This easy and delicious air fryer cod is one of those meals you can turn to on busy nights when you still want something wholesome and satisfying. The air fryer gives the cod a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender, flaky, and full of natural flavor.
It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve for a relaxed family dinner. With minimal prep and a short cook time, this dish proves that healthy seafood doesn’t have to be complicated or bland.
What Makes Air Fryer Cod So Good?
Air fryer cod cooks quickly and evenly, which is perfect for a delicate fish like cod. The circulating hot air helps lock in moisture while creating a lightly golden finish without needing much oil. This method keeps the fish light, clean-tasting, and never greasy.
Ingredients for Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod
- 1 lb cod fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving

How To Make the Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod
Step 1: Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nicer texture once cooked.
Step 2: Season the Fish
Brush the cod lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps the cod start cooking immediately.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cod
Place the seasoned cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the cod from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Serving and Storing Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod
Serve this air fryer cod with simple sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep the texture intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.
How do I know when cod is done?
Cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
Can I change the seasoning?
Absolutely. Lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or Italian herbs all work well.
Do I need to flip the cod?
Flipping halfway through helps ensure even cooking, especially for thicker fillets.
Is air fryer cod healthy?
Yes, it’s a lean protein cooked with minimal oil, making it a great healthy option.
Want More Air Fryer Dinner Ideas?
If you enjoyed this easy and delicious air fryer cod, you might also like these other favorites from Nina Dishes:
- The Best Air Fryer Recipes for everyday inspiration.
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites for a bold, saucy twist.
- Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod when you want an oven option.
- Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner for fresh, vibrant flavors.
For even more daily meal ideas, follow along on Pinterest for fresh inspiration and new recipes: https://www.pinterest.com/ninadishes/
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I’d love to hear how your air fryer cod turned out. Did you keep it simple or add your own seasoning twist? Share your experience and tips so we can all enjoy better, easier meals.

Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod is a quick, healthy seafood dinner made with simple pantry spices. The air fryer creates a lightly crisp outside while keeping the cod tender and flaky inside, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or light family meals.
Ingredients
1 lb cod fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
2. Brush both sides of the cod with olive oil
3. Season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes
5. Place cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket
6. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish flakes easily with a fork
7. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges
Notes
Pat the cod completely dry before seasoning for the best texture
Thicker fillets may need an extra 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to maintain flakiness
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: air fryer cod, healthy cod recipe, easy seafood dinner
