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A piece of seasoned, Air Fryer Cod garnished with chopped herbs sits on a white plate next to steamed broccolini, with a drizzle of sauce pooling beneath the vegetables.
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4.50 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Cod: Flaky, Golden, and Ready in Minutes!

This air fryer cod has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners and for good reason. It comes out flaky and golden every single time, with a smoky spice rub and a squeeze of fresh lemon that makes it taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Ready in just 15 minutes, no flipping, no mess, and no babysitting required.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer cod
Servings: 2 people
Author: Olivia Ribas

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh cod fillets about 1-inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the cod fillets.
    Two pieces of raw white fish on a paper towel on the left, and on the right, the fish pieces covered in a brown marinade on a beige plate.
  • Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. It’s not necessary to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time.
    Two pieces of seasoned fish in an air fryer basket, shown before cooking on the left and after cooking on the right. The cooked fish appears more browned and slightly shrunken.
  • Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. It should easily flake apart.
  • Once cooked, remove the cod from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute. Squeeze lemon juice on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and slices of lemon.
    Air Fryer Cod fillet with steamed broccolini and lemon wedges on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs. A small bowl of herbs, a plate with lemon slices, and a fork rest nearby on a marble surface.

Notes

  • Use cod fillets that are similar in size, so they cook evenly.
  • For easy cleanup, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. If you do, there's no need to spray the basket with oil.
  • To Store: Once the leftovers have cooled, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
  • To Freeze: You can keep cooked cod in the freezer for up to 3 months. I prefer to store it in a container rather than a bag so it doesn't get squished.
  • To Reheat: I like to reheat leftovers in the air fryer since it’s quick and easy. You can also use the oven or stovetop if you prefer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/2 | Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 40mg