Air Fryer Cod
Learn how to make this healthy and delicious fish dish in your air fryer. Cod is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Recipe Snapshot
EASE: The air fryer makes this a snap
PROS: Juicy and flavorful way to eat fish
CONS: Can’t think of one
WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN? Every week
We all know that eating healthy is important, but it’s hard to make time for cooking meals from scratch.
Benefits
The air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying because it uses less oil. Air frying also results in a crispy exterior without the need for breading.
This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for an easy and healthy weeknight meal. The cod is cooked in the air fryer until it is flaky and tender. The light panko topping gives the fish just the right amount of crunch so that it will please even picky eaters.
Just a few ingredients
Important Ingredient Notes
Cod Fillets – When it comes to choosing cod fillets, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The most important thing is to make sure that the fillets are fresh, if possible. You should also look for cod that is firm to the touch and doesn’t appear dried out along the edges. Avoid cod that has discoloration or signs of bruising.
Avocado Oil Mayo – When it comes to choosing a mayo to use in this recipe, avocado oil mayo is a healthier option than regular mayo. Avocado oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health. It also has a mild flavor that pairs well with fish.
Melted Butter – Make sure to melt and slightly cool the butter for the best results. I love using a good quality Irish or New Zealand butter.
Panko Breadcrumbs – You can use regular panko or gluten-free panko in this recipe! The panko gives the fish a nice crispy flavor without adding a ton of breading that overpowers the fish.
Herb and Garlic Seasoning – This is one of my favorite seasoning blends to keep on hand because it goes well with so many dishes and eliminates the need to have a ton of different seasoning bottles. I usually use this one but there are many tasty brands that will work.
Substitutions
If you don’t have cod, you could use another white fish such as halibut, tilapia, or haddock.
To make this recipe dairy-free, you could replace the butter with melted coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
For a gluten-free version of this recipe, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
How to make this recipe
- Pat each filet dry with a paper towel so that the toppings will stick
- layer some of the mayo over each fillet – this will add flavor, and moisture and also help the topping to bind to the fish
- Mix the butter, breadcrumbs, and seasoning to form a crumble
- Use your hands to layer the seasoning equally on top of each filet
- Add to air fryer and cook. No need to flip the fish as we are adding breadcrumbs to top side only.
Tips & Tricks
- To get a nice crispy topping, make sure that the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the breadcrumbs.
- The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of your cod filets. I recommend checking them at the 6-minute mark and then cooking them in 1-minute increments until they are cooked through.
- To determine if fish is cooked be sure to check with a food thermometer that the internal temp has reached 145 degrees F.
- This cod is best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but it can be meal prepped and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
Common Questions
How long does it take to cook cod?
The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of your cod filets. I recommend checking them at the 6-minute mark and then cooking them in 1-minute increments until they are cooked through. I find most cod fillets take between 8-10 minutes to fully cook.
Is air-fried fish healthy?
Yes, air-fried fish is a healthy option, especially compared to battered and fried fish because it uses less oil and breading.
How do I know when the cod is done?
To determine if fish is cooked be sure to check with a food thermometer that the internal temp has reached 145 degrees F. The fish should also flake easily with a fork.
Is the air fryer better for fish?
An air fryer is a great option for cooking fish because it gives you crispness and flavor without as much oil. It also cooks the fish evenly so that you don’t have to worry about under or overcooking it.
Leftovers
This cod is best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you are ready to reheat it, I recommend adding it back into the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the topping. You could also reheat it in the oven.
Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets 4-6 oz each
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil mayo
- 2 tablespoons melted butter can use dairy-free butter
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon herb and garlic seasoning
Instructions
- Pat each filet dry with a paper towel and place in air fryer basket
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayo over the top of each filet
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, breadcrumbs and seasoning
- Layer the seasoning equally on top of each filet
- Cook at 380 degrees for 8-10 minutes until cooked through
Notes
- To get a nice crispy topping, make sure that the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the breadcrumbs.
- The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of your cod filets. I recommend checking them at the 6-minute mark and then cooking them in 1-minute increments until they are cooked through.
- To determine if fish is cooked be sure to check with a food thermometer that the internal temp has reached 145 degrees F.
- This cod is best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but it can be meal prepped and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days