Crispy Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Fast • Flaky • Family-Friendly

Light, flaky, and bursting with flavor, this Air Fryer Cod is your go-to for healthy weeknight dinners. Ready in under 10 minutes, it delivers golden edges and a tender center—no breading or deep frying needed. Whether you’re layering it into tacos, topping a salad, or serving with veggies, this quick protein is a winner every time.

Why You’ll Love It

Fast & easy: Done in 10 minutes, even faster than baking
Crispy outside, flaky inside: All without breadcrumbs
Healthy & clean: Naturally low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free
One-pan cleanup: Minimal mess, especially with air fryer liners

Ingredients

  • 4 cod fillets (4–6 oz each; fresh or thawed frozen)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Spice blend:

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp chili powder

Optional Flavor Twists:
Swap the spice blend for taco seasoning, Old Bay, Cajun, lemon pepper, or za’atar for a different vibe.

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer

Set to 400°F (200°C).

2. Pat Dry

Use paper towels to pat cod fillets dry—this helps them crisp up!

3. Mix & Season

  • Stir together the olive oil and lemon juice.

  • In a separate bowl, mix the spices.

  • Brush each fillet with the oil mixture.

  • Rub spice blend evenly over all sides.

4. Air Fry

  • Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.

  • Arrange fillets in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

  • Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the cod is golden and flakes easily with a fork.

5. Serve

Top with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of lemon butter. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

  • Check for doneness: Cod should flake easily or register 145°F (63°C) internally.

  • Even thickness = even cooking: Try to use fillets of similar size.

  • Cooking from frozen? Add 2–3 minutes to cook time—no need to thaw.

  • Want a little crunch? Mix 1 tbsp of panko into the spice blend (optional, not keto).

Serving Ideas

  • In tacos with slaw and avocado

  • Over salads or cauliflower rice

  • Drizzled with lemon butter or paired with tartar sauce

  • Alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days

  • Freezer: Freeze cooled fillets up to 2 months

  • Reheat: Air fryer or skillet keeps it crisp; microwave works in a pinch

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 142

  • Protein: 25g

  • Fat: 6g

  • Carbs: 0.1g

  • Fiber: 0.1g

  • Sodium: 44mg

  • Potassium: 33mg

  • Vitamin A: 192 IU

  • Vitamin C: 3mg

  • Calcium: 131mg

  • Iron: 2mg

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