Air fryer cod
This air fryer cod loin is one of those recipes that just makes life easier: thick cod brushed with lemon-herb butter and air fried until perfectly flaky and tender. It cooks in 30 minutes, and the butter keeps the fish juicy and flavoursome. Serve it with tartar sauce, potatoes, and peas for an easy weeknight dinner.
Our air fryer conversion chart shows you how to convert cod from oven to air fryer, with the oven to air fryer cooking times to get it right first time.
Ingredients
Fish
|
Cod loins
|
600 g |
|---|---|
|
Butter
|
4 tbsp |
|
Lemon
|
1 |
|
Fresh herbs, for example, dill and parsley
|
30 g |
|
Salt
|
1 tsp |
|
Black pepper
|
½ tsp |
Serve with
|
Baby potatoes
|
1 kilo |
|---|---|
|
Frozen green peas
|
300 g |
|
Tartare sauces
|
Method
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.
How long do you cook frozen cod in an air fryer?
Cook frozen cod in the air fryer at 160 °C for 15 to 18 minutes, turning it halfway through. There is no need to thaw it first: put the frozen cod straight into the air fryer basket and 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. Make sure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 52 to 63 °C to ensure it is safe to eat. Prevent the fish from sticking by lining the basket with baking paper or spraying 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 per serving
Energy:
483 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 10.8 g |
| Protein | 25.1 % | 29.8 g |
| Fat | 32.2 % | 17.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42.7 % | 50.8 g |
Flaky and tender air fryer cod
Flaky, tender, and juicy are just a few of the perks of our air fryer cod fillets, and the air fryer delivers them every time. The cod itself needs only 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. Cod is a mild, white fish with a 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, juicy air fryer meatballs, Air fryer 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.
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. Consider mixing in a few crushed garlic cloves for extra flavour, or 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. If cod isn't available, haddock or pollock make a good substitute, though thinner fillets may need slightly less time in the air fryer.
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.
