the remaining oil to prevent sticking.
• Sprinkle your chosen seasonings on each side of the fillets.
• Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque white, flakes easily, and has a golden brown exterior.
• Check the internal temperature has reached 145°F before serving.

Tips:

• For best results, use cod fillets that are around six ounces and less than one inch in thickness.
• There is no need to rinse frozen cod before cooking.
• For a crispy texture, you can bread the cod by brushing with oil and sprinkling on seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Avoid cooking at a higher temperature for less time, as this can make the cod dry.
• For even cooking, use fillets that are roughly the same size.
• You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Serving suggestions:

• Tartar sauce and a side of vegetables or salad.
• Texas Toast and air fryer tater tots or French fries.
• Rice, quinoa, or couscous.

How long does it take to cook frozen cod in an air fryer

Cooking frozen cod in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy, and nourishing weeknight dinner. The best part is that you don't need to defrost the cod before cooking, saving you time and effort. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen cod in an air fryer:

Preparation:

Before cooking, it's important to note that you should avoid using thick cuts of cod. Stick with cod fillets that are around six ounces and less than one inch in thickness to ensure even cooking. There's no need to rinse the frozen cod, as this may leave it waterlogged.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer. Different recipes recommend different temperatures, ranging from 350°F to 400°F. Adjust your air fryer to the desired temperature and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cod:

Place the frozen cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Leave space between the fillets to allow for ample heat circulation. You can brush the cod with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy exterior. Some recipes also suggest patting the cod dry with paper towels before adding any seasonings.

Step 3: Season the Cod:

Drizzle or brush the cod with oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray. You can also add lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the fillets. Additionally, you can rub the cod with a spice blend of your choice, such as paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Old Bay seasoning.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cod:

Now, it's time to air fry the cod. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your cod fillets and the temperature of your air fryer. For thinner fillets, cook for around 7-8 minutes. For thicker fillets, aim for 10-15 minutes. It's important to monitor the cod during cooking and adjust the time as needed.

Step 5: Check for Doneness:

To ensure your cod is cooked properly, look for visual cues and use a meat thermometer. The cod should be opaque white, easily flake with a fork, and have a crispy golden brown exterior. According to the FDA, the recommended internal temperature for cooked fish is 145°F.

Tips for Success:

• Avoid thick cuts of cod to ensure even cooking.
• No need to rinse the frozen cod before cooking.
• Create a simple breading or use a flavorful sauce to enhance the taste.
• Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure the cod is cooked through.
• Avoid slow cooking or cooking at low temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• Flip the cod halfway through the cooking time for even cooking and crispness on both sides.

Tips for cooking frozen cod in an air fryer

Frozen cod can be cooked straight from the freezer, saving you time and effort. Here are some tips to help you cook it to perfection in your air fryer.

• Choose the right cut of fish: Opt for cod fillets that are around six ounces and less than one inch thick. Larger cuts may result in uneven cooking.
• No need to rinse: You might see some recipes that suggest rinsing the frozen cod to get rid of ice crystals, but this step is unnecessary and might leave your fish waterlogged.
• Add flavour: Frozen cod can benefit from a tasty sauce or breading. Try a lemon and butter emulsion, or brush the cod with oil and sprinkle on seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Cooking time and temperature: Preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 390˚F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cod fillets, but it should take around 12 to 15 minutes.
• Don't flip: It's best not to flip the cod halfway through cooking, as uncooked fish is more likely to stick to the basket.
• Prevent sticking: To prevent the fish from sticking, brush the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment rounds, silicone liners, or a non-stick spray.
• Check for doneness: Your cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145˚F at the thickest part of the fillet.
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place them in the preheated air fryer at 350˚F for around 5 minutes.

How to serve frozen cod cooked in an air fryer

Frozen cod is a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer straight from the freezer. It is a quick and easy meal that can be served with a variety of sides, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve frozen cod cooked in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Cod

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the frozen cod fillets. It is recommended to use fillets that are around six ounces and less than one inch in thickness to ensure even cooking. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Season the Cod

Brush each side of the cod fillets with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice, or avocado oil if preferred. You can also add seasonings such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor. Make sure to coat both sides of the fillets evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Cod in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Depending on the size and thickness of the fillets, cook the cod at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-15 minutes. For thicker fillets, you may need to cook for a longer time, up to 20 minutes. The cod is ready when it is golden brown, flaky, and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Serve the Cod

Frozen cod cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Vegetable sides: Air fryer broccoli, air fryer asparagus, air fryer bok choy, or a fresh salad.
• Potato sides: Potato cauliflower mash, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato mash.
• Rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• Tartar sauce or lemon butter sauce as a condiment.
• For a true fish fry experience, serve with air fryer french fries and coleslaw.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Cod in an Air Fryer:

• It is not necessary to defrost the cod before cooking.
• Avoid using thick cuts of cod to prevent uneven cooking.
• Avoid rinsing the frozen cod as it may become waterlogged.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod. The recommended temperature for cooked cod is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For a crispy texture, spray the cod with cooking spray or brush with oil during cooking.

How to store frozen cod cooked in an air fryer

To store frozen cod that has been cooked in an air fryer, you should let the fish cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the cooked cod, which will last for up to 3 months.

It is important to note that the quality of the fish may deteriorate if left in the fridge for too long, so try to consume it within 2-3 days for the best results.

Additionally, when reheating the cod, make sure it is thoroughly heated to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Frequently asked questions