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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cod
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.
Equipment
- air fryer
The ingredient or equipment sections above may contain affiliate links to products that I personally use or recommend!
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!!