If you’re looking for the best air fryer seafood recipes that are quick, easy, and totally foolproof, you gotta try this air fryer cod fish recipe. Trust me, I’m a busy mom of three, and if there’s one thing I love, it’s a no-stress dinner that actually tastes like I put in effort (even though I totally didn’t).
This is one of my go-to airfryer fish recipes because it’s crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and doesn’t make my whole house smell like fried fish for days. Plus, it’s way healthier than deep-fried, but still gives you that golden, crunchy coating. Whether you’re looking for air fry cod fillets for a quick weeknight dinner, or you need a white fish recipe that even picky eaters will actually eat, this is it.
I love serving this with fries for an easy air fryer fish and chips night, stuffing it in tacos, or just dunking it in tartar sauce (which is how my toddler eats it). And the best part? This is one of those air fryer cod fish recipes easy enough to whip up on a busy night when you’re already exhausted.
So if you’re hunting for cod fish recipes easy enough for a weeknight, grab your air fryer and let’s make some crispy, delicious cod fillets in no time.
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy, I promise. This is straight-up easy weeknight dinner vibes:
- Cod fillets – fresh is best, but frozen works too (just thaw it first)
- Olive oil – helps everything stick
- Panko breadcrumbs – for max crispiness
- Paprika – adds a little warmth and color
- Garlic powder – because garlic makes everything better
- Salt & pepper – obvi
- Lemon wedges – for that fresh, zingy finish
Alright, let’s make it happen.
How to Make Air Fryer Cod
Step 1: Prep the Fish
First things first—pat the cod super dry with paper towels. Like, really dry. This is what helps it crisp up instead of getting soggy. If your fish is frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before starting.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix together:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
This is gonna be your crispy, golden magic.
Step 3: Coat the Fish
Drizzle the fillets with a little olive oil, then press them into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they’re fully coated—we want crunch on every bite.
Step 4: Air Fry It
Place the fillets in your air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through so both sides get nice and crispy. The fish should be golden brown and flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, because that citrusy goodness just takes it to another level. Then serve it up with whatever sides make you happy.
What to Serve With It
- Air fryer fries – because fish and chips just hits different
- Steamed veggies – gotta have some balance
- Rice or quinoa – soaks up all the lemony goodness
- Tartar sauce or sriracha mayo – for dunking, obviously
Mom Tips (Because I’ve Made This a Hundred Times)
- Use fresh cod if possible, but if frozen is what you got, just thaw and pat it dry really well.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer—leave space between the fillets so they crisp up properly.
- Want extra crunch? Spray the fillets lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
FAQs About Air Fryer Cod
Can I use frozen cod for this air fryer fish recipe?
Yep! Just make sure to thaw it first and pat it super dry before coating and air frying. If you try to cook it straight from frozen, it’ll turn out watery and won’t crisp up right.
Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! If you want a lower-carb option, try using almond flour, grated parmesan, or just go with seasoned cod fillets without breading. It’ll still be delicious.
What other white fish can I use for this air fryer seafood recipe?
Cod works great, but you can also use tilapia, haddock, pollock, halibut, or even mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cook time if the fillets are thinner or thicker.
Why isn’t my fish crispy?
A few things could be happening:
You didn’t pat the cod dry before coating.
You overcrowded the air fryer—give the fillets some space.
You forgot to spray the top with a little oil before cooking (helps crisp up the coating).
The breadcrumbs weren’t pressed on well enough—make sure they’re really stuck to the fillet!
Crispy Air Fryer Cod Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Cod Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets fresh or thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Fish – Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Make the Coating – In a shallow bowl, mix panko, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Fish – Press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
- Air Fry – Place fillets in the air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Fish is done when it’s golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy – Squeeze fresh lemon over the fillets and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—leave space between fillets for even crisping.
- For extra crunch, lightly spray the coated fillets with oil before air frying.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to keep them crispy.
And there ya have it—one of the best air fryer fish recipes that’s crispy, flaky, and straight-up delicious. I swear, this is one of those air fryer cod fish recipes easy enough for even the busiest nights. Whether you’re making air fried fish for a quick dinner, stuffing it in tacos, or serving it up with fries for that classic fish and chips vibe, this one’s a keeper.
Honestly, I love how simple air fryer seafood recipes can be—less mess, less stress, and way faster than dealing with a deep fryer. Plus, this method works with all kinds of white fish recipes, so if cod isn’t your thing, you can totally swap it out. Air fry cod fillets, tilapia, haddock—whatever you got. Just grab your air fryer, follow these steps, and boom, dinner’s done.
So if you’re on the hunt for airfryer cod recipes, seafood recipes, or just easy recipes for fish, give this a try. And if your kids actually eat it without complaining? That’s a mom win right there. Let me know how it turns out!
