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My fish cooking game changed completely when I found out about Air Fryer Cod. After trying tons of different ways to cook this tender fish, I now know the air fryer makes it super flaky and juicy without much work. The quick hot air locks in all the natural taste while giving you a light golden outside you just can't get when you bake it normally.
The first batch I made for my family who usually don't go for fish left them totally surprised by the clean, fresh flavor. Getting it right comes down to how you prep it and watching the temperature.
Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice
- Cod Fillets: Go for chunky white pieces without any grayish spots
- Olive Oil: Pick the light kind since it handles high heat better
- Paprika: Either sweet or smoky varieties will do the trick
- Garlic Powder: Don't use fresh garlic as it'll burn, the powder gives steady flavor
- Lemons: Grab the real thing for serving, skip the bottled stuff
- Fresh Herbs: They're not a must but they'll make it prettier and tastier
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Getting Your Fish Ready:
- Wipe fillets totally dry. Look over them for bones and take them out. Leave them out for 10 minutes. Add your seasonings right before cooking. Coat all sides evenly with oil.
- How to Season:
- Stir dry spices together first. Mix them with your oil so they spread better. Put the coating on carefully but fully. Make sure you cover every part. Let it stick for a few minutes.
- Setting Up Your Air Fryer:
- Heat it all the way to 200°C/390°F. Give the basket a light oil spray. Put the fish pieces with room between them. Don't stuff too many in at once. Put the thicker ends toward the back.
- While It Cooks:
- First time, take a peek at 8 minutes. Watch for it starting to turn less clear. Test it with a fork to see if it flakes. Try not to cook it too long. After it's done, let it sit in there for 2 minutes.
- Ready to Eat:
- Lift it out with a flat tool. Squeeze some fresh lemon over it. Throw on some fresh herbs. Eat it right away. Have extra lemon pieces ready.
My go-to move on busy nights is getting everything ready while the air fryer heats up, so once it's hot, the actual cooking part goes super fast.
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This Air Fryer Cod has become my go-to answer for fast, good-for-you dinners. When you put together perfectly cooked fish with basic seasonings, you get a flexible meal that goes well with any side dish. Whether you're just starting to cook fish or you've been doing it forever, this way of cooking gives you amazing results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I tell if the cod is cooked?
- It should be white, not translucent, and break apart easily with a fork after about 10-12 minutes.
- → Why dry the cod with paper towels?
- It helps the seasoning stick better, and the fish will cook more evenly.
- → What’s the right air fryer temperature for cod?
- Set it to 200°C/390°F and check around 10-12 minutes.
- → Can I try other spices with cod?
- Absolutely! Customize spices to match your favorite flavors.
- → Do the fillets need space in the air fryer?
- Yes, keep them in one layer without overlapping so they cook right.