Air Fryer Cod

By Arman Liewupdated on Jul 23, 2025
Jump to Recipe ▼
Reader Rating
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

My air fryer cod is crispy, tender, and flaky, and cooks in just 8 minutes. It makes a healthy, high-protein, and easy dinner idea.

air fryer cod on a serving plate with fresh lemon slices.

I try to cook fish at least once a week, and this air fryer cod has quickly taken over air fryer halibut as one of my go-to dinners. I first started making it because I wanted an easy, mess-free way to get perfectly flaky fish without turning on the oven (and as much as I love grilled cod, I am NOT about to make dinners outside in the cooler months!). After a few rounds of testing, I found the air fryer gave me exactly what I wanted- crisp, golden edges with a tender, melt-in-your mouth center. 

Cod is mild and never fishy, which makes it perfect for anyone easing into seafood. Even my self-proclaimed ‘non-fish eaters’ (*cough* my sister and partner *cough*) love this one- and now it’s part of our regular weeknight rotation. 

Table of Contents
  1. Key Ingredients
  2. How to cook cod in the air fryer
  3. Recipe tips and variations
  4. Frequently asked questions
  5. Air Fryer Cod (Recipe Card)
  6. More air fryer seafood recipes

Air fryer cod recipe highlights

  • Quick. Compared to other cod recipes, using the air fryer cooks this fish in a fraction of the time.
  • It’s healthy. Cod is naturally high in protein and low in fat, and needs just a little oil to cook.
  • Easy cleanup. A major reason why I love the air fryer is that there is barely any mess, especially when I use air fryer liners!

Key Ingredients

Here’s some notes on the main ingredients that go into my air fried cod. The full list with measurements are in the recipe card below.

  • Cod fillets (cod loin). I like to use fresh cod filets from my fishmonger, as they have been cleaned and sliced correctly. Grocery store brands are okay, but they are sometimes NOT sliced against the grain, which affects the texture. Frozen cod fillets also work; just be sure to pat dry any excess ice (no thawing). Also, you’ll need to add an extra 2-3 minutes air frying time.
  • Olive oil. To cook the fish in the air fryer. 
  • Lemon juice. Fresh is best, but the bottled kind also works. Also, save a few lemon slices to serve.
  • Spices. A simple spice mix featuring salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.

How to cook cod in the air fryer

raw cod fillets.

Step 1- Prep the cod. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. In another bowl, whisk the spices.

seasoned raw cod fillets.

Step 2- Season. Brush the cod fillets with the lemon oil mix, then season the fish on all sides with the spice mix.

raw seasoned cod in the air fryer.

Step 3- Air fry. Add the seasoned cod to a greased air fryer basket (sprayed with cooking spray) and air fry for 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

air fried cod with fresh lemon slices.

Step 4- Serve. Add sliced lemon and enjoy.

Recipe tips and variations

  • You’ll know the cod is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. No meat thermometer? A trick I picked up in culinary school when cooking white fish is to ensure it’s is completely white/opaque, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  • Select cod fillets of uniform thickness to ensure consistent cooking times throughout.
  • Other seasoning ideas. I used a variety of them, but feel free to use any you like, or even a pre-made one, such as Old Bay Seasoning or taco seasoning.

Frequently asked questions

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cod?

I like to pair air-fried cod with easy air-fryer sides like air fryer French fries and air fryer frozen broccoli. This fish also works well over a rice bowl.

How do I keep cod from drying out?

I purposely add some olive oil before adding the seasoning to the cod fillets to prevent the interior from drying out. Please do not omit!

Can I add breading?

You can- I did a test batch with this fish when developing my air fryer fish tacos. Add two tablespoons of panko bread crumbs to the seasoning mix before coating the fish. There is no need to increase the air frying time.

air fried cod fillets sprinkled with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

✅ Nutrition reviewed

Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.

air fryer cod recipe.

Air Fryer Cod

5 from 31 votes
Air fryer cod that is quick to cook and is perfectly flaky and tender. It's perfect for a healthy, filling, and delicious dinner. Watch how I make this in my kitchen in the video below!
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Rate This Recipe Print

Video

Ingredients  

  • 4 fillets cod fresh or frozen, 4-6 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
  • Pat dry the cod fillets with a paper towel. In one bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. In another bowl, add all the spices.
  • Brush each filet on both sides with the olive oil and lemon mixture. Season the fish on both sides with the spice mix.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the cod in it. Cook for 8 minutes or until golden brown. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Look for 145F.

Notes

TO STORE: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. 
TO FREEZE: Let the fish cool completely, then transfer them to a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to two months. 
TO REHEAT: You can reheat the fish in the air fryer or skillet. I like to use leftovers for fish tacos or to swap out the salmon in salmon bowls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 0.1gProtein: 25gFat: 6gSodium: 44mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 0.1gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 2mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

More air fryer seafood recipes

Originally updated February 2024

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, culinary school graduate, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

5 from 31 votes (17 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  2. 5 stars
    This is an excellent recipe. Quick and easy to prepare. Taste as if it is fried. The finished product crispy, moist inside, and very delicious. It’s one of my new go to recipes.

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    This is a great seasoning blend! I honestly just used the ingredients listed and shook each one on top of some cod, so I can’t speak for the recipe exactly as written. But since the spices are equal parts, it’s easy to eyeball it. I spritzed with olive oil, drizzled some lemon juice, and then followed with the spices. Super easy and tasted fantastic!

    Reply

  5. 5 stars
    I was excited to try this recipe. I’m a huge seafood girl and always looking for new recipes. This was FAB!!!

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    I made this today and my family loved it. I paired it with steamed broccoli and cilantro lime brown rice. It was so good and tasty!!

    Reply