Perfect Air Fryer Cod (Crispy Outside, Flaky Inside)
I picked up some fresh cod from ALDI and decided to give it a try in the air fryer—and wow, this recipe turned out even better than I expected! The fish comes out perfectly tender and flaky on the inside with a beautifully seasoned, slightly crispy crust on the outside. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a restaurant-quality seafood dinner at home. Pair it with roasted vegetables, rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that feels special without requiring much effort.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Creamy Herb Sauce (Optional)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and allows the fish to develop a beautiful crust while cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Brush both sides of the cod fillets with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the fish, gently pressing it into the fillets.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray if needed.
- Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. The fish should be opaque, flaky, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking, as cod can dry out quickly.
- While the fish cooks, prepare the creamy herb sauce by mixing all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and let it rest for 1–2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and the creamy herb sauce.
Tips for Success
- Thicker fillets may need an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the flavor.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the seasoned fish before air frying.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
This Air Fryer Cod is simple, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep cod on your weekly grocery list! 🐟✨🍋