Description
This quick and healthy Air Fryer Cod recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender fish with a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Ready in just 18 minutes, it's an easy, low-fat meal ideal for a busy weeknight or light dinner.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets
Seasoning and Oil
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Finishing
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley (for topping)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Brush with Olive Oil: Brush each cod fillet all over with 1 teaspoon of olive oil to ensure a light coating that helps the seasoning stick and keeps the fish moist during cooking.
- Season the Fillets: In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each cod fillet to impart a balanced flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for optimal cooking temperature to get a slightly crisp exterior on the fish while keeping the inside tender.
- Cook the Cod (First Batch): Place two cod fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. This initial cook time begins the cooking process and heats through the fillets.
- Add Lemon Juice and Continue Cooking: After 5 minutes, open the air fryer and drizzle 1 teaspoon of lemon juice over each fillet. Resume cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), ensuring the fish is fully cooked and flaky.
- Repeat for Second Batch: Remove cooked fillets and place the remaining two fillets in the air fryer. Repeat the cooking process as with the first batch to maintain even cooking and flavor.
- Serve: Top each cooked fillet with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added citrus zest.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the cod reaches 145°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to your taste preferences if needed.
- This recipe works well with other firm white fish fillets like haddock or pollock.
- For a crispier finish, you can lightly spray the fillets with cooking spray before air frying.
