Name: Moist Air Fryer Cod Fish – Crispy, Tender, and So Easy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-4 cod fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional); Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

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If you’ve ever thought fish in the air fryer might turn out dry, this Moist Air Fryer Cod Fish is here to prove otherwise. Light, flaky, and packed with flavor, this cod is perfectly cooked with a golden, crispy outside and a tender inside. It’s quick, mess-free, and a great way to get a healthy meal on the table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Foolproof – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Crispy Outside, Moist Inside – No dry fish here! The air fryer locks in all the juiciness.
Healthy and Light – A great low-carb, high-protein meal option.
No Deep Frying – Get that crisp texture without all the oil.

Ingredients

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients (full list below):

Fresh cod fillets (or frozen, thawed)
Olive oil for moisture and crisping
Garlic powder, paprika, and a little salt for flavor
Lemon wedges for that fresh, zesty finish

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps them crisp up nicely. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and a touch of pepper.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat for a couple of minutes. This ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Cook Until Perfectly Flaky

Place the cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Serve with Lemon

Remove the cod and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t Overcook – Cod cooks fast! Check for doneness at 8 minutes to keep it moist.
Use Fresh or Frozen – Both work well, just make sure frozen fillets are fully thawed.
Avoid Overcrowding – Give the fillets space in the air fryer so the air circulates properly.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Herb Butter Version – Brush with garlic herb butter instead of olive oil.
Parmesan Crust – Sprinkle grated parmesan for a cheesy, crispy topping.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This cod pairs beautifully with:

Garlic butter asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts
A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette
Air fryer sweet potato fries for a crispy side

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! Halibut, tilapia, or haddock all work well in this recipe.

2. How do I know when the cod is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temp of 145°F.

3. Can I bread the cod for extra crunch?
Absolutely! Dip in egg, then coat with panko before air frying for a crispy breaded version.

4. What if my air fryer is small?
Cook in batches if needed—don’t stack the fillets, or they won’t cook evenly.

Conclusion

This Moist Air Fryer Cod Fish is proof that simple ingredients and an air fryer can create the perfect crispy, flaky fish in minutes. Whether you serve it with veggies, salad, or a side of fries, it’s a meal that’s easy, light, and packed with flavor. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Moist Air Fryer Cod Fish – Crispy, Tender, and So Easy

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This Moist Air Fryer Cod Fish is the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer makes cooking this fish a breeze while keeping it healthy and flavorful. It’s a delicious, quick meal for any weeknight!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 2–4 (depending on the size of the fillets) 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the fillets with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each fillet.
Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
Air fry the cod fillets at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish should be opaque and flaky when tested with a fork.
Serve with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.

Notes

Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your cod fillets. Thicker fillets may need a couple of extra minutes.
If using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking for the best results.
You can also use other fish fillets like tilapia or haddock if desired.