Air-Fryer Cod

Everyone with an air fryer knows that it’s great at making crispy appetizers or reheating leftover pizza, but it’s also a tool that can be instrumental in making healthy meals. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner option, fire up the air fryer to make simple, satisfying and juicy cod. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious, flaky fish entree that’s full of flavor, and the way the heat of the air fryer surrounds delicate fish fillets gives them a perfectly tender texture.

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Cod

• Fat-free Italian salad dressing: The salad dressing acts as the base of the marinade, providing moisture and tangy flavor to the cod while also helping the spices adhere.
• Sugar: Just a bit of sugar adds a hint of sweetness that balances the acidity of the salad dressing and enhances the overall flavor.
• Spices: Garlic powder contributes a savory, pungent flavor that complements the mild taste of the cod. Curry powder adds a warm, earthy spice that adds depth and complexity to the dish, and paprika imparts a subtle smokiness and a hint of color.
• Cod fillets: Cod is a mild, flaky fish that absorbs the flavors of the marinade well and becomes juicy and tender when cooked.
• Butter: A bit of butter melts over the cooked fish, adding richness and a smooth, savory finish.

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the cod

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. In a shallow bowl, mix the Italian salad dressing, sugar, salt, garlic powder, curry powder, paprika and pepper. Add the cod, turning to coat. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Air-fry the cod

Place the marinated cod fillets in a single layer on a greased tray in the air-fryer basket, then discard any remaining marinade. Cook the fish until it just begins to flake easily with a fork, 8 to 10 minutes. Top it with butter.

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Air-Fryer Cod Variations

• Swap the seasoning: Use lemon pepper and dill weed in place of the curry powder and paprika for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Add bread crumbs: Coat the marinated cod with panko bread crumbs and spritz them with cooking spray before air-frying to give the fish a crispy, golden crust.
• Use another dressing: Replace the Italian dressing with lemon vinaigrette or green goddess dressing for a tangy or creamy profile.

How to Store Air-Fryer Cod

To store leftover air-fryer cod, let the fillets cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate the fish for up to three days.

How do you reheat air-fryer cod?

The best way to reheat air-fryer cod is to put it back in an air fryer or oven, set at 350°, to warm the fish through, helping crisp the exterior while ensuring the inside stays moist.

Air-Fryer Cod Tips

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Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fillets for this cod air-fryer recipe, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you cook them while frozen, the exterior surface of the fish will overcook before the frozen interior cooks through. The best way to thaw frozen cod fish is to place the fillets in the refrigerator overnight or, in a pinch, use the quick-thaw method by submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can add the frozen fillets to the marinade and marinate them for longer until defrosted.

Can I make this recipe with a different type of fish?

You can absolutely use a different fish with this recipe. In general, any medium-thick fish fillet will work with this method. If you’re cooking thinner fillets, such as tilapia, you may need to decrease the cook time. For thicker fillets, such as halibut, simply increase the cook time as needed until they register at least 145° at the thickest part.

What side dishes go well with air-fried cod?

This simple recipe for cod in the air fryer is a great blank slate that pairs well with any number of side dishes. Give it some staying power by adding a carbohydrate such as garlic mashed red potatoes or lemon rice pilaf. It’s also delicious with light, simple vegetable sides such as grilled asparagus or cucumber tomato salad.