Air Fryer Cod
Air fryer cod is one of the quickest ways to a proper fish supper. The fillets get a light paprika and garlic coating, cook for 10 minutes at 200°C without turning, and come out with large, moist flakes. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes from fridge to table, including the preheat, so it is ideal on a busy weeknight.
- Total
- 18 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 13 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 185kcal
Getting the texture of air fryer cod right
Cod is a lean fish, so it turns from juicy to dry in a minute or two. Timing matters more than anything else here. Start with fillets about 2.5cm thick, and check them a minute or two before the time is up, because models vary.
Pat the fish dry first. A dry surface holds the oil and spices and browns slightly, whereas a wet one steams. Leave a little space between the fillets so the hot air reaches every side, and cook in two batches if your basket is small.
Cooking air fryer cod
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Dry and season Pat the cod fillets dry with kitchen paper, then brush both sides with the oil. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle the mix evenly over the fish.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for . A hot basket helps the fish start cooking straight away and stops it sticking.
- Cook Lay the fillets in the basket in a single layer, with space between them. Cook for at 200°C, without turning. Cook thinner fillets, about 2cm, for .
- Check The cod is ready when the flesh is opaque all the way through and flakes easily when pressed with a fork. If you use a thermometer, 55–63°C in the thickest part is a good guide for moist fish. Give it more if it is still translucent in the middle.
- Serve Lift the fillets out with a fish slice and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Serve straight away.
Oven method and swaps
If you do not have an air fryer, roast the seasoned fillets on a lined baking tray at 200°C (180°C fan), gas 6 for 12–15 minutes. Haddock, pollack and hake fillets of the same thickness take the same time. For a different flavour, use smoked paprika or a pinch of dried oregano or parsley.
Cod goes well with chips and mushy peas, or with new potatoes and green beans.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Cod
- The fish is dry.
- It has cooked for too long. Fillets thinner than 2.5cm need only 8 minutes, so start checking early, and take the fish out as soon as it turns opaque and flakes.
- The fish sticks to the basket.
- Heat the basket first and brush it lightly with oil, then use a fish slice to lift the fillets instead of tongs, which can tear them.
- The fish is cooked on the outside but still translucent in the middle.
- The fillets were too thick or still cold from the freezer. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, checking again, and thaw frozen fish in the fridge before cooking next time.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Cod
How long do you cook cod in the air fryer?
About 10 minutes at 200°C for 2.5cm thick fillets, or 8 minutes for thinner ones, plus 3 minutes for preheating. The fish is done when it is opaque and flakes easily.
Can you cook cod from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook plain frozen fillets at 200°C for 14–16 minutes, until opaque all the way through. For more even results, thaw them overnight in the fridge and pat them dry first.
Do you need to turn the fish halfway?
No. The hot air circulates around the fillets, so they cook evenly without turning. Turning also makes thick fillets more likely to break.
Can you use skin-on cod fillets?
Yes. Place them skin-side down and cook for the same time. The skin helps hold the fillet together and is easy to peel off after cooking.
How did you like the recipe?
4.6 / 5 · 40 ratings
