Air Fryer Cod: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily, and they can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including fish. Cod is a popular choice for air fryer cooking as it is a mild, flaky fish that absorbs flavours well and becomes juicy and tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the fillet, but typically, it takes around 8-10 minutes to cook cod in an air fryer at 400 °F.

How to prepare cod for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare cod in an air fryer:

• Cod fillets
• Olive oil
• Lemon
• Spices (such as paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper)
• Flour (optional)
• Egg (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
• Brush the cod fillets with olive oil or melted butter. You can also dip the cod in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a crispy breading.
• Season the cod with your desired spices. You can use salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or any other seasonings you like.
• Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Cook the cod at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Flip the cod halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the cod has reached 145°F.
• Serve the cod hot with your choice of sides and dipping sauces.

Tips

• If using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it before cooking. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water.
• Pat the cod dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture and ensure better browning.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the cod in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• For a crispy breading, dip the cod in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs before placing it in the air fryer.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.

How long to cook cod in the air fryer

Air-frying is a great way to cook cod, resulting in a tender, flaky texture and a crispy exterior. The length of time it takes to cook cod in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the fillets and whether the cod is fresh or frozen.

Cooking Fresh Cod

For a single layer of 6-ounce fillets, cook the cod in the air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. If your fillets are thinner, check on them after 6 minutes, as they may be done sooner. For thicker fillets, simply increase the cooking time as needed.

Cooking Frozen Cod

It is best to thaw frozen cod fillets before cooking. To do this, place the fillets in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. You can also add the frozen fillets to the marinade and let them defrost there.

Once thawed, pat the fillets dry and cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown on the outside and flakes easily with a fork.

How to serve air-fried cod

Air-fried cod is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

Classic Combinations

Keep it classic and serve the cod with a squeeze of lemon or a simple lemon butter sauce. You can also pair it with boiled new potatoes and steamed green vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Fish and Chips

For a twist on the classic fish and chips, serve the air-fried cod with french fries, tartar sauce, and peas. You can also try this with a pea puree and roasted parmentier potatoes for a unique flavour profile.

Latin American Style

Get creative and give your cod a Latin American vibe. Use a Mexican spice rub and serve it with green coriander rice, guacamole, and peach salsa. This combination will surely tantalize your taste buds!

Rice Bowls

Air fryer cod is also perfect for rice bowls. Try it with a simple grain like rice or bulgar, and take it up a notch by creating a taco bowl. Add some guacamole, pickled onions, jalapeños, and a sprinkling of cheddar cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Salads

For a fresh and light option, serve the air-fried cod with a salad. Try a creamy cucumber salad, a fruity spring mix salad, or a strawberry spinach salad. You can also get creative and experiment with other healthy salad recipes.

Fish Tacos

Flake the cod with a fork and stuff it into your favourite tortillas. Add some taco slaw, avocado, and fresh cilantro for a tasty and messy treat!

Sides and Sauces

Asparagus is a great pairing for fish. You can roast it, sauté it, grill it, or even make it in the air fryer! Other vegetables like broccoli or zucchini also go well as sides. If you're looking for something more filling, potatoes are always a good option. Try air fryer potatoes, baked potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Sauces like a simple lemon butter sauce or tartar sauce can also enhance the flavour of your air-fried cod.

How to store leftover air-fried cod

Air-fried cod is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

To retain its moist, flaky texture, it is recommended to reheat the cod in the air fryer again at 350°F for 2 to 5 minutes.

You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 to 3 months, although the fish may not taste as good as fresh after thawing.

How to reheat air-fried cod

Air-fried cod is a delicious and healthy meal that can be easily reheated in an air fryer with minimal effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat air-fried cod to perfection:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Gently pat the leftover cod with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess during reheating. This step ensures that your fish will retain its crispy texture. If desired, you can lightly brush or spray the fish with oil for an extra crispy boost.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). Preheating is crucial as it ensures even cooking and helps develop that desirable crispiness. Wait until the air fryer reaches the set temperature before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Arrange the Fish

Place the cod fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Proper air circulation is essential for even cooking and maintaining crispiness. If you have a large quantity of fish, consider reheating in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect the final texture.

Step 4: Reheat the Fish

Place the basket containing the fish into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The goal is to reheat without overcooking the fish.

Step 5: Monitor and Flip

Keep a close eye on the fish during the reheating process. If your air fryer lacks an automatic rotation feature, consider flipping the fillets halfway through to ensure even crispiness on both sides.

Step 6: Test for Crispiness

After the reheating time has elapsed, carefully remove one fillet and examine its texture. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy, while the interior should remain flaky and tender. If it isn't quite crispy enough for your taste, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your cod is reheated to perfection, it's time to serve and savor. Pair it with your favorite sides, sauces, or salads for a complete meal. Remember that reheated fish is best enjoyed immediately, so indulge in the crispy, flavorful delight without delay!

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftover air-fried cod with the same satisfaction as when it was freshly cooked. So, fire up that air fryer and bring your crispy, flaky cod back to life!

Frequently asked questions