Air Fryer Cod Fillet: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer cod is a quick and easy dish to make, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets, but generally, it takes around 8-10 minutes to cook cod in an air fryer at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. For a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, air-fry the cod fillets for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can also cook frozen cod in the air fryer by first air-frying for 3-4 minutes to thaw, and then adding the desired seasonings and air-frying for an additional 8-10 minutes.

Seasoning and prep

Preparing your cod fillets for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps with the browning process and ensures your fish doesn't stick to the air fryer basket. Next, brush each fillet with oil or melted butter. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or butter, depending on your preference.

Now it's time to season your cod. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, lemon pepper, or cajun spice. Be creative and choose the seasonings that appeal to your taste buds! Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of the fillets, or mix them with the oil or butter and brush the mixture onto the fish.

If you're using frozen cod fillets, make sure to thaw them before seasoning. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water for quicker thawing.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking cod fillets in an air fryer is around 200°C or 400°F. This temperature is high enough to create a crispy exterior, while keeping the interior tender and flaky.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the cod inside. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. The preheat function is usually available in most modern air fryers, and it takes about 4-5 minutes to heat up.

Air Frying the Cod

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the cod fillets inside and cook for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For a crispy exterior, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket and leave some space between each fillet.

Checking the Temperature

To ensure the cod is cooked properly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. The ideal temperature for safe consumption is 145°F or 63°C.

Cooking Frozen Cod

When cooking frozen cod, it is best to thaw the fillets first. This ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket. If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time by a few minutes and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 145°F.

Air fryer time

The air fryer time for cod fillets depends on the weight and thickness of the fillets, whether they are fresh or frozen, and the desired level of crispiness.

For fresh cod fillets, the air fryer time ranges from 8 to 15 minutes at temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, one source recommends air-frying 6-ounce fillets for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while another suggests 8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-inch thick fillets.

For frozen cod fillets, the air fryer time is slightly longer. One source recommends air-frying frozen fillets at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes, then adding the desired seasonings and oil, and air-frying again at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. Another source suggests a total time of 12-15 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for frozen fish sticks.

It is important to note that the air fryer time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and its settings. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the fillets periodically during cooking to ensure they are cooked to the desired level of doneness.

Frozen cod fillets

Cooking frozen cod fillets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table in under 20 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

Before you start, decide whether you want to thaw your cod fillets or cook them from frozen. Thawing will reduce the cooking time, but it's not necessary as air fryers can cook frozen cod fillets straight from the freezer. If you do decide to thaw, it's best to do so slowly in the fridge overnight or by submerging the fillets in a sealed bag in cold water. Avoid using hot water, as this will start the cooking process.

Once your cod fillets are thawed (or still frozen), pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove excess moisture and ensure a crispier finish.

Seasoning

Brush both sides of the cod fillets with oil or melted butter, and season generously. You can use salt and pepper, or get creative with lemon pepper, Cajun spice, Old Bay seasoning, or garlic powder. You could also try a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a tangy kick.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Place the cod fillets in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the fillets to ensure even cooking. For a crispier finish, you can coat the fillets with breadcrumbs or panko before air frying.

Your cod fillets are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. To check if they're cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).

Serving

Air fryer cod is best served hot and fresh from the fryer. You can serve it with a dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or a healthy avocado-cilantro blend. Enjoy your crispy, tender cod fillets!

Reheating cod

Temperature and Timing:

It is recommended to reheat your cod at a temperature of around 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your cod is warmed through without overcooking it.

Preparation:

Before reheating, it is best to remove the cod from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes. This helps to reduce the heating time and ensures even warming.

Moisture:

To prevent the cod from drying out, you can place a pat of butter on top of each fillet before reheating. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some water on the fillets or place a small dish of water in the air fryer during the reheating process.

Thickness and Size:

The reheating time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the cod fillets. Thicker or larger fillets may require a few additional minutes in the air fryer. It is recommended to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet to ensure it has reached 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Storage:

When storing leftover cod, it is best to place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cod for up to 3 months, although the taste and texture may not be as good as fresh.

Serving:

Air fryer cod is a versatile dish and can be served in various ways. You can serve it with tartar sauce, air fryer tater tots, asparagus, or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, pair it with air fryer french fries and coleslaw for a "fish and chips" experience. You can also get creative and make fish tacos by flaking the cod and serving it in tortillas with avocado, cilantro, and taco slaw.

Frequently asked questions