Air fryer cod
Some recipes just make life easier, and this air fryer cod fish is one of them. It is light, fresh, and ready in under half an hour. The cod turns out perfectly flaky and tender, with a light lemon-herb butter that keeps it juicy and flavoursome. Serve it with a cool sauce, potatoes, and peas for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Cold sauce
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300 ml
Soured cream
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2 tbsp
Red onions, finely chopped
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2 tbsp
Red lumpfish roe
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1 tsp
Dijon mustard
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Fish
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600 g
Cod loins
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4 tbsp
Butter and rapeseed oil
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1
Lemon
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30 g
Fresh herbs, for example, dill and parsley
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1 tsp
Salt
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½ tsp
Black pepper
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To serve
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1 kilo
Potatoes
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300 g
Frozen green peas
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1 bunch
Fresh dill
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
For this recipe, pick thick, even cod loins. They are the meatiest part of the fillet and hold moisture beautifully when cooked. Look for pieces that are firm, pearly white, and at least 2½ cm thick to ensure they cook evenly. Avoid thin or uneven cuts, as they can dry out in the air fryer. Thick loins also produce large, moist flakes, which are highly desirable in texture. Remember to pat them dry before they go into the air fryer to enhance browning and prevent steaming.
Let the cod rest for a few minutes after air frying to improve the flavour and texture of the fish. The residual heat continues to gently cook the cod, a process known as carryover cooking. So if you let it rest for 1–5 minutes, it allows the juices to redistribute, making the cod moist and flaky. This also lets the flavours of herbs, lemon, and butter fully infuse the fish, which will ultimately improve the taste.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer cod
Before you get started, here are a few helpful answers to common questions about preparing cod in the air fryer.
How long to cook cod in an air fryer?
Cook the cod fillets in an air fryer for about 10–12 minutes at 160 °C. Make sure the fish reaches an internal temperature of at least 52 °C to be moist and flaky. Thicker pieces of cod might need the full 12 minutes, while thinner pieces usually cook faster. Always check if the fish flakes easily with a fork, and use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
Can I use frozen cod in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen cod in the air fryer. Put the frozen cod straight into the air fryer basket without thawing it first. Brush both sides with a mix of butter, rapeseed oil, lemon zest, juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. The coating might not stick as well as it does on fresh fish. Set the air fryer to 160 °C and cook for 15–18 minutes, turning it halfway through. Make sure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 52–63 °C to ensure it is safe to eat. Prevent the fish from sticking by lining the basket with baking paper or spray it with oil.
How should I store leftover air fryer cod?
In case you have leftover air fryer cod, you can store it in a single layer inside an airtight container after it has cooled to room temperature. If you need to stack the fish, separate the layers with baking paper. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
How should I reheat leftover air fryer cod?
The best way to reheat leftover air fryer cod is to take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about five minutes. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Preheat your air fryer to 160 °C and arrange the cod in the basket, using baking paper if you prefer. Heat it for 3–8 minutes and make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 52 °C. Do not reheat the cod more than twice, since this may damage its quality.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1970 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 43.5 gram fibers |
| Protein | 25.3 | 122.8 gram |
| Fat | 32.3 | 71.9 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 42.4 | 205.5 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Flaky and tender air fryer cod
Flaky, tender, juicy — those are just a few of the perks of our air fryer cod fillets. And you can get all that every time and in under 15 minutes. Cod is a lean, white fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavour that makes it a favourite for quick weeknight dinners. Its delicate flesh becomes beautifully flaky in the air fryer, staying moist inside while forming a light golden surface.
Cooking fish this way can easily become a habit, as the air fryer gets the texture right every time, without the risk of it falling apart or drying out. We keep the seasoning simple to let the fish shine. A little butter, a bit of lemon, and fresh herbs are all it takes to bring out its naturally clean, ocean-fresh taste.
If you want to try more air fryer recipes, check out our air fryer cabbage, creamy dauphinoise potatoes, juicy meatballs, easy hamburgers, or salmon with soy sauce.
Flavoured with lemon-herb butter
You cannot go wrong with combining lemon and seafood, and this easy air fryer cod recipe really makes the most of it. The firm, flaky cod loin is generously brushed with zesty lemon-herb butter before air-frying. As it cooks, the butter soaks into the fish, coating it with a rich, citrus flavour and an aromatic mix of herbs. It complements the mild flavour of cod like no other.
The butter also helps keep it juicy and tender, creating a perfect, delicate flake when you cut into it. It might be very simple, but it makes the cod taste like something straight out of a seaside restaurant.
Savour with cold sauce, boiled potatoes, and green peas
Every good fish dish deserves the right sides, and this one comes together beautifully with a cool, creamy sauce, boiled potatoes, and green peas. The cold sauce is made with soured cream, finely chopped red onion, Dijon mustard, and red lumpfish roe. This adds a tangy, slightly salty counterpoint to the buttery cod. The roe gives it a bit of texture and a subtle ocean flavour that ties everything together even better.
The boiled potatoes soak up all the lovely butter and juices from the fish, becoming wonderfully flavourful in the process, while the peas add some sweetness and colour.
Ideas for adding your own touch to the recipe
This flaky air fryer cod is delectable as it is, but it is also easy to play around with. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the lemon-herb butter. Also, consider mixing in a few crushed cloves for extra flavour. Also, try swapping the dill for basil or tarragon for a slightly more aromatic finish. You can even experiment with the cold sauce and use a different kind of roe or add a splash of white wine vinegar for more tang.
For a satisfying crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the fish before air frying. They will turn beautifully golden and crisp in the air fryer, adding a lovely texture that contrasts with the tender, flaky cod. Crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios are another great option if you want something a bit richer.
