This Air Fryer Cod fish recipe is moist, flaky, and topped with a homemade garlic herb compound butter. Tender cod fish filets are what you get when you make this easy Air fryer cod recipe. It is made with simple ingredients and makes a great easy weeknight dinner that is healthy too.
Air Fryer Cod Fish Filets with Homemade Garlic Butter
I love my air fryer. I love being able to cook healthy dinners without to much work. Using the air fryer you can make the easiest flaky cod that is full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. That’s why this recipe Air Fryer Cod fish Filets with Homemade Garlic Butter is one of my favorites.
Cooking this cod fish recipe in the air fryer is the perfect alternative to frying or baking cod fish filets. This easy recipe tastes just as good if not better than what you get at your favorite restaurant. You get a baked cod fish style fish filet while having the ease of cooking the cod fish in the air fryer. We love making this simple recipe for dinner when we are wanting a healthy and tasty dinner.
This easy Air fryer fish recipe is easy enough to make on a weeknight, but fancy enough for company too! Pair it with my Twice baked potatoes Recipe to make everyone smile. You won’t believe how simple it is to make these cod filets in your air fryer. The best part is that they’re ready in less than 30 minutes!
Plus, there’s no mess or fuss involved – just pop fish filets into the basket and let the air fryer do all of the work while you prep side dishes or set the table. Serve them up with some mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for an amazing meal everyone will enjoy!
Tasty Seafood recipes
- Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Shrimp
- Shrimp Alfredo Recipe with Zoodles
- Cajun Shrimp Boil
- Oven Baked Salmon
Tips for Making Cod Fish in the Air Fryer
Use fresh fish or frozen fish. As fish lovers we prefer to use fresh fish any time we are having it for dinner, including this cod fish recipe but you can also use frozen fish that has been thawed.
Use Olive oil cooking spray. For best results you want to use olive oil cooking spray on the air fryer basket so that the fish filets do not stick to the basket when they are cooking.
Single layer in the air Fryer basket. It is important to put the pieces of cod in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Variations to This cod Fish Recipe
I love this cod recipe. It has the most amazing flavors and it gets so flaky cooked in the air fryer. If you want to make variations to this recipe you can use, Lime Zest and Lime Juice, and Parsley. When you are making the garlic butter, you can also use paprika, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. You can also add 1 Tablespoon of capers with the juice of half a lemon for this recipe too.
Dried herbs may be substituted for fresh herbs but the flavor will not be as robust. You will likely need to increase the amount if using dried herbs.
What to Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Cod Fish
There are lots of options for side dishes that go great with this Air Fryer Cod fillet recipe. Depending on how much time you have and your family’s side dish preferences you can serve the things your family enjoys.
I always try to serve a rice side dish, a veggie and a salad. Here are a few of our favorite side dishes to go with this cod fish recipe:
- Broccoli, green beans, honey garlic carrots, or Zucchini Fritters
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes, crispy smashed potatoes, or Hasselback Potatoes.
- If you want to have a lot carb version, you can make cauliflower mash, air fryer cauliflower or zoodles.
- Tater tots or steak fries
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Garlic Rice, Baked Rice, or Parmesan Rice
- There are so many different types of Pasta Recipes that you can serve with this fish recipe
- Homemade Garlic Butter (recipe included) or Tartar Sauce
How to Serve Air Fryer Cod
You can serve as is with the side dishes that you want to. Once it is done cooking, Squeeze a lemon and sprinkle the lemon juice on top of the cod and garnish with extra fresh herbs (optional) and add salt and pepper if desired.
This white fish is also great for using when you are making fish tacos or when making a fish sandwich.
What is compound butter?
Compound butter is also known as flavored butter, has many uses in the kitchen. It’s great for melting over steaks to add flavor. But it can also be used over fish like this recipe, to add flavor and richness without overpowering the delicate flavors of the fish itself. This is one of the easiest garlic butter recipe you will ever make.
How long to cook cod in air fryer
The cooking time for air frying fish is much less than baking it in the oven and it only takes 6 to 8 minutes to cook the cod fish fillets in an air fryer.
How can I tell if the fish is cooked
The best way to tell if the fish is cooked through is by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the filet. If it reads 145 degrees, then it’s ready! If you do not have a thermometer to check the temperature of the fish, you can also tell that fish is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork.
How to store cooked cod filets Leftovers
Once the Air Fryer Cod Filets have cooled, you want to place the leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The cod will last for 1 to 2 days. While the cod won’t have the same crunchiness as it does when it is first made, it is still delicious.
Can I Freeze Leftovers of this cod fish recipe?
You do not want to freeze the leftovers. The fish is best served right away and eaten fresh, although it can be reheated a day or 2 later. Freezing the fish will make it unappealing.
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
You can use fresh or frozen cod fillets when you make this recipe. If you are using frozen cod fillets, you will want to make sure the fillets are thawed completely.
What if my cod is sticking to the basket?
If you are having issues with your cod sticking to the basket, you can spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray before adding the fish.
Is it okay for cooked fish to sit out at room temperature?
No, you should not leave cooked fish at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always keep your cooked seafood cold in the refrigerator or on ice.
What is the Best Air Fryer?
There are many different air fryers out there, amongst our team of foodies our favorites are the Cuisinart Air Fryer and convection oven combo, Power XL Pro and the Ninja Foodi 9-in-One. If you don’t have either of them you can use the air fryer you have, but if you are looking to get started with cooking food in an air fryer then our suggestion is that you want to get one of those.
Air Fryer Cod Fish Ingredients
- Fresh Cod fish Filets
- Unsalted Butter
- garlic
- Lemon Zest
- Lemon Juice
- Fresh Dill
- Fresh Chives
- Kosher Salt (split
- Black Pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Cod Filets
Before making the cod fish you will need to make the compound butter. I like to make compound butter and keep it in the fridge for the times I know I am going to need it.
How to Make Garlic Compound Butter
Bring 1/2 a cup of butter to room temperature before getting started making the compound flavored butter.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Mince 2 Tablespoons of fresh dill and 2 Tablespoons of fresh chives.
Add the softened butter to a small bowl along with the minced garlic, the zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of minced dill, 2 tablespoons minced chives, and ⅛ teaspoons kosher salt and pepper to the butter.
Stir all of the ingredients until they are well combined.
Place a piece of plastic cling wrap on the counter or a flat surface. Place the butter mixture on the plastic wrap and form it into the shape of a log. Roll the butter tightly in the plastic wrap, squeeze the ends, and place the butter in the fridge to harden.
It should take 1-2 hours for the butter to harden.
How to Cook Air Fryer Cod Fish
If using frozen cod, allow it to thaw completely before cooking. Thaw 2 pounds of cod (if frozen), and thoroughly pat each filet dry with paper towels (patting the fish dry will help prevent it from becoming rubbery as it cooks).
Season each piece of cod generously on both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
Remove the hardened compound butter from the fridge and cut a portion of it with a knife. Place a pat of the compound butter on each fillet of cod.
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to avoid the fish fillets from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Place as many cod fillets into the Air Fryer as will fit comfortably in a single layer (do not overcrowd the basket).
Heat the Air Fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 6-8 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the cod and the model of Air Fryer Used. (The safe internal temperature for fish is 145 degrees Fahrenheit and may be checked using a food thermometer).
Once the cod is finished cooking (being careful not to overcook it), remove it from the Air Fryer and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining cod.
Tasty Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella sticks
- Easy Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Air Fryer Cheddar Biscuits
- Air Fryer Crunch Wrap Supreme
- Garlic Lime Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Hard boiled eggs cooked in the air fryer
- Air Fryer Steak
- Air Fryer whole chicken
Air Fryer Cod Fillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Cod Filets
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter 1 stick
- 2 cloves garlic
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Dill
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Chives
- ½ teaspoon Kosher
- Salt split
- ½ teaspoon Pepper split
Instructions
How to Make Air Fryer Cod Fish with Garlic Butter
- Make the compound butter and then put it in the fridge before getting started prepping the cod fillets.
- If using frozen cod, allow it to thaw completely before cooking. Thaw 2 pounds of cod (if frozen), and thoroughly pat each filet dry with paper towels (patting the fish dry will help prevent it from becoming rubbery as it cooks).
- Season each piece of cod generously on both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
- Remove the hardened compound butter from the fridge and cut a portion of it with a knife. Place a pat of the compound butter on each fillet of cod.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to avoid the fish fillets from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Place as many cod fillets into the Air Fryer as will fit comfortably in a single layer (do not overcrowd the basket).
- Heat the Air Fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 6-8 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the cod and the model of Air Fryer Used. (The safe internal temperature for fish is 145 degrees Fahrenheit and may be checked using a food thermometer).
- Once the cod is finished cooking (being careful not to overcook it), remove it from the Air Fryer and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining cod.
How to Make Garlic Compound Butter
- Bring 1/2 a cup of butter to room temperature before getting started making the compound flavored butter.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Mince 2 Tablespoons of fresh dill and 2 Tablespoons of fresh chives.
- Add the softened butter to a small bowl along with the minced garlic, the zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of minced dill, 2 tablespoons minced chives, and ⅛ teaspoons kosher salt and pepper to the butter.
- Stir all of the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Place a piece of plastic cling wrap on the counter or a flat surface. Place the butter mixture on the plastic wrap and form it into the shape of a log. Roll the butter tightly in the plastic wrap, squeeze the ends, and place the butter in the fridge to harden.
- It should take 1-2 hours for the butter to harden.
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