Air-Fried Cod Fillets: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and cod is no exception. The air fryer method produces a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior, all while being a low-fat alternative to fried fish. The best part? It takes less than 15 minutes!

Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

- Two cod fillets (thawed if frozen)

- A teaspoon of your preferred cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil works well)

- A sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste

- A seasoning of your choice (e.g. Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, or cajun spice)

Instructions:

1. Brush both sides of the cod fillets with oil or melted butter, and season with your chosen herbs and spices.

2. Let the cod marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the spices and herbs. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

3. Grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray.

4. Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the fillets halfway through for even cooking.

5. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the fish has reached 145°F.

6. Serve the cod hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or avocado cilantro sauce.

Seasoning and marinating the cod fillets

Firstly, prepare your cod fillets by patting them dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps remove any excess moisture, allowing the fillets to brown better. If your cod fillets are frozen, make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or submerging them in a sealed bag of cold water.

Now, it's time to brush both sides of the fillets with oil or melted butter. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice. This step will help the seasonings stick to the fish and promote even browning.

When it comes to seasoning, the options are endless! You can go for a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, or get creative with various herbs and spices. Some popular choices include Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and chilli powder. Don't be afraid to experiment and find a combination that suits your taste buds. You can also try a pre-made seasoning mix, such as Old Bay Seasoning or taco seasoning.

After brushing the fillets with oil or butter, it's time to add the seasonings. You can either sprinkle them directly onto the fillets or mix them together in a small bowl before applying. Make sure to coat both sides of the fish evenly.

Once your fillets are seasoned, let them marinate for a few minutes to absorb all the flavours. This step will ensure your cod is packed with flavour. About 5 minutes should be enough for the cod to absorb the spices and herbs.

While the cod is marinating, you can preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This temperature will ensure a crispy exterior and flaky interior for your cod. Greasing the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray is also a good idea to prevent sticking.

If you want to add some extra crispiness to your cod, you can coat the fillets with breadcrumbs or panko before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but will give your cod an extra crunchy texture.

Remember, the key to delicious air fryer cod is to be generous with your seasonings and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for air-frying cod fillets vary depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer being used. However, here is a detailed, instructive guide on air-frying cod fillets with a focus on temperature and duration.

Air-Frying Temperature

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). However, it is important to note that the ideal temperature may vary depending on the model and type of air fryer being used. Some recipes suggest cooking the cod fillets at 350°F or 370°F, especially when cooking from frozen. It is always advisable to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model.

Air-Frying Duration

The duration for air-frying cod fillets depends on the thickness of the fillets and the desired level of doneness. Thinner fillets, typically around 150g, may cook perfectly in 8-9 minutes at 400°F. Larger or thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time, ranging from 10 to 13 minutes.

When cooking cod fillets from frozen, the duration may vary. Some recipes suggest cooking frozen fillets at 350°F for 4 minutes, followed by air-frying at 370°F for an additional 10-12 minutes. Others recommend cooking frozen fillets at 200°C/390°F for 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the fillets. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod fillets. The recommended safe internal temperature for fish is 145°F.

Additionally, some recipes suggest flipping the cod fillets halfway through the cooking time to promote even cooking and browning on both sides.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Ensure that the cod fillets are thawed if using frozen. Avoid using hot water to thaw, as this can affect the cooking process. Instead, place the frozen cod in the fridge overnight or submerge it in a sealed bag of cold water for quicker thawing.
• Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel before seasoning to remove excess moisture and promote better browning.
• Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod fillets. This will ensure they reach the recommended safe temperature of 145°F (63°C) for consumption.
• Serve the air-fried cod immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

The temperature and duration provided in this guide offer a general framework for air-frying cod fillets. However, feel free to customize the recipe to your taste preferences. Here are some suggestions:

• Experiment with different seasonings: Try Old Bay Seasoning, lemon-pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning.
• Add a crispy coating: Coat the cod fillets with breadcrumbs or panko for an extra crispy texture.
• Include citrus: Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the cod before air-frying for a tangy flavor.
• Serve with dipping sauces: Accompany your air-fried cod with tartar sauce, aioli, salsa, or a zesty sauce of your choice.

When serving air-fried cod, consider pairing it with side dishes such as tartar sauce, roasted vegetables, salad, or air-fried French fries for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Cod fillet preparation

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prepare the Cod Fillets

Start by gathering your ingredients, which typically include cod fillets, oil or butter, and seasonings of your choice. If your cod fillets are frozen, it is recommended to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or submerging them in a sealed bag of cold water. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve better browning during cooking.

Step 2: Brush with Oil or Butter and Season

Brush both sides of the cod fillets with oil or melted butter. This step ensures that the fish doesn't dry out during cooking and adds a crispy texture. You can use various oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or butter.

Next, season the fillets generously with your preferred herbs and spices. Some popular seasoning options include Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences. Let the cod marinate for a few minutes to absorb the spices and herbs fully.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare the Basket

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C). Greasing the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray is also essential to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You can use cooking spray, olive oil, or avocado oil for this step.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cod Fillets

Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with a little space between each fillet for even cooking. Cook the fillets for 8-10 minutes, depending on their thickness. For best results, flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

The cod is done when it turns golden brown and crispy. 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 safe to consume.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Air-fried cod is best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. You can pair it with various sides, such as tartar sauce, roasted vegetables, French fries, or a simple grain like rice or bulgur. For a fun twist, create a taco bowl by adding your air-fried cod to a heap of rice, along with guacamole, pickled onions, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese.

Dipping sauces

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a classic condiment for fried fish. To make your own, simply mix together mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles or sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and Dijon or yellow mustard. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

Avocado Cilantro Sauce

For a healthier option, blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. This sauce pairs well with the cod's crispy exterior and flaky interior.

Basil Cream Sauce

For a fresh and fragrant dip, combine sour cream, chopped fresh basil, lemon zest, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate until serving. The basil and lemon zest add a refreshing twist to your cod fillets.

Marie Rose Sauce

This creamy cocktail sauce is a British classic, especially when paired with battered cod. It is made by blending mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and Tabasco Sauce. The combination of creamy and tangy flavors complements the cod perfectly.

Spicy Chipotle Mayo

For an extra kick, try pairing your cod with a spicy chipotle mayo. The smokiness of the chipotle peppers adds depth of flavor to the mild cod.

Reheating and storing cod fillets

Storing and reheating cod fillets depends on whether you have cooked them in the air fryer from fresh or frozen.

Storing Cod Fillets

If you have cooked your cod fillets from fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

If you have cooked your cod fillets from frozen, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating Cod Fillets

To reheat, you can use a microwave for a minute or two, adding a drop of water and covering the dish. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about five minutes, or at 340°F for three to four minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for ten minutes.

Frequently asked questions