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- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika for a milder flavor) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving If you need to swap some ingredients, here are great options: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. - Any white fish can replace cod if you prefer. - Dried herbs can work if you lack fresh parsley. For extra flavor, consider these seasonings: - A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. - Lemon pepper for a zesty twist. - Fresh dill or thyme for a fresh herb taste. These simple swaps can elevate your dish, making it uniquely yours. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by patting the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is key for getting a nice, crispy outside. If the fillets are wet, they won’t crisp up well. Make sure each fillet is about 6 ounces. This size cooks perfectly in the air fryer. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and minced garlic. Add the lemon zest, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture will give your cod a rich flavor. Keep some of this mixture aside for later drizzling. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the cod cook evenly. Brush both sides of the fillets with the garlic butter mixture. Then, place the fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Check the cod around 8 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork when done. Once the cod is cooked, take it out of the air fryer. Drizzle the reserved garlic butter on top of each fillet. Serve the cod right away with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the fish. For a nice touch, place the fillets on a serving platter. You can sprinkle more chopped parsley on top for color. To make your cod crispy, start by drying each fillet well. Use a paper towel to remove moisture. This step helps the fish crisp up in the air fryer. Next, brush the cod generously with the garlic butter mixture. Ensure even coating on both sides. This adds flavor and promotes that golden crust. Cook the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Check the fish at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. When done, it should flake easily and look opaque. One mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the fillets are too close, they won’t cook evenly. Always leave space for air to flow around each piece. Another mistake is skipping the drying step. Wet fish will steam instead of crisping up. Lastly, don’t rush the cooking time. Keep an eye on the fish and trust your senses. Use a fork to check for flakiness, which is key to perfect cod. Set your air fryer to preheat before cooking. This helps the fish start cooking right away. Use a light spray of oil if you prefer extra crispiness. Make sure to brush on enough garlic butter for flavor. Don’t forget to save some butter for drizzling after cooking! Always serve the cod hot with fresh lemon wedges. This adds brightness and a zesty kick to each bite. Pro Tips Pat the Fish Dry: Ensuring the cod fillets are dry before seasoning helps achieve a crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon zest will enhance the overall flavor of the dish significantly compared to dried or pre-packaged alternatives. Check for Doneness: Start checking the cod's doneness at the 8-minute mark to ensure it remains moist and doesn't overcook. Extra Garlic Butter: Drizzling additional garlic butter on the cooked cod before serving adds a rich flavor and makes the dish even more indulgent. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your cod by using different herbs and spices. Try fresh dill for a bright taste. You can also use thyme or basil for a more aromatic dish. If you love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Experiment with flavors to find what you like best! While cod is delicious, you can use other fish too. Try halibut or tilapia for a similar texture. Salmon works well too, but it has a richer taste. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different fish can cook faster or slower than cod. Pair your cod with tasty side dishes to make a complete meal. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients. You can also serve it with a light salad for freshness. For a heartier option, try serving it with quinoa or rice. These sides complement the garlic butter flavor perfectly and make your dish more filling. After enjoying your air fryer cod, let it cool down. Place the cod in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. This method keeps the fish moist and tasty. Avoid leaving it out for too long, as it can spoil quickly. To reheat your leftover cod, use the air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in the basket for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method will keep the cod crispy. Check it often to ensure it doesn't overcook. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry, but it may not be as crispy. If you want to save cod for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze the cod for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should cook cod in an air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Start checking at 8 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the fillets. Always cook until the fish looks opaque throughout. Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. However, they will need extra cooking time. I recommend adding about 5 to 6 minutes to the cooking time. Remember to check for doneness as you cook. If the fillets are very thick, you may need to adjust the time more. Air fryer cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette - Rice or quinoa for a hearty meal - Mashed potatoes for comfort food These sides not only complement the cod but also enhance the meal's overall appeal. Yes, air fryer cod is a healthy choice! It uses less oil than traditional frying methods. Cod is also low in calories and high in protein. The garlic butter adds flavor without overwhelming the dish. Just be mindful of the butter amount to keep it healthy. Enjoy your meal guilt-free! You now know how to make delicious air fryer cod. We covered the right ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. Remember to try different spices and herbs for variety. Don’t forget about storage options to enjoy leftovers later. Air frying makes this dish quick, easy, and tasty. Your meals can be healthy and fun. Experiment with side dishes to complete your plate. Enjoy your tasty air fryer cod and happy cooking!

Air Fryer Cod with Garlic Butter

A delicious and easy recipe for cod fillets cooked in an air fryer with a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika for a milder flavor)
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • as needed lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Begin by patting the cod fillets dry using a paper towel. This crucial step helps achieve a beautifully crispy texture once cooked.
  • In a small mixing bowl, blend together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. You want the mixture to be cohesive and aromatic.
  • Generously brush both sides of the cod fillets with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Set aside a portion of the garlic butter for drizzling on top after cooking.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This ensures the cod cooks evenly and achieves a perfect texture.
  • Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space in between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
  • Cook the cod in the air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. Check for doneness around the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
  • Once the cod is cooked to perfection, gently remove the fillets from the air fryer. Drizzle the reserved garlic butter over the top of each fillet for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Serve the dish immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges for a tangy squeeze over the cod.

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle reserved garlic butter over the cooked cod before serving.
Keyword air fryer, cod, garlic butter, seafood