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Air Fryer Cod
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 20 minutes
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: paper towel and mixing bowl
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 5
Make delicious and nutritious air fryer cod in just minutes! A light panko coating and flavorful avocado mayo keep it simple and satisfying. Packed with protein and omega-3s, this easy recipe is a perfect addition to your weeknight meals.
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- The air fryer is the best choice for cooking fish! The cod turns out light, crispy, and flavorful, and is perfectly cooked in just minutes.
- This method is also a healthier option than frying. You can still get a crispy exterior without the need for thick breading and lots of oil. (Plus, the mess is so much easier to clean up!)
- Air fryer cod needs just a few simple ingredients. No complicated prep required!
- If you need an easy, healthy weeknight meal – or a light lunch option – this is a great choice. It can be ready in under 20 minutes.
- Panko breadcrumbs add just the right amount of crunch that makes the fish appealing to even the picky eaters! Feel free to customize with other toppings or seasonings, and serve with tasty sauces.
Ingredients Needed
- Cod filets – Cod filets are typically available at most grocery stores in the freezer section, fresh in the seafood section, or at a seafood counter. Choose filets that are 4-6 ounces each and 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 – Avocado oil mayo contains healthy monounsaturated fat and has a tasty flavor that goes well with various seasonings!
- Melted butter – Melt the butter, then slightly cool before mixing with panko for best results. I love using a good quality Irish or New Zealand butter, but you can also substitute for dairy-free butter.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Use regular panko or gluten-free panko in this recipe! With panko, you’ll get a nice crispy texture without adding a ton of heavy breading.
- Herb and garlic seasoning – This is the best all-purpose seasoning and one of my favorite blends to keep stocked in the pantry. It works with so many dishes and provides a well-rounded flavor. Choose a brand you love, or mix up your own!
How To Make Air Fryer Cod
- Pat each filet dry with a paper towel and place them in the 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.
Pro Tips
- Pat the cod dry before cooking to help the coating stick to the cod and crisp up.
- The right temperature is essential! Cook at 380 ℉ for 8-10 minutes for flaky cod. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of the filets. I recommend checking them at the 6-minute mark and then cooking them in 1-minute increments until they are cooked through. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145 ℉.
- To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket before placing the filets.
- To get a nice crispy topping, make sure that the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the breadcrumbs.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- The air fryer is a fabulous option for cooking fish! This method cooks filets just right, and the fish turns out crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. Try this recipe with tilapia, haddock, or halibut.
- If you need to keep the recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free butter or omit the butter entirely.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds instead of regular panko for a gluten-free crispy coating.
- Change up the seasoning blend with lemon pepper, Cajun, Old Bay, or smoked paprika.
How To Serve Air Fryer Cod
Air fryer cod is a wonderful lean protein choice that you can pair with simple sides for a healthy meal. Add some sides, such as roasted veggies, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, and Creamy Coleslaw.
Serve a cod filet with a side of rice, or make a fish sandwich! It is also delicious with a side of fresh steamed veggies.
Don’t forget some tasty dipping sauces to enjoy with crispy cod! Add tartar sauce, or mix up your own lemon aioli, garlic butter, or Sriracha Mayo.
Storing and Reheating
Air fryer cod is best enjoyed right out of the air fryer, but you can also store leftover filets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended since fish can become soggy when reheated.
When you are ready to reheat leftovers, I recommend using the air fryer or the oven (avoid the microwave since it can make the fish turn out rubbery). Use these specifications for reheating:
- Air Fryer: 350 ℉ for 3-4 minutes until warm
- Oven: 375 ℉ for 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Cod
Make delicious and nutritious air fryer cod in just minutes! A light panko coating and flavorful avocado mayo keep it simple and satisfying. Packed with protein and omega-3s, this easy recipe is a perfect addition to your weeknight meals.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cod filets 4-6 oz each 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 top of each filet
- In small bowl, mix together butter, breadcrumbs and seasoning
- Layer seasoning equally on top of each filet
- Cook at 380 degrees ℉ for 8-10 minutes until cooked through
Notes
- Store leftover filets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days (freezing is not recommended as it can make the fish soggy). For the best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 3–4 minutes or in the oven at 375 ℉ for 8–10 minutes.
- Cooking time varies slightly depending on the filets’ thickness. I recommend checking with a thermometer at the 6-minute mark, then cooking in 1-minute increments until fish is cooked through.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 ℉. Cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket before placing the filets.
Air Fryer Cod FAQs
- Does frozen cod need to be thawed before cooking in the air fryer? Yes, cod should be thawed before air frying. For the best texture, thaw the cod in the fridge or to room temperature, and pat dry before cooking.
- How long does it take to cook cod in the air fryer? Depending on the thickness, it should take about 8-10 minutes at 380 ℉.
- Is air fryer cod a healthier option? Yes! Cooking in the air fryer uses much less oil compared to frying.
- How do you know when cod is done? The cod is done when it is opaque, flaky, and reaches an internal temperature of 145 ℉.
