Tender Air Fryer Cod
Flaky, buttery, and packed with flavor — this Tender Air Fryer Cod is a foolproof way to cook perfect fish every time!
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 1½ lbs fresh cod fillets 1 to 1½ inches thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted (or ghee for dairy-free)
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika regular or smoked
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
For Serving:
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Additional melted butter for drizzling optional
Instructions
Prepare the Cod:
- Pat fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Let rest at room temp for 10–15 minutes.
Season the Fish:
- Mix seasonings in one bowl.
- Mix olive oil and melted butter in another.
- Brush both sides of fillets with oil mixture.
- Sprinkle seasoning mix evenly over both sides, pressing gently.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly grease basket with cooking spray or oil.
Cook the Cod:
- Place fillets in basket without overlapping.
- Air fry for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness.
- No need to flip. Cod is done when it flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 2 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of melted butter if desired.
Notes
✔️ Mediterranean Cod: Add oregano to seasoning. Top with tomatoes, olives, capers, and feta.
✔️ Asian Cod: Marinate in soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic. Garnish with scallions & sesame.
✔️ Herb-Crusted Cod: Add panko + fresh herbs + Parmesan topping before cooking.
✔️ Cajun Cod: Use Cajun seasoning & serve with remoulade sauce.
✔️ Lemon-Herb Butter Cod: Finish with compound butter made of lemon zest, herbs & garlic. Pro Tips:
✔️ Asian Cod: Marinate in soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic. Garnish with scallions & sesame.
✔️ Herb-Crusted Cod: Add panko + fresh herbs + Parmesan topping before cooking.
✔️ Cajun Cod: Use Cajun seasoning & serve with remoulade sauce.
✔️ Lemon-Herb Butter Cod: Finish with compound butter made of lemon zest, herbs & garlic. Pro Tips:
- Use thick, uniform cod pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t skip drying the fish—it’s key to a crisp exterior.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 26gFat: 12gSodium: 500mg
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