I’m always on the lookout for fish recipes that are both quick and uncomplicated—especially on busy weeknights when dinner needs to be on the table fast. Cod is one of those reliable choices that never lets me down. It’s mild in flavor, easy to cook, and generally more affordable than many other types of fish at the supermarket. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonings, so it’s easy to keep things interesting.
What really makes this recipe shine is the air fryer. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking fish—no flipping, no sticking, and barely any cleanup. Just season, cook, and serve. With a few simple ingredients like avocado oil, lemon juice, and herbs, you’ll end up with cod that’s golden and crisp on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside.
It’s light, flavorful, and comes together in under 15 minutes—perfect for those nights when you want something nourishing without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cod fillets (about 320g/11oz)
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes
Serving Size: 2 servings
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, lemon juice, salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Brush the seasoned oil mixture onto both sides of the fillets, coating them evenly.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes, or until the cod is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
Note: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. Adjust as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely first. Pat dry to remove moisture before seasoning.
How do I know when the cod is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also check with a meat thermometer—it should read 145°F (63°C).
Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! White fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
Do I need to flip the cod in the air fryer?
No flipping needed. The air circulates evenly, so both sides will cook through.
How do I store leftovers?
Any leftover cod can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It can then be reheated in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cod fillets about 320g/11oz
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, lemon juice, salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Brush the seasoned oil mixture onto both sides of the fillets, coating them evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes, or until the cod is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
