You know how dinner time gets when you have teens? Everyone’s hungry, everyone’s picky, and everyone wants food right now. That is why I have been loving this easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod lately. It is one of my go-to Air Fryer Cod Fish Recipes that actually makes dinner feel calm for once. It is crispy, fresh, and full of flavor without me standing in the kitchen forever.
The best part is how simple it is. Seriously, this might be one of the Best Cod Fish Recipes I have ever made. You just pop the Air Fry Cod Fillets right into the air fryer, and in a few minutes you get golden, flaky fish that tastes like a fancy restaurant. My teens love it with fries or rice, and I love it because it is not greasy or messy like deep-fried fish.
If you are new to Air Fryer Fish or Air Fryer Seafood Recipes, this is such an easy place to start. It is light, healthy, and super quick. You can call it one of those Cod Fish Recipes Easy enough for weeknights but still special enough for weekends.
Whether you call it Air Fryer Cod Fillets, Air Fried Cod Fish Recipes, or just plain Airfryer Fish Recipe, it is honestly one of the most reliable meals I make when I need dinner fast. The air fryer does all the work, and it comes out perfect every time.
So if you are looking for White Fish Recipes, Airfryer Seafood Recipes, or just a good air fry fish recipe to make tonight, this one is it. It is one of those recipes for fish that keeps the whole family happy and makes you feel like you are winning dinner time for once. I swear it might be one of the best air fryer meals I have ever made for a quick Fish Dinner night at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here is what you will need to make this super easy dinner:
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (makes it look fancy even when it is not)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fish
First, grab some paper towels and pat the cod fillets dry. This step is super important because if the fish is wet, it will not get crispy in the air fryer. My kids always help with this part, even though somehow the towels end up everywhere.
Step 2: Make the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil or melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper seasoning. Give it a good stir. It smells so good already. Brush or rub that mix all over both sides of the cod.
Step 3: Air Fry the Cod
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (that is around 200°C). Place the cod fillets in the basket in one layer. Do not crowd them or they will steam instead of crisp. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. When the fish flakes easily with a fork, you know it is done.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cod is cooked, squeeze a little extra lemon on top and sprinkle some parsley if you want. I like to serve this with a quick side salad or some roasted veggies. Sometimes I even make rice for the kids because they say it feels more like a “real dinner.”
Tips for Making It Perfect Every Time
- Make sure the fish is dry before seasoning.
- Spray a little cooking oil in the air fryer basket if your fish tends to stick.
- Add a little bit of chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a small spicy kick.
- You can totally use another white fish like haddock or tilapia if that is what you have.
My Little Mom Moment
I gotta say, this Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod has saved dinner time more than once. It is fast, it is tasty, and my kids do not fight me about it. On nights when everything feels a bit crazy, this recipe makes me feel like I still have it together, even just a little. Sometimes I even make extra so I can sneak leftovers for lunch the next day.
It is one of those meals that reminds me cooking does not have to be stressful. Just simple, good food made with love (and maybe a little chaos in the background).
Make-Ahead Tip
If you are like me and always trying to stay one step ahead with meals, this recipe is a total lifesaver. You can easily prep your Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod a day before. Just season the fillets, cover them up, and stick them in the fridge. When it is time for dinner, pop them in the air fryer, and boom—fresh, flaky fish ready in minutes. No stress, no mess, and everyone eats happy.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Freshen it up: When reheating, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top—it brightens up the flavor like magic.
- Prep ahead to save time. You can marinate the cod fillets with lemon pepper seasoning and olive oil up to a day before cooking. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to air fry.
- Batch cook for the week. Make a few extra Air Fryer Cod Fillets and use them for lunches or quick dinners later. They taste just as good the next day, promise.
- Fridge storage: Keep leftover Air Fried Cod Fish Recipes in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The fish stays flaky and flavorful when stored right.
- Reheating: Pop your leftover cod in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. Skip the microwave if you can—it makes the fish soft and soggy.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze cooked cod fillets. Let them cool completely, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer-safe bag. Good for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen: No need to thaw. Just toss the frozen fillets into the air fryer at 370°F for 6–8 minutes until hot and crispy again.
- Meal prep containers: Pair your Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod with rice, roasted veggies, or a little salad in your meal prep boxes. Makes weekday lunches a total win.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets in the air fryer?
Yes, you totally can. Just make sure to thaw them first so they cook evenly. I like to pull them out in the morning and let them thaw in the fridge while I am running around doing mom stuff.
Can I use another kind of fish?
For sure. Any white fish works great — tilapia, haddock, or even halibut. I use whatever is on sale honestly. The Air Fryer Fish Recipes work pretty much the same for all of them.
How do I keep the cod from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Just spray a little bit of oil or use parchment paper made for air fryers. Do not skip this step, trust me — I have learned that lesson the messy way.
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod Recipe Card
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets fresh or thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels. This helps them get nice and crispy instead of soggy.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil or melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper seasoning. Stir it all together and brush over both sides of the fish.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the cod fillets in a single layer inside the basket. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top, sprinkle parsley, and serve right away. I like pairing it with rice or roasted veggies.
Notes
Tips
- Dry your fish well before seasoning. That is the secret to that crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each piece space to cook evenly.
- Use parchment paper liners if your fish tends to stick.
- Add a touch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Works with any white fish — like tilapia or haddock!
Variations
- Garlic Butter Cod: Skip the lemon pepper and use garlic powder, melted butter, and parsley.
- Parmesan Crusted Cod: Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese before air frying for a golden crust.
- Herb Lemon Cod: Mix in dried dill or thyme for a fresh, herby twist.
- Cajun Style Cod: Swap lemon pepper for Cajun seasoning if you like a little heat.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make extra! This reheats so well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.If you want to freeze, wrap cooled fillets in parchment and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat until crispy again.
You know, this Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod has kinda become my secret dinner win. It is one of those Air Fried Cod Fish Recipes that saves me when I have no idea what to make, but everyone is already asking what’s for dinner. I love that it tastes fancy, but it is still one of those Cod Fish Recipes Easy enough for weeknights when life feels a little crazy.
The Air Fry Cod Fillets come out so crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. I swear, it is like magic how the air fryer fish always turns out perfect. I have tried a bunch of Air Fryer Cod Fish Recipes, and this one might be one of the Best Cod Fish Recipes I have ever made. It is fresh, lemony, and just feels like sunshine on a plate.
If you are new to Air Fryer Fish Recipes, this is a good one to start with. It is quick, no mess, and totally family-approved. You can even mix it up with other White Fish Recipes or try it as part of your favorite Seafood Recipes lineup. Sometimes I switch it up with different seasonings or sides, and it still comes out amazing.
There is just something about air fried fish that makes dinner feel easier but still special. Maybe it is because the airfryer fish recipe gives that crispy fried taste without all the oil or stress. And honestly, when you are cooking for teens, that is a big deal.
So next time you are thinking about a simple fish dinner, grab your air fryer and try this one. It is one of those Air Fryer Cod Fillets that makes you feel like you totally have it together, even on the wildest nights. Whether you call it airfryer cod recipes, air fryer seafood, or just good old recipes for fish, this one always hits the spot. It is proof that sometimes the easiest meals really are the best.
