Air-Fryer Frozen Cod: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Cooking frozen cod in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, healthy meal. You don't need to defrost the fish first, and it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. This versatile dish can be seasoned in a variety of ways and served with a range of sides, making it a convenient option for a busy weeknight dinner.

No need to defrost

The beauty of cooking frozen cod in an air fryer is that you can go straight from the freezer to the fryer—no need to defrost! This is not only a huge time-saver but also means you can always have a tasty, healthy dinner ready at a moment's notice.

The key to success is to use cod fillets that are around six ounces and under one inch in thickness. This ensures the fish cooks evenly and reduces the risk of undercooking. You can cook thicker cuts of cod from frozen, but you may find that the outside dries out before the inside is cooked.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Cod

Preheat your air fryer for around 3-5 minutes at 350-400°F. While it's heating up, remove any plastic packaging from your cod and place the fillets on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it into all surfaces of the fish.

Step 2: Season the Cod

Season your cod with salt and pepper, and dried herbs of your choice. You can use dried oregano, thyme, dill, or parsley. You can also try smoked paprika, chili powder, or curry powder for a spicier kick.

Step 3: Cook the Cod

Place the seasoned cod in the air fryer basket, ensuring the fillets don't overlap. Cook for around 8 minutes at 380-390°F, then flip the fillets and cook for another 6-8 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cod, so it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check when it's done.

Step 4: Serve

Your cod is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. It should be opaque white, easily flake with a fork, and have a crispy golden brown exterior. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add some moisture if the fish has dried out a little.

Tips:

• If your cod fillets are frozen together, don't worry. The initial few minutes in the air fryer will help defrost them so you can separate them easily.
• Avoid the temptation to air fry at a higher temperature for less time. This will result in dry fish.
• Make sure there is space between the fillets in the air fryer to allow for ample heat circulation.
• Always ensure your cod is fully cooked to avoid any food safety issues.

So, there you have it! A delicious and healthy dinner with minimal prep and no defrosting required. Enjoy!

Seasoning and spices

Before seasoning, it's important to drizzle or spray your cod fillets with olive oil or avocado oil. This will help to keep the fish moist while it cooks and prevent it from drying out. You can also use butter or ghee to give the fish a buttery taste.

Salt is an essential seasoning as it enhances the flavour of the cod and helps to bring out the taste of any other spices or herbs you use. Freshly ground black pepper is also a good option to give the cod a bit of a kick.

Garlic is a popular seasoning for cod, providing a nice aroma and flavour. You can use freshly minced garlic or store-bought minced garlic, or you could use garlic powder. Lemon is another popular choice, adding a bright citrus flavour to the dish. Try squeezing some lemon juice over the cod fillets before cooking, or adding lemon slices to the air fryer basket to prevent the fish from sticking.

When it comes to herbs, dried herbs are recommended over fresh herbs, as fresh herbs are more likely to burn. Parsley, thyme, dill, and oregano are all good options. You can also try an Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence blend.

If you want to add some spice to your cod, smoked paprika, chilli powder, curry powder, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper are all great choices.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and spices to find what you like best.

Oil and herbs

The first step to making frozen cod in an air fryer is to spray the air fryer basket with oil. This will prevent the cod from sticking to the basket. You can use an olive oil spray or an avocado oil spray for this.

Next, place the frozen cod fillets in the basket, leaving space between them for the air to circulate. Drizzle or spray the fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs such as dried parsley, thyme, dill, or oregano. Fresh herbs are not recommended as they may burn.

If you want to get creative with your seasoning, you can make a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pour this over the cod fillets before placing them in the air fryer.

Finally, air fry the cod for around 15-20 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The fish should be white and flaky throughout and have an internal temperature of 145°F when it is done.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen cod in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook frozen cod fillets for around 15-20 minutes in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the air fryer.

Some recipes suggest cooking frozen cod at a higher temperature for a shorter time, such as 10 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that cooking at a higher temperature can make the cod dry, so it is recommended to cook it at a lower temperature for a longer time to ensure that it remains moist and juicy.

One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking the cod fillets for 12 minutes or more if needed. Another recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 355 degrees Celsius or 180 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes, and then air frying the cod at 370 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius for a total of 18 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through.

It is important to ensure that the cod is cooked thoroughly. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for cooked fish. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. The cod is done when it is opaque white, flakes easily with a fork, and has a golden brown top if baked or a crispy golden brown exterior if cooked in an air fryer.

Serving suggestions

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

• Healthy vegetable sides: Air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, air fryer bok choy, or steamed/roasted veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, and broccoli.
• Potato side dishes: Potato cauliflower mash, roasted potatoes and zucchini, or celeriac and sweet potato mash.
• Grains: Rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• Salads: A nice green salad with arugula, spinach, or romaine lettuce, mixed with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Sauces: Dairy-free pesto sauce, or a lemon and butter emulsion.
• Other fish dishes: Gluten-free salmon cakes, or gluten-free fish and chips.
• Meat dishes: Air fryer turkey burgers or chicken breasts.
• Fruit: Homemade pineapple pico de gallo or mango pico de gallo.

Frequently asked questions