Easy Air Fryer Cod (Breaded and No Breading)

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This Easy Air Fryer Cod Recipe will show you how to make white fish fillets in the air fryer, two ways, with no breading or crispy and breaded to perfection. This is the perfect weeknight meal ready in less than 15 minutes.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer typically requires minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods, resulting in a lighter and healthier dish without compromising on taste or texture.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer yields a wonderfully crispy exterior while maintaining the cod’s tender and flaky texture inside, mimicking the results of deep frying without the excess oil.
• Ease of Preparation: The cooking process is quick and hassle-free. With simple seasoning and a few steps, one can achieve flavorful and well-cooked meal within minutes.
• Versatility: There are so many seasoning options, such as herbs, spices, or marinades.
• Quick Cooking Time: Air fryers typically cook food faster than conventional ovens, reducing overall cooking time, and making them ideal for quick weeknight meals or last-minute dinner options.
• Even Cooking: The circulating hot air ensures even cooking and browning, resulting in consistently cooked cod pieces without the need for constant flipping or monitoring.

You will love using this recipe in my Fish and Grits.

How Does Cod Taste

It’s a mild-flavored white fish with a delicate texture. It’s one of the best to use if you aren’t a fan of fish with a “fishy” taste. It’s slightly sweet, moist, and flaky. The flavor is delicate, so it can be paired with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

How to Season the Fish

I like to use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can use whatever you like.

• Your favorite fish rub
• Your favorite BBQ rub
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Homemade BBQ Rub
• Smoked Paprika
• Dill

Breaded Cod

This meal can be made with or without breading. For breaded fish, you will need fish fry breading. If using seasoned breading, you likely will not need to add any additional spices to the fish.

How to Make Air Fryer Cod

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

1. Sprinkle both sides of the fish with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Rub the spices into the fish.
2. Add breading if preparing breaded fish.
3. Air fry.

Air Fryer Temperature

I recommend 400 degrees.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

Cook the fish for 7-10 minutes for fish with no breading and 10-15 minutes for breaded fish. Every air fryer cooks at varying speeds. Total cook time will also vary based on the size of the fillets you are preparing.

How to Tell When the Fish Has Finished Cooking

Cod should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135-145 degrees. Use a meat thermometer and/or check for flakiness. Gently press the thickest part of the fish using a fork. If it flakes easily, it is done. The flesh of the fish should be opaque.

Dry Overcooked Fish

If the fish is dry and tastes rubbery it was overcooked. Follow the tips above to avoid overcooking the fish.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly sealed for 3-4 days.

How to Freeze

Cooked cod can be stored in the freezer for up to three months (tightly covered and sealed). When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.

How to Reheat

I avoid the microwave because you risk overcooking. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees until warm.

Pair With These Recipes

Air Fryer Green Beans
Smothered Potatoes and Onions
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Southern Creamed Corn
Homemade Fish Fingers Sticks

More Air Fryer Seafood and Fish Recipes

Air Fryer Scallops
Air Fryer Lobster Tail
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Crispy Catfish Nuggets

Top the fish with my Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe.