Whether you’re craving something crispy or keeping it light, this Air Fryer Cod recipe has you covered! With two easy variations—one perfectly breaded for that golden crunch, and one seasoned and cooked without breading for a low-carb option—you get tender, flaky fish with minimal effort. It’s a quick, delicious dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.
Key Ingredients
- Cod fillets
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Oregano
- Fish Fry Breading (Optional for breaded cod)
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.
- 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.
Pro Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend 400 degrees.
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.
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.
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.
Air Fryer Cod (Breaded and No Breading)
Equipment
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.
vortexstrike
Thursday 6th of March 2025
So simple and tasty!
Brandi Crawford
Friday 4th of April 2025
So glad to hear it!
Justine
Monday 13th of March 2023
This is so great! My favorite fish, and this recipe is so easy.
Brandi Crawford
Monday 13th of March 2023
Glad to hear it!
Gina
Sunday 12th of March 2023
This was so easy to make and so tasty! I really enjoyed it!
Brandi Crawford
Monday 13th of March 2023
I'm glad you enjoyed it!