Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer cod recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Cod Fillets – I prefer wild-caught cod fish, but you can use any variety. Look for fillets that are about 6 ounces each and similar in thickness, so that they cook at the same rate. My air fryer cod recipe also works with other types of white fish, such as haddock, flounder, sole, or halibut. Lemon – You’ll need a fresh lemon (not bottled lemon juice), because my recipe uses the zest as well as the juice. While you could use just one or the other, the flavor is best using both! Olive Oil – You can also use a different neutral cooking oil, such as avocado oil. Sometimes I even use butter for extra flavor — it doesn’t burn with the short cook time here. Spices – I use common staples you probably have on hand, too: paprika, garlic powder, optional cayenne pepper (for a little heat), sea salt, and black pepper. If you like a bolder flavor, try my blackened seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or just use store-bought Old Bay seasoning instead.
How To Cook Cod In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: To retain its moist, flaky texture, I highly recommend reheating the cod in the air fryer again, this time at 350 degrees F. It takes only 2-3 minutes to warm up. Freeze: You can freeze the fish for up to 3 months, though it doesn’t taste quite as good as fresh after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Since my air fryer cod recipe uses common spices, it goes with almost any side dish! Try one (or more) of these:
Asparagus – My favorite pairing for fish! Choose from my roasted asparagus (my most popular version), sauteed asparagus, grilled asparagus (perfect for summer), bacon wrapped asparagus, or make my air fryer asparagus for an entire meal in the same appliance. Air Fryer Veggies – If asparagus isn’t your thing, you can toss mixed vegetables in the air fryer to use up whatever you have on hand. But you can also choose just one veggie — my air fryer broccoli or air fryer zucchini both pair well with fish. Potatoes – My kids always ask for my air fryer potatoes with this main dish. You can also opt for Instant Pot baked potatoes or a baked sweet potato if you plan ahead. Need a lighter swap? I’ve got options like fried radishes, roasted rutabaga (the texture is a lot like potatoes), or loaded cauliflower casserole. Salads – For a fresh, light meal, I like to serve air fryer cod with a salad. Try my creamy cucumber salad, fruity spring mix salad, or summery strawberry spinach salad — or choose from one of my other healthy salad recipes! Sauces – Not required, but a sauce does take the fish up a notch! Simple lemon butter sauce is my weakness, but tartar sauce also tastes great (I have a recipe for sugar-free tartar sauce too, if you need it). Fish Tacos – Flake the cod with a fork and stuff into your favorite tortillas with some taco slaw, avocado, and fresh cilantro. So good!
More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
Fish and seafood already cook quickly, so the air fryer gets them ready lightning fast! Here are some of my other seafood dishes made in my fave appliance:
My Tools For This Recipe
Air Fryer – This is the one I have. It has a customizable touch screen, and my favorite part is the dishwasher-safe roomy basket! Basting Brush – For brushing on the lemon oil mixture. This one won’t leave bristles on your food, unlike traditional brushes.
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Nutrition info does not include cayenne pepper or cooking spray.
