Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Crispy Air Fryer Cod is a fast, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy flaky white fish with a golden crust—without deep frying. With minimal oil and prep time, it’s an easy go-to recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or light lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy, ready in under 20 minutes
• Healthier than traditional fried fish
• Perfectly crispy outside and tender inside
• Requires minimal ingredients
• Great for meal prep and versatile in serving
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Customizable with different spices and coatings
• No greasy mess from frying
• Works well with fresh or frozen cod
• Gluten-free and low-carb options available

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cod fillets (fresh or thawed, about 4–6 oz each)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano or thyme (optional)
• Cooking spray

Optional for breaded version:

• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Old Bay seasoning (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels.
3. Brush lightly with olive oil and lemon juice (if using).
4. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs.
5. For a breaded version, dredge fillets in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
6. Spray fillets lightly with cooking spray.
7. Place fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
8. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, then cook for another 4–5 minutes until crispy and cooked through (internal temp: 145°F).
9. Serve hot with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 12–14 minutes
• Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Use Cajun seasoning or taco seasoning for a spicy twist
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
• Skip the breading for a lower-carb version
• Add Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust
• Try it with haddock or tilapia for a different flavor

Storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes for best texture
• Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness
• Freeze cooked fillets for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer

FAQs

How long do I air fry cod?

About 12–14 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.

Do I need to thaw frozen cod first?

Yes, thaw it in the fridge or under cold water for even cooking and better texture.

Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, this method works great with haddock, tilapia, halibut, and more.

What temperature should cod be cooked to?

145°F (63°C) internal temperature is safe and ensures flakiness.

Can I skip the breading?

Absolutely—seasoned, non-breaded cod is just as delicious and lower in carbs.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray the coating with oil before air frying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

What sides go well with air fryer cod?

Fries, coleslaw, salad, roasted veggies, or rice work beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook ahead and reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve.

Can I bake instead of air fry?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Cod is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying alternative to fried fish. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a delicious, crunchy main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite way to cook cod.

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