Ever find yourself wondering what's for dinner but dread the thought of spending hours in the kitchen? Let me introduce you to the game-changer in quick fish dinners – air fryer cod. This easy cod recipe is healthy and full of flavor thanks to Old Bay seasoning. The air fryer does wonders, transforming a simple piece of cod into a golden, high-protein meal in minutes.
Plus, it's a low-fat recipe that doesn't skimp on taste or satisfaction. Whether you're meal prepping or looking for a quick and healthy dinner on a weeknight, air frying cod is a fast and easy path to a delicious seafood dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
When you need a quick and reliable white fish dinner, this recipe delivers! Imagine savoring that crispy cod, each bite delivering the healthy Omega-3's we all need, thanks to our trusty air fryer.
Not only does it lock in the delectable, natural flavors of the cod, but it also turns meal prep into a breeze. Gone are the days of slaving away to produce dinner; now, delicious seafood dinners are ready in minutes, preserving both taste and precious weeknight time.
Ingredients Needed
How to Make Cod in the Air Fryer
Who knew that a quick fish dinner could be as easy as tossing some cod in your air fryer? Let me walk you through it.
First, pat your cod dry with a paper towel. Brush the surface with a little olive oil and then sprinkle both sides with Old Bay seasoning. (Feel free to mix it up with your preferred spices for a custom seafood dinner idea - see variations below.) Let the cod rest for 5 minutes to absorb some of that yummy Old Bay flavor.
In the meantime, brush the air fryer basket with a little oil to help prevent sticking as the fish starts to cook.
Now, place the prepared cod fillets in a single layer in the basket. Leave a little space between the fillets so the air fryer can work its magic. I have an oven style air fryer, which has a nice wide basket to make this part easy.
Air fry at 400F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Fish fillets can vary in thickness, so if yours are thicker use the full 10 minutes.
Always test the fish fillet internal temperature with an instant read meat thermometer—you're aiming for 145°F to ensure it's perfectly cooked.
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If your fish fillet is not up to temperature, return it to the air fryer for another minute or two, until done.
Voilà! You've mastered a healthy cod recipe that's not only high in protein but also incredibly delicious.
Serving Suggestions
I enjoy this flaky air fryer cod with a little squeeze of juice from a slice of lemon and some creamy tartar sauce to make it complete. And I always lean towards a few favorite sides to round out the meal.
Oftentimes, a simple green salad is all I need to keep the meal light and healthy. If I want to make a quick vegetable, carrots and Brussels sprouts or some sauteed asparagus make a delicious side!
If you have room in your air fryer oven basket, you can make a side of french fries to create the whole "fish and chips" type meal!
Or for a different twist, check out these halloumi fries for a deliciously cheesy option!
It's easy to ensure a meal that's not only satisfying but also keeps you feeling light and energized.
Substitutions and Variations
Craving a twist on your air fryer cod recipe? Old Bay seasoning is my go-to, but don't be shy to mix it up! From spicy Cajun blends to aromatic herbs, the world is your oyster when seasoning your air fryer cod.
Try a little chili powder or garlic powder to spice things up. Or maybe a little lemon pepper seasoning, its entirely your choice!
If you prefer a coating on your cod, check out my potato crusted cod
for another yummy option!
Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to jazz it up with any seasoning blend that tickles your fancy! I've used Cajun seasoning and lemon pepper, but I always seem to go back to Old Bay for that delicious flavor.
The key to a perfect quick fish dinner is to keep a keen eye on the fish internal temperature, aiming for that sweet spot of 145°F. If your cod filets are quite thin, use less time and check the internal temperature. It's easier to add another minute or so than to take one away!
Place the frozen cod in a sealed plastic bag, and immerse it in cold water. Do not use warm or hot water, as you do not want to cook the fish, only thaw it.
📖 Recipe
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Easy Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets, thawed from frozen
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
Instructions
- Use a paper towel to pat the cod fillets dry. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Let rest 5 minutes before cooking.2 cod fillets, thawed from frozen, 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- Brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place seasoned cod fillets in the basket, leaving a little space in between.1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Air fry the fillets at 400F for 8 to 10 minutes. A thicker fillet will probably need the full 10 minutes, whereas a thinner one might only need 8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature is at least 145F.
- Serve with tartar sauce, lemon, or sauces and sides of your choice!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Dana
So quick and easy, this was great for a quick dinner after soccer practice when the kids were famished.
Sula
Perfect! I love it when I can help moms get dinner together in a hurry!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
These are just so perfect for a light dinner! I love my air fryer for making recipes like this. So quick and easy and it was a perfect meal with some roasted vegetables.
Sula
I agree, I love to make light and healthy meals like this!
Lynn
This was a perfect, light and easy dinner to make! I served it with some roasted broccoli and everyone loved this cod! So delicious!
Sula
Fantastic! Thank you for the kind review!
Courtney
I can’t wait to try this! We’ve been trying to eat more fish and this recipe sounds delicious!
Sula
It's simple and yummy - I hope you try it soon!