Name: Easy Air Fryer Cod (Breaded and No Breading)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound cod fillets; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano; salt to taste; cooking oil (I use olive oil.); 1/4-1/2 cup fish fry breading (Only necessary for breaded fish. Use enough to fully coat the fish.)

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.

air fryer cod fish on lettuce with green beans

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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

seasoned cod fish fillets on a white plate

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.

cod fillet in fish fry breading in a glass bowl

How to Make Air Fryer Cod

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

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

air fryer cod fish on a plate with fresh lemon and lettuce

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

Top the fish with my Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe.

Easy Air Fryer Cod (Breaded and No Breading)

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 258 kcal

Equipment

Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

1 pound cod fillets
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
salt to taste
cooking oil I use olive oil.
1/4-1/2 cup fish fry breading Only necessary for breaded fish. Use enough to fully coat the fish.

Instructions

Non-Breaded Fish

Ensure the fish is completely dry.
Sprinkle both sides of the fish with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Rub the spices into the fish.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Add the seasoned fish to the air fryer. Air fry at 400 degrees for 7-10 minutes or until the fish is flaky. Cook time will vary based on the size and how thick the fish fillets are.

Breaded Fish

Ensure the fish is completely dry.
Combine the fish fry breading and spices in a bowl large enough to dredge the fish. (If you are using a seasoned breading you can omit the spices).
Sprinkle the fish fry onto both sides of each fillet. Ensure the entire filet is coated with breading. Add additional breading if necessary. See notes if you struggle with getting the breading to adhere.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the breaded fish in the air fryer basket. Spray the top of the fish with cooking oil. Air fry at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Flip the fish halfway through. Cook time will vary based on the size and how thick the fish fillets are.

Notes

If you struggle with getting the breading to adhere, you can coat both sides of the fish with mustard prior to adding the breading. The fish won’t taste like mustard. Mustard is great to use for fish, ribs, etc. to keep breading intact. Using this method, the fish won’t be as crispy! So keep that in mind. If the fish is completely dry, the breading should stick just fine on its own.

If using breading, be sure to spritz the fish with oil after breading, and spray any white spots to ensure proper crisping.

For breaded air fryer fish, if you don’t flip the fish the other side won’t crisp.

Nutrition

Serving: 5ozCalories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 20gFat: 7g

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