The air fryer is all-the-rage for a reason. In under 15 minutes, my Crispy Air Fryer Cod has a perfect outer crust, a juicy and tender inside, and a fraction of the calories of traditionally fried fish.

Not familiar with an Air Fryer? In short, this popular appliance can use under a tablespoon of oil or a couple sprays of cooking spray to create super crispy meat, potatoes, vegetables, and just about anything! It is great for cutting down on calories and cholesterol, while also mimicking the texture of your favorite fried foods.
Perhaps the most amazing thing about my recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Cod is that it requires no breading. Celiacs and gluten-free dieters rejoice!
Since my husband Tim and my son Jacob are seafood addicts, we like to have 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.
How to Air Fry Cod
Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Fish
- Season your fish generously with salt and pepper. Since you won’t be actually “frying” your fish, you will need to make sure that it is well-seasoned. In traditional frying, a lot of flavor comes from the immense amount of oil used to cook it. Since you are skipping the fat, don’t skip the flavor!
- In order to make sure your fish comes out moist, put a pat of butter on top of each filet.
- If you can, air fry the cod with its skin on. Air frying fish with the skin on locks the flavors and moisture inside the fish. Don’t like skin? Don’t worry! When your fish air fries, the skin will stick to the bottom of the air fryer and you can easily pull off the skinless filet. If you are a fan of the skin, use a spatula to remove the filet.
- If the bottom of your fish filet loses its crisp, flip it over and cook it for 1 more minute. Be careful not to cook it for too much longer! You don’t want it to lose its crispiness and juiciness.
- Really craving fish and chips? Garnish your Crispy Air Fryer Cod with some fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce and use my recipe for 15-Minute Air Fryer French Fries.

How Long do I Cook Fish in the Air Fryer?
Typically, fish cooked in the air fryer takes about 10 minutes at 400 °F. However, this depends on the thickness of each filet. I know I often preach the importance of investing in a meat thermometer, and you guessed it, I will preach it here again! Due to the variation of filet sizes, you will want to check that the internal temperature has reached 145 °F to ensure doneness.
At the moment, I use the Thermapen for the thermometer. As a less expensive alternative, you can find other thermometer options on Amazon.
Frying Frozen Fish Sticks in the Air Fryer
Here’s a little bonus tip for all the fish stick lovers out there. Air fryers are awesome for cooking your favorite frozen fish sticks in a fraction of the time. Preheat the air fryer to 360 °F and cook the sticks for only 8 minutes! We have been doing this in our home for a while and we absolutely LOVE the outcome.
Gourmia 5 Qt Air Fryer
There are some pretty expensive air fryers on the market. But, if I am being completely honest, I love my Gourmia 5 Qt Air Fryer. It’s only $59.99 and it never leaves you disappointed. Originally, I purchased it to see what the hype was about without breaking bank. To my delight, I haven’t had to upgrade, despite using it several times a week for quick and healthy dinners. If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on your first (and only!) air fryer, I definitely recommend it!

Serving Air Fryer Cod
Air fryer cod is perfect served with a simple grain like rice or bulgar. Take it to the next level by creating a taco bowl (Chipotle lovers, this is for you!). On top of heaping pile of rice, add your air fryer cod, a dollop of guacamole, pickled onions and jalapeños and a sprinkling of cheddar cheese.

More of Fish Recipes
- Oven-Baked Butter Cod
- Crazy Easy Baked Halibut
- Crazy Easy Grilled Cod
- Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- Pan-Seared Halibut
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillet
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients for the air fryer cod fillets. Season fillets with your favorite seasoning.
- Brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place fillets in the basket. Top it off with butter and lemon slices.
- Cook 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.
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.
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!
I have frozen cod filets, can they be done from frozen or thaw first? Thank you.
If you are using larger filets, I would suggest to thaw the fish. It will create more even cooking.
This was WAYYYY too yummy!!! I just got my air fryer a few days ago and this was only my 2nd recipe in it. Thank you so much for the bomb recipe!
Carla, this is so good to hear. Thank you for sharing!
Hi thanks for welcoming me too the group I'm making Cod fish in my Air Fryer tonight for dinner do you have too flip you fish in the Air Fryer as well
Hey Sandra, of course, and welcome to the family. I don't flip cod during air frying. It cooks well without flipping it. 🙂
Would this work as well with Tilapia?
Hi Yelena, yes it would.
I just finished air frying fish (cod) and chips (French fries) and they came out excellent
Hey Dennis, I am so happy you loved the recipe! Comments like this make my day!