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5-Minute Air Fryer Cod That’s Crispy and Flaky

5-Minute Air Fryer Cod That’s Crispy and Flaky

Tender cod fillets are rubbed with olive oil and a savory paprika-garlic seasoning, then air-fried until flaky with a lightly crisp outside. Thin fillets may cook in as little as 5–7 minutes, while thicker pieces generally need 8–12 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 fillets, 5-6 ounces each Cod fillets, thawed and patted very dry
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
For Serving
  • 1/2 lemon Lemon, cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon, optional Fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if your model requires preheating. Pat the thawed cod completely dry with paper towels, then brush or rub each fillet with olive oil.
  2. Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of each cod fillet.
  3. Arrange the cod in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, leaving space around each piece. Air-fry at 400°F for 8–12 minutes, checking thin fillets after 5 minutes.
  4. Cook until the cod flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. Remove it promptly to prevent the lean fish from drying, then serve with lemon wedges and optional parsley.

Notes

Dry cod thoroughly so it air-fries rather than steams, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Thin fillets may be done in 5–7 minutes, while standard fillets usually take 8–12 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat gently.