Air-Fryer Cod Fillet: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Cooking cod in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, delicious, and flaky meal. The air fryer method is simple and versatile, allowing you to cook cod fillets to your desired texture and taste. You can achieve a crispy exterior with a tender and flaky middle, all in under 20 minutes. The air fryer also requires minimal cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.

How to get crispy cod fillets in an air fryer

Air-fried cod is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. The air fryer gives the cod a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy cod fillets in your air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Cod Fillets

Start by patting the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is especially important if you are using frozen cod, as you want to ensure there is no excess ice. You can also use cod loins, which tend to be thicker and higher quality.

Step 2: Make the Oil Mixture

In a small bowl, combine olive oil and fresh lemon juice. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil. Whisk the mixture until well combined. Brush both sides of the cod fillets generously with this oil mixture.

Step 3: Season the Cod

In a separate small bowl, mix your desired seasonings. A simple blend of paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper works well. You can also use pre-made blends like Old Bay Seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even taco seasoning. Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously on both sides of the cod fillets, making sure it sticks to the fish.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can let the cod marinate in the seasonings for a few minutes to absorb the flavours.

Step 5: Air Fry the Cod

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking. Place the cod fillets in the basket in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For thicker fillets, larger portions, or frozen cod, you may need a longer cooking time.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

The cod is done when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the fillet.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your crispy cod fillets with your favourite sides. Some great options include steamed broccoli, cilantro lime rice, air fryer French fries, or a hearty salad. Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lemon over the cod for added flavour. Enjoy!

How to prevent cod fillets from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent cod fillets from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can try the following methods:

Use Oil or Cooking Spray

Before placing the cod in the air fryer, brush the basket with oil or cooking spray. This will create a layer that prevents the fish from sticking. You can use olive oil, or a neutral cooking oil like avocado oil. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray, which is a convenient way to evenly coat the basket.

Don't Crowd the Basket

It's important to give the cod fillets some space in the basket. If you're cooking a large batch, consider cooking in multiple, smaller batches to prevent overcrowding. This will ensure that the hot air circulates properly and cooks the fish evenly, reducing the chances of sticking.

Flip with Caution

While some recipes recommend flipping the cod fillets halfway through the cooking process, it's important to note that uncooked fish is more likely to stick to the basket. If you do choose to flip, use tongs and be gentle to avoid tearing the fillets.

Use Parchment Rounds or Liners

If you're concerned about sticking, you can use parchment rounds or silicone liners as a barrier between the basket and the fish. This creates a non-stick surface, ensuring that the cod fillets release easily when cooked.

Choose the Right Fillet Thickness

Opt for fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Thinner fillets will cook faster and may dry out if cooked for too long, while thicker fillets may require more time. Aim for a consistent thickness to prevent the fish from sticking to the basket due to uneven cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Before placing the cod in the air fryer, make sure the appliance is preheated to the desired temperature. This helps to ensure even cooking and can reduce the chances of the fish sticking to the basket.

By following these tips, you can help prevent cod fillets from sticking to your air fryer basket, resulting in a delicious and hassle-free cooking experience.

How to season cod fillets for the air fryer

To season cod fillets for the air fryer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This will remove any excess moisture from the fish. You can also use a paper towel to pat each side of the cod fillets if they are frozen to remove any excess ice.

Next, prepare the olive oil mixture by combining olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush each cod fillet with this mixture on both sides. Alternatively, you can use melted butter or avocado oil instead of olive oil.

Now it's time to season the cod fillets. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Old Bay Seasoning, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, or lemon pepper. You can also try a pre-made seasoning like taco seasoning. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small dish and sprinkle them onto both sides of the cod fillets. Gently pat the fillets so that the seasonings stick to the fish.

At this point, you can let the cod marinate for a few minutes to absorb the spices and herbs before placing it in the air fryer.

Finally, place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not crowded. If needed, cook the cod in batches. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Now, you can air fry the cod for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thicker fillets, larger portions, or frozen cod, you may need to increase the cooking time. The cod is done when it turns golden brown and crispy, and flakes easily with a fork.

You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet has reached 145°F, ensuring it is cooked thoroughly.

How to reheat cod fillets in an air fryer

To reheat cod fillets in an air fryer, first set your air fryer to 350°F. This is the ideal temperature for reheating cod, as a higher temperature might dry out the fish. Next, place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket and reheat for 5 minutes. You can add an extra minute or two if you feel the fish needs more time to warm up.

When reheating cod, it is best to use leftovers that have been stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 3 to 5 days. If you are using frozen leftovers, make sure to thaw them before reheating.

Additionally, it is important to note that the taste and texture of the cod fillets are best enjoyed immediately after the initial cooking. Reheating cod in an air fryer may alter its texture and taste, but it is still a convenient way to enjoy your leftover cod.

How to know when cod fillets are cooked in the air fryer

To know when your cod fillets are cooked in the air fryer, there are a few key signs to look out for. Firstly, the internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. This is the temperature at which the FDA considers fish safe to eat. If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are other ways to tell if your cod is cooked. The fish should be golden brown on the outside and opaque white on the inside, with no translucent areas remaining. It should also flake easily with a fork; you can test this by flaking a small piece off the corner with a fork. If it doesn't flake easily, it likely needs a little more time in the air fryer.

The cooking time for cod fillets in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the number of pounds you are cooking. In general, thicker fillets will take longer to cook than thinner ones. For example, a single layer of 6-ounce fillets of similar thickness will likely cook in about 8 minutes, while larger fillets may take 10 to 13 minutes. If you are cooking a few pieces of varying thicknesses, the thinner pieces may be done in as little as 7 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on your cod and use your best judgment, as overcooked cod can become rubbery.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to pat the cod fillets dry before brushing with oil or butter and seasoning. You can also grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Additionally, flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking process can help ensure even cooking on both sides.

Frequently asked questions