Name: Crispy Air Fryer Cod Fillets
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) (fresh or thawed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt (reduce for low sodium); 1 lemon, juiced and sliced; cooking spray; fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Last summer, I had this craving for fish and chips that hit hard after a beach day with friends. But frying up a storm in my tiny kitchen? No thanks—the smell lingers forever. That’s when I fired up my Ninja air fryer for these crispy air fryer cod fillets. One bite, and the flaky, golden goodness had everyone begging for seconds. It’s the best way to cook cod fillets without the guilt, packing that crunch we love in low-sodium fish recipes.

I’ve tweaked this over months, testing how to air fry cod fillets just right—crispy outside, tender inside. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want air fryer Ninja crispi recipes that impress. No deep fryer mess, just pure flavor from simple spices. Ready in 15 minutes, these healthy cod fillet recipes fit right into my rotation.

How to Cook Fish in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Patience pays off here. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F—that hot blast is key for the crust. Grab fresh cod fillets; frozen works too but thaw first for best results. Brush with olive oil, then hit ’em with paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Low-sodium fans, skip extra salt—the fish shines on its own.

Air fry cod fish recipes like this need space, so don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook 10-12 minutes, no flipping needed. The edges crisp up golden, filling your kitchen with that irresistible seafood aroma. Squeeze lemon over top for zing—trust me, it transforms everything.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Cod Fillets

4 cod fillets (6 oz each, fresh or thawed frozen cod fillets)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (for low sodium fish recipes, reduce or omit)
1 lemon, juiced and sliced
Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil spray)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These air fryer recipes fish staples keep it simple. Cod’s mild taste soaks up the spices beautifully, making every bite flaky perfection. Serves 4, ready fast.

Best Way to Cook Cod Fillets: Air Fryer Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels moisture kills crispiness.
In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.
Brush fillets with olive oil, then rub spice mix evenly on both sides.
Spray basket lightly with cooking spray. Place fillets in a single layer.
Air fry 10-12 minutes until internal temp hits 145°F and edges are golden.
Drizzle with lemon juice, garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

First time? Watch for doneness cod flakes easily when ready. This method nails how to air fry cod fillets every time, healthier than pan-frying.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fry Cod Fish Recipes

Don’t skip drying the fish; it’s the secret to that Ninja-level crunch in air fryer Ninja crispi recipes. Use room-temp fillets for even cooking. Spritz oil midway if needed, but sparingly—too much, and it’s soggy. Pair with tartar sauce or aioli for dipping heaven.

Thicker fillets? Add 2 minutes.
Frozen? No preheat, cook 14-16 minutes straight from freezer.
Ninja air fryer? Basket size matters—cook in batches for air flow.

Variations on Crispy Air Fryer Cod Fillets

Mix it up! For blackened style, swap paprika for Cajun seasoning in these cod filet recipes healthy. Panko crust? Dip in egg, coat with panko and parmesan before frying—extra crispy. Lemon herb? Add dill and thyme for fresh twist on air fryer recipes fish.

Blackened cod: Use low-sodium Cajun mix.
Breaded: 1/2 cup panko + 1/4 cup parmesan.
Asian-inspired: Soy sauce glaze, sesame seeds.
Mediterranean: Oregano, feta crumble post-cook.

Troubleshooting Air Fryer Cod Fillets

Not crispy? Basket was too crowded—air needs to circulate. Soggy fish? Pat drier next time or lower oil. Overcooked? Use a thermometer; cod dries out fast. If it’s tough, reduce time by a minute.

Ingredient Substitutions for Low Sodium Fish Recipes

Cod swap: Tilapia, haddock, or pollock work great.
No olive oil? Avocado oil or melted butter.
Spice-free? Lemon pepper seasoning only.
Gluten-free? Skip breading or use almond flour.
Extra healthy: Add chili flakes for metabolism boost, no false claims.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Leftovers? Cool completely, store in airtight container up to 2 days in fridge. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes—crisp revives! Freeze cooked fillets up to 1 month; thaw overnight. Serve with roasted veggies, rice, or coleslaw. Fish tacos? Flake into tortillas with slaw—game changer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes! Air fry straight from frozen at 400°F for 14-16 minutes. No thawing needed for convenience.

What’s the best temperature for air fryer cod?

400°F gives the crispiest results. Lower to 370°F for thicker pieces.

Is this recipe low sodium?

Absolutely—minimal salt makes it ideal for low sodium fish recipes. Adjust to taste.

How long do air fryer cod fillets take?

Prep 5 mins, cook 10-12 mins. Total under 20 minutes!

Can I bread the cod?

Sure, dip in egg then panko for extra crunch. Adds 2-3 minutes cook time.

What sides pair with this?

Fries, salad, or quinoa. Tartar sauce elevates it.