Air-Fried Cod: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and cod is no exception. It's a mild, flaky fish that absorbs flavours well and becomes juicy and tender when cooked. There are a few ways to cook cod in an air fryer, with or without breading, and using fresh or frozen fillets.

Choosing your cod fillets

Freshness

It is generally recommended to use fresh, wild-caught cod whenever possible. Look for cod fillets in the butcher case or fish counter at your local grocery store or fish market. This will ensure the highest quality and flavour.

Type of Cod

When selecting your cod, you may come across different types such as Atlantic cod, wild Alaskan cod, or blue cod. These varieties will all work well in your air fryer, so feel free to choose based on availability and preference. You can also opt for cod loins, which tend to be thicker and may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Frozen Cod

If fresh cod is not available, you can use frozen cod fillets. However, it is important to completely thaw the fillets before air frying. Place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, or use the quick-thaw method by submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Make sure to pat the fillets dry before seasoning and cooking.

Thickness

When purchasing your cod fillets, consider the thickness. Thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time, so choose fillets that are similar in thickness to ensure even cooking. Aim for fillets that are about 6 ounces each. This will help ensure your cod cooks evenly and results in a moist, flaky texture.

Quality

When it comes to cod, quality matters. Look for cod that appears fresh and has a clean, sea-water scent. Avoid fillets with discoloured flesh or a strong, fishy odour. You want the flesh to be firm and spring back when pressed. This indicates freshness and proper handling.

Storage

If you're not using the cod immediately, proper storage is essential. Keep the cod refrigerated until you're ready to cook it. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper to prevent drying out or cross-contamination. Aim to use the cod within a couple of days of purchase to ensure optimal freshness.

By following these tips, you'll be able to select the best cod fillets for your air fryer recipe. Remember, starting with quality ingredients is key to a delicious final dish!

Preparing your cod fillets

Next, gather your seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon pepper, dill weed, or Old Bay seasoning. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile.

Now, it's time to prepare the fillets. Cut a lemon in half and juice one half, reserving the other for garnish. Brush or pour the lemon juice over both sides of the fillets and set them aside.

In a separate small bowl, prepare your chosen seasonings by mixing them together. Then, drizzle olive oil onto one side of the cod and sprinkle with the seasoning mix. If your cod still has the skin, be sure to season this side first.

Place the seasoned side of the fillets in the air fryer basket and coat the other side with oil and the remaining seasoning. It's important to ensure that your air fryer basket is well-oiled or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Your cod fillets are now ready to be cooked! Simply follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer, adjusting the timing based on the thickness of your fillets.

Making the seasoning

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Firstly, gather your chosen spices and condiments. Some common options include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika. You can also add some olive oil and lemon juice to the mix. If you want a more buttery taste, you can use melted butter instead of oil.

Step 2: Combine the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings and mix them well. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste. For a basic blend, start with equal parts of salt, pepper, and paprika, then add smaller amounts of garlic powder and cayenne to taste. If you want a smokier flavour, smoked paprika is a great addition.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish

Before adding the seasoning to the fish, it's important to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning adhere better to the fish. If your cod has the skin still attached, you can season this side first.

Step 4: Apply the Seasoning

Drizzle or brush one side of the cod fillets with oil or butter, then sprinkle the seasoning mix generously. Make sure to coat the fish evenly. Once the first side is done, repeat the process for the other side.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Once your fish is seasoned, it's ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with space between each piece. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cook until the fish is cooked through, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations for air-fried cod!

Air-frying your cod

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make air-fried cod:

• Cod fillets (fresh or frozen)
• Salt and pepper
• Flour (all-purpose or unbleached)
• Eggs
• Panko or breadcrumbs
• Parmesan (grated)
• Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil spray
• Lemon

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Pat the cod dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. If your cod has the skin still attached, you can leave it on. Cut the cod into pieces that will fit inside your air fryer, preferably in similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Create a Breading Station (Optional)

If you want a crispy coating on your cod, set up a breading station. Have three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and a pinch of salt, and the last with panko (or breadcrumbs), parmesan cheese, old bay seasoning, and garlic powder. First, dip the cod in the flour, then the egg mixture, and lastly in the panko mixture. Use one hand for the first two steps and the other hand to press the panko mixture onto the cod.

Step 3: Season the Cod

Whether you are breading your cod or not, you will want to season it. Mix salt, pepper, and your choice of spices (such as paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne) in a small bowl. Brush each cod fillet with olive oil or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the cod.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-204°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, especially if you are not using any oil. This will help prevent the cod from sticking to the basket.

Step 5: Air Fry the Cod

Place the cod in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each fillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350-400°F, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. For thicker fillets, you may need to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. The internal temperature of the cod should reach 145°F (63°C) when it is done.

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod. This will help ensure your cod is cooked perfectly and not overdone.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each fillet to allow the hot air to circulate and cook the cod evenly.
• If using frozen cod, thaw it before cooking. You can also cook frozen cod in the air fryer by first air frying at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to thaw, then adding the seasonings and air frying at 370°F for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
• For a crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Serve your air-fried cod with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite sides like potatoes, asparagus, or a salad.

Enjoy your delicious, air-fried cod!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer cod is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and in a number of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sauces: Tartar sauce is a popular choice, but you could also try malt vinegar, ranch, yum yum sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.
• In a dish: Use the fried cod to make fish tacos, add it to a salad, or make a fish sandwich.
• Sides: Air fryer cod goes well with rice, vegetables, potatoes, and salad. Try serving it with asparagus, air fryer broccoli, air fryer zucchini, or a cucumber, onion and tomato salad.
• As part of a fish fry: Serve with air fryer french fries and coleslaw, or any kind of fries and salad.
• With bread: Try it with Texas toast or garlic mashed red potatoes.

Frequently asked questions