Crispy outside, flaky inside — this air fryer cod recipe takes only 15 minutes and creates a golden crusty fish with zero deep-frying. Perfect!
In my opinion, air frying cod is the absolute best way to prepare cod. The air fried cod turns out perfectly crispy on the outside while still staying tender and juicy on the inside. If you know me, you know the air fryer quickly became my favorite tool for cooking fish (and so much more, actually). It makes the process so easy and delivers incredible results every time with such little effort!
My husband Tim and my son Jacob are seafood addicts, so we like to have fresh fish at least once a week in my house. Investing in an air fryer has allowed me to quickly put perfectly cooked fish on my dinner table on busy weeknights. If you’re hesitant to pull out your air fryer for cod (or you don’t own one yet), let me convince you. This may just be the best cod you’ll ever try!
How To Air Fry Cod (Video)
How to Air Fry Cod
An air fryer works like a high-speed convection oven, blasting hot air to cook and crisp food with just a spritz of oil. This is how I get the crispiest, flakiest air fried cod fish every time in under 15 minutes of cook time. And if you’re looking for one – this one has been my most recent, most loved air fryer!
- Dry and season the cod: Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel, then season with your favorite seasoning blend and salt.
- Place the cod in the air fryer: Spray a bit of oil into the air fryer basket (with this!), then set the cod fillets in the air fryer basket and place a pat of butter and a lemon slice on each fillet.
- Air fry the fish: Air fry the fish at 400°F for 10-13 minutes, flipping halfway for an extra-crisp bottom.
- Serve: Pull the cod out when the internal temperature hits 145°F. Enjoy!
Serving suggestion: Pair this crispy cod with rice or a fresh salad/veggies for an easy meal. Use the flaky cod in tacos with slaw and avocado, or serve it with french fries for a classic fish and chips meal. A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce ties it all together.
Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Fish
This easy air fryer cod recipe is so simple a second grader could do it! Here’s a few tips to make sure it turns out great each time.
- Pat the fillets dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so blot the filets with paper towels before seasoning.
- Season aggressively. You really want a well seasoned fish since it’s not being fried in oil. Use your favorite all purpose seasonings, seasoning salt, etc and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon after cooking for the best flavor.
- Add a pat of butter. Place it on top of each fillet before cooking to baste the fish and build richness.
- Avoid overcrowding. Leave space between fillets to allow for airflow.
- Leave the skin on. If your cod has skin, cook it skin‑side down. It locks in all the flavors and keeps the fish moist. Plus, the skin releases was more easily after cooking!
- Flip for an extra‑crisp bottom. Halfway through, turn the fillets over and fry for 1 minute more to crisp up the second side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Pull the cod out at 145°F — the fish will be opaque and flake when prodded with a fork.
- Thaw frozen cod fully prior to cooking: Sometimes you can cook food from frozen in the air fryer, but cod filets aren’t one of those foods. It’s best to let them thaw overnight in the fridge or in cool water for 20-30 minutes prior to cooking. Remember to dry them really well before seasoning!
Recipe Variations
I’ve made so many variations of this air fryer cod recipe over the years. Change the seasonings or add a crunchy coat to make this recipe fit you best.
Seasonings & Spices
A quick spice swap transforms the dish in so many ways!
- Cajun or blackened: Use smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried herbs for a spicy kick.
- Lemon pepper: Lemon zest and cracked black pepper make a bright-tasting cod.
- Old Bay seasoning: This gives the classic East Coast flavor, made perfect with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Taco seasoning: For a Mexican-flavored twist, season with chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
- Asian: For an Asian twist, brush the filets with a mix of soy sauce, grated ginger, and a pinch of sugar.
Crunchy Coat Additions
For a crunchy crust, make sure to bread the cod before air frying.
- Panko bread crumbs: For a Panko crust, press it onto fillets after brushing them with a beaten egg or mayo.
- Parmesan: For a cheesy crust, mix panko with grated Parmesan and garlic powder and spread all over the fish.
- Crackers: Ritz crackers or crushed corn flakes make crunchy toppers, too.
Storing and Reheating Cod
Cod leftovers keep pretty well for a few days, which makes this a great meal prep and second-day-lunch pick!
- Refrigerator: Place cooled cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezer (with caution): Freeze cooked cod in a freezer‑safe bag for up to three months. Keep in mind, the texture will soften slightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Skip the microwave — it makes fish rubbery.
Leftover tips: Flake cod leftovers into salads, fold into tacos, or top grain bowls. Make it the gift that keeps giving!
More Quick Cod Dinners
- Pan-Fried Cod Recipe — Golden, pan‑seared cod ready in 20 minutes
- Oven-Baked Butter Cod Recipe (4 Ingredients) — Tender, citrusy baked cod using only four pantry staples
- Easy Roasted Cod and Potatoes Recipe (One-Pan) — A one‑pan wonder with roasted potatoes and simple seasonings
- Crazy Easy Grilled Cod (4 Ingredients) — Smokey, bright grilled cod
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets
- 1 tbsp garlic parsley salt or seasoning salt of choice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lemon sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients for the air fryer cod fillets. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel, then season them with your favorite all purpose seasoning.
- Brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the fillets in the basket. Top them off with butter and lemon slices.
- Cook the cod in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-13 minutes, depending on the size of fillets. The internal temperature should reach 145 °F when fully cooked.
Quick and easy dinner. My fillets were 1.5 inches thick and came out perfect at 14 minutes.
Thank you for the feedback, Freddy! Glad you loved this recipe!
Thank you for an excellent recipe. I have wondered about air frying fish and this worked out perfect. I seasoned mine with a blend of my own Creole seasoning. My Cod fillet was 3/4 of an inch thick and 11 minutes at 400°, brought it to a perfect medium rare. And then served it with peach salsa. Your picture inspired me to cook up a batch of wild rice. 2/3 wild rice to one third white rice.
Thanks for sharing what you paired with your air fried cod, Gerard! I hope your lunch/dinner was unforgettable!
Made it according to directions alls I tasted was salt...I had a feeling by the video that was way too much salt..
I’m sorry to hear that the salt was overwhelming! It can definitely vary depending on personal taste and the brand of ingredients used. Next time, I’d recommend starting with less salt (maybe half the amount) and adjusting to taste as you go, since it's easier to add more than to take it out. Thanks for your feedback.
Wow! That sodium is crazy.. I'll pass
I'm stuck on 75% of your daily cholesterol!!! 😬😬
Hey Nona, You can adjust the seasoning to your preference. 🙂
There’s no such thing as too much butter!
Totally agree Alina! 🙂
Way too much butter.
HI James, you can reduce it to your liking. Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Hi. Would I lessen the cooking time if using half pound of cod instead of a pound?
HI Christine, the pieces size would effect cooking time. So you if you make them smaller, you want to watch internal temperature of the cod. Enjoy, this is a good one.
My codfish came out dry, even though I used a thermometer and removed it when it hit 140 degrees so that it wouldn't be dry! It wasnt even 5 mins at that point but recipe says 10-13 mins. omgosh it would have been incinerated. It wasn't crispy on the outside either. Just a dry piece of fish.
Hi Jill, I am sorry to hear that. I am wondering if you had a thinner cut of fish, because it could cook through quickly without achieving the crispy outside and juicy inside.
Made this and it was awesome. Came out perfectly. I did add a half teaspoon of panko. This is a keeper.
Hi Andrea, I am so thrilled to hear that the recipe was a success. Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback! Enjoy!
You and your sister have the BEST recipes! When I do a recipe search, if MOMDISH or Natasha's Kitchen shows up, I know the recipe will be good and reliable! Thank you! PS- I'm an ethnic Ukrainian, too .Slava Ukraini!! 🇺🇦
Hi There, Mary. You are so kind to say that! Natasha and I are great friends and this is just the best compliment that our recipes are your go-to. Thank you for that!
do you cook the cod frozen, or do you thaw first.
Hi Barbara, I cook this fish thawed. It helps the seasoning stick to the fish and takes less time to cook through. I hope this helps!
This came out perfect! I used old bay seasoning and the rest of your listed ingredients. Nice to have a recipe that does not use the tedious to make, breading. Thank you for sharing
Love that you got to try this recipe. Fish is one of my favorite things in the air fryer and this Cod is so so good. Glad you feel the same way. Thank you!
In a word: excellent!
Joy, thank you so much!
I followed this recipe exactly and it turned out fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sally, I am so thrilled to hear this recipe was a success! Thank you so much for your feedback! Enjoy!
This is so delicious! Used Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning. So good, might make it again tomorrow! Thank you for the recipe.
I have never tried it, thank you for sharing. Adding it to my list. Thanks 🙂
Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning is the best!
Hi Chrys, I have not tried it! Thank you for your recommendation! I will have to give it a try sometime!
I changed my mind and placed the cod in the fryer and started it from cold. It came out all right but I'm still working on it
I am so glad to hear that, Joe. Thank you for your feedback! Enjoy!
I am new to using an air fryer and I've always seen recipes that say to pre heat the air fryer. This cod recipe says to put the fish in and start the fryer. I don't trust that so I am going to pre heat.
I'll keep an eye on it.
Hi Joe, Yes, preheating the air fryer is a good idea. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I hope you love this recipe! Good luck!
Any tips on how to implement your suggestions to flip over the cod to crisp the other side? It's not clear to me how one inverts fish that is already flaking.
Hey Edward- I think it's easier to do if your cod is skin-on. I would recommend using a spatula and flipping very gently (you will have to put the lemon slice back on after). If the fish is already super flakey and falling apart, it may be best not to flip it so that your fish doesn't completely fall apart.
Use the parchment paper liners that are flat with holes in them so your fish doesn't stick
I just used your recipe but used adobo seasoning. I loved the crisp from the butter and the majority of the butter ran off in the pan. My new fav!!!
Lisa, thank you for sharing your feedback. What do you use for seasoning? Always looking for new ideas. So happy you loved this recipe.
thank you for the air fryer cod recipe!
You're welcome, Sunni!
What a wonderful and simple recipe. The cod turned out delicious! I used salt, pepper, and Old Bay. Before I air crisped the cod, I sauteed mushrooms in the bottom of the pan with a little butter and then added a bag of spinach, chopped garlic, and seasonings along with a small spoonful of vegetable base. When that was cooked I added 1 cup of microwave brown rice (this dinner was only for two of us). Scooped the mixture on the plate, then added the cod to the top of it. Yum!!
That sounds like a delicious meal, Barb. Thank you for sharing with us!
I've been making this recipe for over 14 years I reckon! Still love it and cook it frequently. I tend to use mangetout instead of sugar snaps, but that's just personal preference
Wow, sounds like you've found a winner of a recipe! Glad you enjoy it so!
Used your recipe and baked it in our air fryer. It was FABULOUS.
Hi David - Amazing! So happy it worked out for you. We're big fans of cod in my house. We love the light flavor, how cheap it is, and how simple it is to cook. Happy New Year!
It was delicious. It came a little crispy. We added salt, pepper and turmeric along with the butter and lemon.
Those seasonings sound delicious!!
Do you wash the cauliflower before you cut it..I am a beginner..I appreciate your comment and I love your recipes..have not try yet any.
Usually, I do wash it, especially when we pick it up at a farmers market. 🙂
How long would I cook frozen Cod filets? And at what temperature. Thank you
Hi Vicki, I would suggest thawing the fillets first, it would give you more even cooking.
It looks like you are using a lot of butter to then say this is healthier than frying.
Hi Barbara, a lot of butter runs off and it still creates a crispy texture and lots of flavor.
How can I reduce the amount of sodium when air frying the Cod??
Don't use the salt or seasoning salt. Mrs Dash makes salt free Lemon pepper. Very delicious.
Hey Kim- lemon pepper is a delicious alternative. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Tara, reduce salt.
Recipe looks great. Just wondering about the nutrition score. I guess it is due to the butter. Is there a way to lessen the fat and still have it turn out?
Hey Sharon, Yes, butter adds a bit more calories and fat. You can reduce it and as the cod cooks, it runs off the sides so you are not consuming as much better anyway.
What’s the serving size on this nutrition info?
Hey Katy, this recipe makes 2 servings. Nutrition is listed under the instructions.
Thanks for this. I am not sure what kind of seasoning to put on cod. Salt, black pepper, paprika?
Hey Florence, we use seasoning salt from Trader Joes but you can do salt, pepper and paprika. Enjoy
I just did Old Bay seasoning and it was delicious!
Oh, that's a great idea. I love Old Bay on seafood, this will be amazing!