12+ Air Fryer Cod Recipes That Turn Out Perfectly

The other night I came home tired, with one hand full of groceries and the other juggling a toddler and a cat, and all I wanted was something that tasted like care but didn’t need a dinner shift. I pulled a couple of cod fillets from the fridge, dusted them with a simple seasoning, and popped them into the air fryer. Twenty minutes later we had flaky, golden cod, a quick salad, and the kind of quiet dinner that sneaks up on you as a small victory. That easy, reliable magic is why I love 12+ Air Fryer Cod Recipes That Turn Out Perfectly—because real life needs meals that are fast, forgiving, and delicious.

1. Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright lemon and mellow garlic feel like a wakeup call for simple cod. This recipe is perfect for weeknights or a light weekend supper when you want something fresh without fuss. It’s mild enough for picky eaters and lively enough to please anyone craving citrus and herbs.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Pat cod fillets dry and set aside.
2. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Brush the mixture over both sides of the fillets.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
5. Place fillets in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until opaque and flakey.
6. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Serving Idea: Serve with steamed green beans and boiled new potatoes for a comforting plate.

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of capers to the lemon garlic oil for briny pops.

2. Crispy Panko Air Fryer Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

If you miss the crunch of fried fish but not the grease, this is the go to. The panko coating gives a satisfyingly crisp exterior while the air fryer keeps the inside flaky and tender. Great for fish sandwiches or a family dinner where texture matters.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cod fillets, 4 ounces each
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil to mist

How to Make It:

1. Pat fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with paprika and garlic powder.
3. Coat each fillet in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
5. Lightly mist the fillets with oil and arrange in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
7. Serve with tartar sauce and pickles if desired.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Swap This With That: Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for an extra crunchy, budget friendly coating.

Serving Idea: Use in soft buns with shredded cabbage and lemon mayo for an easy fish sandwich.

3. Honey Soy Glazed Air Fryer Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

Salty soy and sweet honey make an irresistible glaze that caramelizes lightly in the air fryer. This dish feels a little fancy but takes minutes to prep, perfect for a no fuss date night at home or a quick midweek upgrade.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sliced scallions
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Marinate cod in half the mixture for 10 minutes while preheating air fryer to 400 F.
3. Place fillets in the basket and brush with remaining glaze.
4. Air fry for 8 to 9 minutes until fish flakes easily and glaze is shiny.
5. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of chili paste to the glaze for a sweet spicy kick.

Best Pairings: Steamed bok choy and quick pickled cucumbers.

4. Cajun Spiced Air Fryer Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

Bold, smoky, and a little spicy, this Cajun cod wakes up simple sides like rice or roasted potatoes. It’s perfect when you want a punch of flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Pat fillets dry and brush with olive oil.
2. Rub Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt evenly over each fillet.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
4. Place fillets in the basket and air fry for 9 to 11 minutes until flaky.
5. Squeeze lime over fish and sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Serving Idea: Serve with corn grits or a simple slaw to balance the spice.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid over salting if your Cajun seasoning already contains salt. Taste and adjust.

5. Parmesan Herb Crusted Air Fryer Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

A savory Parmesan crust adds depth and a golden finish that feels a touch elegant. This is a great way to serve cod when you want something family friendly yet impressive for guests.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Mix Parmesan, panko, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Brush fillets with olive oil then dip briefly into beaten egg.
3. Press the Parmesan mixture onto the top of each fillet.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
5. Place fillets crust side up and air fry for 9 to 11 minutes until crust is golden and fish flakes.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the Parmesan crumb mixture ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Idea: Pair with a mixed green salad and a squeeze of lemon.

6. Miso Glazed Air Fryer Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

Miso adds umami and a caramelized sweetness when air fried. This recipe feels like a restaurant favorite but comes together quickly, perfect for a cozy dinner with a side of steamed rice.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

How to Make It:

1. Whisk miso, mirin, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil into a smooth glaze.
2. Marinate fillets in half the glaze for 10 minutes while preheating air fryer to 400 F.
3. Brush remaining glaze on fillets and place in air fryer basket.
4. Air fry for 9 to 10 minutes until fish is cooked through and glaze is shiny.
5. Garnish with sliced scallion and serve.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of yuzu or lemon juice for bright citrus notes.

Best Pairings: Serve with miso soup and quick pickled vegetables.

7. Coconut Curry Air Fryer Cod Bites

Why You’ll Love It:

Packed with warm curry flavors and a touch of coconut, these cod bites are fun as finger food or over rice. They come together quickly and bring comforting spice without heavy frying.

Serving size: Serves 3

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound cod, cut into 1 inch bite sized pieces
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Mix coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice to make a thin sauce.
2. Toss cod pieces in the sauce and let sit 5 minutes.
3. Drain slightly and roll pieces in panko to coat.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
5. Lightly mist cod bites with oil and air fry in a single layer for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with extra sauce.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Swap This With That: Use curry powder and a splash of coconut milk if you do not have curry paste.

Meal Prep Tip: Coat cod in panko and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for quick future air frying.

8. Mediterranean Stuffed Air Fryer Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

Stuffed with olives, tomatoes, and herbs, this cod brings Mediterranean brightness and a satisfying texture contrast. It feels like a dinner you’d order at a seaside cafe but takes little hands on time.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
• 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Combine tomatoes, olives, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the stuffing.
2. Make a shallow pocket in each fillet and spoon stuffing inside.
3. Brush the outside of the fillets with a little olive oil.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
5. Place stuffed fillets in the basket and air fry for 11 to 13 minutes until fish is cooked and stuffing is hot.
6. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Serving Idea: Serve with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon and olive oil.

Personal Note: I like to make extra stuffing and use it on warm crusty bread as a little appetizer.

9. Smoky Paprika Air Fryer Cod Tacos

Why You’ll Love It:

Turn cod into taco night with smoky paprika and crisped edges that hold up in tortillas. These tacos are quick, fun for a weeknight, and customizable for kids or adult palates.

Serving size: Serves 3

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound cod, cut into three to four strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup sour cream mixed with 1 tablespoon lime juice for sauce

How to Make It:

1. Toss cod strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
3. Place strips in a single layer and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes until flaky and edges are slightly crisp.
4. Warm tortillas and layer with cabbage, a piece of cod, and a drizzle of lime crema.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Best Pairings: Quick pickled red onions and a side of black beans.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning for heat.

10. Beer Battered Style Air Fryer Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

You get crisp, golden crust similar to beer battered fish with much less oil. It’s a weekend treat that satisfies fry cravings while staying lighter.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 29 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold club soda or non alcoholic beer
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to mist

How to Make It:

1. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Stir in cold club soda or beer until a smooth batter forms.
3. Pat fillets dry and dip each into batter to coat.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375 F for 3 minutes.
5. Lightly mist basket and fillets with oil and place battered fillets in single layer.
6. Air fry for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping once, until batter is puffed and golden.
7. Serve with malt vinegar or tartar sauce.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use club soda instead of beer to save cost and keep a light batter.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not overcrowd the basket or the batter will steam instead of crisping.

11. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Cod Fillets

Why You’ll Love It:

Nothing beats the comfort of garlic butter glazing a flaky fish. This recipe is simple, fast, and feels indulgent without being heavy, ideal for an easy family meal.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Brush mixture over both sides of fillets.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
4. Place fillets in the basket and air fry for 9 to 10 minutes until flaky.
5. Brush with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Flavor Boost: Stir a teaspoon of anchovy paste into the butter for deep savory notes.

Meal Prep Tip: Make garlic butter ahead and store in the fridge for quick use on other fish.

12. Blackened Lime Air Fryer Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

Blackening spices create a dramatic crust that pairs perfectly with bright lime. This recipe is a weeknight crowd pleaser with bold flavor and minimal fuss.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets, 6 ounces each
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lime

How to Make It:

1. Mix paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne, and salt to make the blackening rub.
2. Pat fillets dry and rub both sides with olive oil, then coat with the spice mix.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 3 minutes.
4. Place fillets in basket and air fry for 9 to 11 minutes until flaky.
5. Squeeze lime over fillets before serving.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Common Mistake to Avoid: Apply spices evenly and avoid piling them on one spot to prevent bitterness.

Best Pairings: Serve with corn and avocado salad or cilantro lime rice.

FAQ

How thick should cod fillets be for air frying

Aim for fillets about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Thinner pieces cook very quickly and thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes. Adjust cook time and check for flakiness.

Can I cook frozen cod in the air fryer

Yes you can. Thawing first gives more even seasoning adhesion but you can air fry frozen fillets at 400 F for 12 to 16 minutes depending on thickness. Add a couple minutes if the pieces are thick and check for doneness.

How do I know when cod is done

Cod flakes easily with a fork and should be opaque throughout. An internal temperature of 145 F is the safe standard if you use a thermometer.

Is air frying healthier than pan frying for cod

Air frying uses far less oil and still gives you a crispy exterior, so it is generally a lighter option while preserving great texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These 12 air fryer cod recipes show how versatile a simple piece of fish can be when you pair it with bright citrus, bold spices, umami glazes, or crunchy coatings. Each recipe is built to be realistic for busy kitchens—short prep times, easy ingredients, and predictable results that let you cook with confidence. Try a few to find your go to, then adapt seasonings, sides, and sauces to match the week ahead. Cooking with an air fryer is forgiving, fast, and a nice way to make weeknight dinners feel a little more special.