Air-Fried Cod: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryer cod is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook fish. It's a low-fat alternative to fried fish, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. The air fryer method is also a great way to avoid the mess of traditional frying, and it produces a perfect, delicate, and tender fish. The recipe is simple: brush cod fillets with oil and season with herbs and spices of your choice, then place in a preheated air fryer for around 8-10 minutes. You can also experiment with different seasonings and sauces, such as Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, or tartar sauce.

Seasoning and marinating the cod

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need your chosen spices and seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and/or dried herbs like thyme or oregano. You can also use a pre-made seasoning blend like Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice. In addition, you will need a small amount of oil (olive oil or avocado oil works well) and something acidic like lemon juice to help tenderise the fish.

Before you begin seasoning, prepare your cod fillets by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring a better crust forms when cooking.

Now, you are ready to begin seasoning your cod. There are a few different methods you can use:

• Brush both sides of the fillets with oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with your chosen seasonings. Leave the cod to marinate for around 5 minutes to absorb the flavours.
• Create a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs or panko, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Dip the cod first in the flour, then the egg, and finally in the breading mixture.
• Mix your oil and lemon juice in one bowl, and your chosen seasonings in another. Brush the cod fillets with the oil mixture, then sprinkle with the seasonings.

Once your cod is seasoned and marinated, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your cod fillets cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy exterior. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for cooking cod:

Firstly, ensure your cod fillets are prepared and ready for cooking. Depending on your chosen recipe, this may involve patting the fillets dry, brushing them with oil or another coating, and seasoning them with herbs and spices. It is important to follow your chosen recipe's instructions for preparing the cod before preheating your air fryer.

Once your cod fillets are ready, it is time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer for around 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, which will produce the best results for cooking your cod.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the air fryer basket or tray. Grease it with oil or cooking spray to prevent the cod from sticking. You can also line the basket with perforated parchment paper or use a silicone liner. These steps will make it easier to remove the cod from the basket after cooking and help achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the set temperature, you can carefully place the cod fillets into the basket. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this can affect cooking time and the overall crispiness of the fillets.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and the cod fillets are in the basket, you are ready to start cooking! Follow your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking time and temperature, and you will be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy, and flaky air-fried cod.

Air-frying the cod

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Start by patting the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove any excess moisture, which will help the cod brown better and achieve a crispier texture. If you are using frozen cod, make sure it is completely thawed before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water to speed up the process.

Step 2: Season the Cod

In one bowl, prepare a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to this mixture. Brush the cod fillets with this mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. You can also sprinkle your favourite herbs and spices directly onto the fillets for added flavour. Some popular choices include Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, or a simple blend of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Greasing the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray is also recommended to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cod

Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook the cod for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For best results, flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides. The cod is ready when it turns golden brown and crispy. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 145°F.

Step 5: Serve the Cod

Air-fried cod is best served immediately while it is still hot and crispy. You can pair it with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, avocado cilantro sauce, or spicy chipotle mayo. For a complete meal, serve the cod with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or air fryer French fries. Enjoy!

Making a dipping sauce

There are several dipping sauces that you can make to accompany your air-fried cod. Here are some ideas:

Tartar Sauce

You can make tartar sauce by mixing 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped pickles (or sweet pickle relish), 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon or yellow mustard, and a pinch of salt.

Avocado Cilantro Sauce

For a healthier option, you can make an avocado cilantro dipping sauce by blending avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Spicy Chipotle Mayo

As suggested by Daily Yum, you can serve your cod with a spicy chipotle mayo.

Lemon Butter Sauce

Wholesome Yum recommends a simple lemon butter sauce to go with your air-fried cod.

Hot Honey Sauce

The Big Man's World suggests serving your cod with a hot honey sauce.

Lemon Herb Butter

The Big Man's World also mentions lemon herb butter as a possible dipping sauce.

Tips for the best air-fried cod

Air-fried cod is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this delicate fish. Here are some tips to ensure your cod turns out crispy, tender, and flaky every time:

• Thaw frozen cod properly: If using frozen cod, avoid the temptation to use hot water to speed up the thawing process. Instead, thaw the cod overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water.
• Pat the cod dry: Before seasoning, use a paper towel to pat the cod fillets dry. This removes excess moisture, helping to achieve a better crisp when cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature before placing the cod inside. This helps to achieve even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Flip the cod halfway: To promote even cooking and browning, flip the cod halfway through the cooking time.
• Use similar-sized fillets: Try to use cod fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Thinner fillets may over-dry if cooked for too long.
• Check the internal temperature: Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
• Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the air-fried cod immediately after cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Give the cod fillets some space in the air fryer. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of crisping up.
• Use a good-quality cod fillet: Opt for a good-quality, fresh or frozen cod fillet. Thicker fillets are preferable, as thinner ones may dry out during cooking.
• Experiment with seasonings: Be creative and experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile. You can also use a pre-made seasoning blend, such as Old Bay Seasoning or taco seasoning.
• Make it crispy: For an extra crispy texture, coat the cod in breadcrumbs or panko before cooking.
• Serve with dipping sauces: Enhance the flavor of your air-fried cod by serving it with dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, aioli, or salsa.

Frequently asked questions