1. Prep the Cod
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels—this ensures a crisp coating.
- Brush with olive oil or butter on both sides.
2. Season Generously
- Mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the cod.
3. Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place cod fillets in the basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until cod flakes easily with a fork.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over hot fillets.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Serve with roasted veggies, air fryer fries, or a fresh salad.
Flavor Variation
- Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Crusted: Mix breadcrumbs + Parmesan and press onto fillets before air frying.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add oregano, thyme, and a drizzle of lemon olive oil.
- Garlic Butter Cod: Brush fillets with garlic butter instead of olive oil.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook—the cod is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C) inside.
- Use parchment liners in your air fryer basket for easy cleanup.
- If using frozen cod, thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.
- Add a quick dipping sauce—garlic aioli, tartar sauce, or even sriracha mayo work perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried cod in the air fryer, now’s the time! It’s healthy, quick, and packed with flavor—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside. Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to way of cooking fish.