Tiffany Haney
Air Fryer Cod is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook fish. With a cooking time of under 15 minutes, this method produces a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky inside. It is also a low-fat alternative to fried fish, using just a couple of teaspoons of oil or a few sprays of cooking spray. The mild taste of cod means it goes well with a variety of seasonings, and leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 8-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400 °F |
| Seasonings | Lemon, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, black pepper, Old Bay, taco seasoning, etc. |
| Dipping sauces | Tartar sauce, hot honey sauce, lemon herb butter, aioli, salsa, avocado cilantro sauce |
| Internal temperature | 145 °F |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days |
| Freezing | Freeze for up to 2-3 months |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for 2-5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cod fillets
When choosing cod fillets for air frying, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to choose fillets of the same thickness, as this will ensure even cooking and prevent over-drying of thinner fillets. Opting for thicker fillets or cod loins is generally preferable, as they tend to be of higher quality and are less likely to dry out. If using frozen cod, ensure that the fillets are properly thawed before cooking, although some recipes suggest that this step can be skipped by adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Fresh cod fillets from a fishmonger are ideal, as they are typically cleaned and sliced correctly. However, grocery store brands can also be used, but be aware that they may not always be sliced against the grain, which can affect the texture. Before cooking, it is important to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve a better browning during cooking.
When it comes to seasoning, the options are endless. A simple spice mix of salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, chilli powder, and garlic powder can be used, or you can experiment with other seasonings like Old Bay, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, or even taco seasoning. For a more aromatic dish, you can also infuse the cod with fresh or dried herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme.
Lastly, when checking if your cod is cooked, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Alternatively, you can use a fork to flake a small portion of the cod; if it flakes easily, it is ready to be served.
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Preparing the fish
Next, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial, especially if you're cooking frozen cod, as it helps the seasoning stick to the fish. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice, and spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make a flavourful rub. You can also add some lemon zest for a bolder flavour. Alternatively, use a store-bought seasoning blend like Old Bay or taco seasoning.
Brush the cod fillets with the lemon-oil mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, generously apply the spice rub to the fish, making sure it's well-coated. If you prefer a breaded texture, coat the fillets with a tablespoon or two of panko breadcrumbs.
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Cooking the cod
First, select your cod fillets. Choose fillets of a similar thickness, preferably thick ones, so that they cook at the same rate and don't dry out. You can also cut the fillets to ensure they are of even thickness. You can use any variety of cod, but wild-caught cod is recommended.
Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. You can also add lemon zest for a more intense flavor. In another bowl, mix your chosen spices and seasonings. A simple spice mix can include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs like parsley, dill, thyme, or oregano. You can also add cayenne pepper for a little heat. Alternatively, use a pre-made seasoning like Old Bay Seasoning or taco seasoning.
Brush the cod fillets with the lemon and oil mixture, then season the fish on all sides. You can also marinate the fish in this mixture for extra flavor.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil or butter. Place the cod in the basket in a single layer, ensuring the fillets do not overlap. If your fillets have varying thicknesses, place the thicker pieces around the edges of the basket, where it is hottest, and the thinner pieces in the center.
Air fry the cod for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For thinner fillets, check the fish after 7-8 minutes. The fish is done when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 145°F. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides, although some recipes suggest that flipping is not necessary.
Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and lemon wedges or slices. You can also drizzle with melted butter before serving.
Air fryer cod is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, place the cod back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-5 minutes.
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Making a dipping sauce
While your cod is cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare a dipping sauce to accompany it. Here are some ideas for sauces that you can make at home:
Tartar Sauce
There are several ways to make tartar sauce. One recipe includes mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles (or sweet pickle relish), lemon juice, Dijon or yellow mustard, and a pinch of salt. You can also make a copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce or a lime and coriander tartar sauce.
Avocado Cilantro Sauce
For this sauce, blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Spicy Seafood Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, paprika, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Sour Cream and Dill Sauce
Mix sour cream and fresh dill together, and squeeze lemon over the fish.
Salsa
You can use a store-bought salsa or make your own fruit or vegetable salsa.
Spicy Cajun Dipping Sauce
This sauce is creamy with a kick of spice. You can adjust the level of spice to your taste by adding more or less hot sauce.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your air-fried cod
To store your leftover cod, wait for it to cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to four to five days.
Freezing your air-fried cod
If you want to store your leftover cod for longer, you can freeze it. Let the fish cool down completely, then transfer it to a shallow container. Seal the container tightly with plastic wrap and aluminium foil. Store the cod in the freezer for up to two to three months.
Thawing your frozen cod
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cod, you can thaw it in the refrigerator or in an airtight container in cold water. The refrigerator method is the safest and most effective, and it will take around 24 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can use the cold water method. Place the frozen fish in an airtight container and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the fish is fully thawed.
Reheating your cod
There are several methods you can use to reheat your leftover cod, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Air fryer: Reheat your cod in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the cod in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminium foil to prevent moisture loss and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the skillet with cooking spray or butter/oil. Add the cod and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the cod in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips for reheating
No matter which reheating method you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your cod stays moist and flavourful:
- Reheating cod can be tricky, as it can easily become dry and overcooked. Use low heat and be careful not to cook it for too long.
- Check the cod frequently to prevent overcooking.
- Add moisture: If the cod starts to dry out, add a little bit of water, broth, or lemon juice to the pan.
- Reheat quickly: The longer you reheat the cod, the more likely it is to dry out. So, keep the reheating time as short as possible.
- Serve immediately: Once the cod is reheated, serve it right away to prevent it from becoming cold again.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 8 minutes to cook fresh cod in an air fryer. However, the time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the air fryer.
The air fryer should be preheated to 200C/350-400 °F.
The cod is done when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the fish has reached 145 °F.
You can use a variety of seasonings for the cod, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, chili powder, and lemon juice. You can also coat the cod in breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
