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Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cod

This healthy air fryer cod recipe is super fast and easy to prepare. It is loaded with a tasty lemon pepper flavor but features no breading, making it a great protein base for keto, Paleo, and low carb diets.

Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cod on a bed of greens in a dark dish.

If you’re casting for a lean, protein-packed, easy fish to cook, take a look at cod.

It’s a meaty white fish with a mild flavor, making it extremely versatile when it comes to flavor pairings.

While cod can be cooked in a variety of methods–like this Lemongrass Poached Cod recipe–air frying might be one of the best ways to prepare it.

Hot air from the air fryer oven cooks up the cod extremely fast. The result is some tender and flaky cod without much risk of it getting tough and overcooked.

With a cooking time of under 15 minutes, it’s a great choice for busy weeknights when you don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.

So grab some fresh fish and fire up the air fryer. In cod we trust!

Ingredients

For this simple recipe you’ll need:

  • cod fillets: this recipe is designed for two cod fillets, or about a 3/4 pound of cod. you can also use cod loin, but will need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the cut.
  • lemon pepper seasoning: definitely check out the labels on lemon pepper blends to make sure there is no sugar, gluten, or weird food dyes hiding in there. One brand I recommend is Frontier Co-Op’s.
  • garlic powder
  • dried parsley flakes: I think dried parsley adds a little more concentrated flavor, but you can totally substitute with some chopped fresh parsley.
  • paprika: optional, but I like the flavor and color it brings to the mix.
  • fresh lemon slices
  • flaky sea salt
  • extra virgin olive oil spray: regular olive oil or another non-stick spray works just as well.
Overhead image of Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cod ingredients on a wooden table.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cod

Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F.

Combine the lemon pepper, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, and salt together in a small mixing bowl.

Close up of spices blended together in a small green bowl.

Pat the pieces of cod dry with a paper towel, then lightly coat both sides with olive oil spray or a little bit of oil.

Sprinkle the seasoning over the cod, then evenly rub it all over the fillets.

Image of a hand seasoning two cod fillets with a lemon pepper spice blend.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little more olive oil, then place the fish fillets in a single layer into the basket . Place a couple thin lemon slices on top of the cod.

Image of seasoned cod fillets in an air fryer basket topped with lemon slices.

Cook the cod for about 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F on a meat thermometer, or the fillets easily flake apart with a fork.

Close up of a meat thermometer reading 145°F.

What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cod

This easy air fryer cod can serve as a base for a number of healthy dinners.

Fork flaking cooked Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cod surrounded by greens in a dark dish.

A few suggestions are:

  • serve on a bed of greens with lemon wedges , tomatoes, and other veggies for a tasty cod salad
  • roasted potatoes or french fries make a great accompaniment–especially with a side of tartar sauce
  • serve the cod with some sautéed summer squash and/or zucchini for a complete low carb meal

More Tasty Air Fryer Recipes

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5 from 3 votes

Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cod

This healthy air fryer cod recipe is super fast and easy to prepare. It is loaded with a tasty lemon pepper flavor but features no breading, making it a great protein base for keto, Paleo, and low carb diets.
Course Main Course
Cuisine pescatarian
Keyword air fryer, keto, Paleo
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Author The Sophisticated Caveman

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 2 (6 ounce) cod fillets
  • extra virgin olive oil cooking spray
  • 4 lemon slices

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Combine the dried parsley, lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt together in a small bowl and mix until well blended.
  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then lightly coat the cod with cooking spray. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the fish, rubbing it over both sides until the fillets are evenly coated.
  • Coat the bottom of the air fryer basket with more cooking spray, then place the cod fillets in. Top each fillet with two lemon slices.
  • Cook for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F or it easily flakes apart with a fork.
Tried this recipe?Mention @sophisticatedcaveman or tag #sophisticatedcaveman on Instagram!

Equipment

  • air fryer

The ingredient or equipment sections above may contain affiliate links to products that I personally use or recommend!

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Recipe Rating




Idana

Saturday 28th of January 2023

Liked the flavor combo a lot. I used crushed red pepper instead of black pepper for more heat. I also left off the lemon slices. It was really good! Will make again!

Debbie

Thursday 9th of March 2023

@Idana, I dont even see black pepper as an ingredient!

The Sophisticated Caveman

Monday 30th of January 2023

Love the red pepper addition!! Thanks so much for the comment!

Bonnie

Friday 29th of July 2022

The cod came out so tender & flakey. The flavor was outstanding!

The Sophisticated Caveman

Thursday 4th of August 2022

Glad you enjoyed it, Bonnie!!