When you’re short on time but still want something fresh, healthy, and satisfying for dinner, this Easy Air Fryer Cod Recipe is exactly what you need. Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep, this dish delivers crisp, flaky fish with a light seasoning blend and a golden finish—all without the need for breading or deep frying. This recipe has quickly become a weeknight favorite in my house. I love how simple it is: just a few pantry spices, a splash of olive oil, and the air fryer does the rest. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something light, protein-packed, and flavorful, without turning on the oven or dealing with a greasy stovetop mess. If you’re new to air frying fish, cod is a great place to start. It’s mild, cooks quickly, and pairs beautifully with just about any side—whether it’s a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a simple bed of rice. Best of all, there’s no need for a complicated batter or breading. This version keeps things simple, letting the natural flavors shine through.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each), fresh or thawed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Dry the Cod

Start by patting your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important—it helps remove excess moisture so the fish can get a better golden crust while cooking in the air fryer.

Step 2: Oil and Season

Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of each fillet.

Cooking the Cod in the Air Fryer and Getting That Perfect Finish

Now that your cod fillets are seasoned and ready, it’s time to let the air fryer do the rest of the work. The beauty of using an air fryer for fish is that it gives you that crispy, golden exterior without needing any breading or extra oil. Plus, it cooks fast—ideal for busy weeknights when dinner needs to be on the table in a flash.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the fish cook evenly and gives it a better texture.

Step 4: Arrange the Fillets

Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s a bit of space between each piece so the air can circulate around them. If your basket isn’t large enough to fit all four, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Air Fry the Cod

Cook the cod for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fillets are ready when the outside has a light golden crust and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fillets, you might need to adjust the time by a minute or two.

Step 6: Air Fry Until Golden and Flaky

Cook the seasoned cod fillets in the preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The fish should be opaque, flaky, and lightly golden on the outside. Thicker fillets may need an extra minute or two, so keep an eye on them toward the end of cooking.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

You’ll know the cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If it’s not quite there, give it another minute in the air fryer. Don’t overcook it—cod is a delicate fish and can dry out quickly.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the cod fillets to plates and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs perfectly with rice, salad, or roasted veggies for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Tips for Best Results:

• Don’t skip drying the cod before seasoning—it helps with browning and crisping.
• Flip carefully halfway through to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on both sides.
• Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure. Cod is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Easy Air Fryer Cod: FAQ and Final Thoughts

You’ve air-fried your cod to golden perfection—crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside—and now it’s time to serve. Whether you pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even some crispy potatoes, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any mood or menu. Before we wrap up, let’s tackle some commonly asked questions and close with a few reasons why this dish deserves a permanent place in your weekly dinner rotation.

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly after thawing to remove excess moisture—this helps the seasoning stick and gives the fish a better texture in the air fryer.

What other seasonings work well with cod?

Cod is a blank canvas! Try seasoning with Cajun spices, lemon pepper, Italian herbs, or even a bit of curry powder for a flavor twist. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice before or after cooking for extra brightness.

Do I need to flip the fish in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and helps the fish brown on both sides. Just use a spatula and be gentle—it’s delicate once it starts to cook.

What should I serve with air fryer cod?

This dish goes with just about anything. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted veggies. A simple salad or garlic mashed potatoes also make great pairings. Don’t forget the lemon wedges!

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop the cod back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps it stay crispy and avoid the sogginess you might get from microwaving.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cod Recipe

This Easy Air Fryer Cod Recipe is the kind of dinner you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, fast, and flavorful—with a crisp edge and tender flake that rivals restaurant-quality seafood. Plus, the minimal ingredients and short cook time mean you can pull this off even on your busiest weeknights. What makes this recipe really shine is its flexibility. Change up the spices, swap in different white fish, or pair it with whatever sides you’ve got on hand. It’s a true no-fuss meal that still feels like something special. So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, reach for some cod, your air fryer, and this recipe. You won’t be disappointed. Print