Craving crispy, golden-brown fish without the extra calories and mess of frying? This Air Fryer Cod is the perfect solution! In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a deliciously flaky and tender cod fillet with a crispy exterior—making it the ideal quick and healthy dinner choice.
2 cod fillets (about 1 inch thick, thawed if using frozen)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon seasoning (e.g., Old Bay, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice)
Instructions:
Prep the Cod:
Brush both sides of the cod fillets with oil (or melted butter) and season with your choice of spices.
Old Bay seasoning is a great option, but you can also use garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Let the cod marinate for about 5 minutes to absorb the spices.
Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Spray the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray.
Air Fry the Cod:
Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through to ensure even cooking.
The cod should be golden brown and crispy.
Check the internal temperature of the fish with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the cod cooks, prepare a dipping sauce.
For tartar sauce, mix ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped pickles (or sweet pickle relish), 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt.
Alternatively, blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt for a creamy avocado cilantro dipping sauce.
Tips:
Thawing Frozen Cod: If using frozen cod, ensure it’s thawed first. Avoid hot water for thawing. Instead, thaw it in the fridge overnight or submerge it in cold water in a sealed bag for a quicker thaw.
Pat Dry: Before seasoning, pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better browning.
Flip for Even Cooking: Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
Uniform Thickness: Try to use cod fillets of the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
Check the Temperature: Ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.