Air Fryer Cod with Dipping Sauce

5 from 1 vote

Posted by Dan from Platter Talk

Updated Jul 16, 2025

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Air Fryer Cod is a flaky, flavorful fish recipe that’s ready in just minutes, making it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights. As a bonus, this easy air fryer cod recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy fresh fish without deep frying.

If you’re craving a light and crispy seafood dish that’s ready to eat in under 20 minutes, this easy low-carb meal is a must-try!

A dish of air fryer cod with broccoli and carrots.

🔍 Quick Look: Air Fryer Cod Recipe

  • ⏱️ Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • 🍳 Cook Time: 10–12 minutes (plus 2 minutes to rest)
  • 🕒 Total Time: 20–22 minutes
  • 👥 Servings: 2–3
  • 📊 Calories: ~636 kcal per serving (based on nutrition panel)
  • 🔥 Cook Method: Lightly brushed olive oil + dry rub of garlic, onion, smoked paprika in air fryer at 400 °F
  • ❄️ Frozen Cod: ✅ Thaw completely, pat dry, then season and air fry
  • 👩‍🍳 Flavor Profile: Crispy & smoky with a zesty mayo–pickle relish dipping sauce
  • ⭐ Difficulty: Easy, making it great for busy weeknight dinners

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Why you’ll love this family favorite recipe!

A man in a chefs jacket.
  • Crispy Texture, No Deep Fryer: The hot air in your air fryer oven creates the crunch you crave with a fraction of the oil.
  • Fast and Fuss-Free: From fridge to dinner table in under 25 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
  • Flavor Versatility: Use this same technique for other healthy seafood dishes like Crispy Air Fryer Rock Fish, Buttery Air Fryer Scallops, and Juicy Air Fryer

Table of Contents

Featured Comment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am not usually a fish person. However, this was light tasting and delicious. I will make it again! -Scott B.

Ingredient Notes

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities

Packed with lean protein and made without heavy breading, this air fryer cod is a great option for light dinners, Whole30, or low-carb lifestyles.

  • Cod Fillets: Look for thick (1-inch) fresh or frozen cod fillets or cod loins from grocery stores. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before seasoning. Be sure to use cod fillets of the same thickness for even cooking.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds color and a slightly smoky kick—use non-smoked if preferred.
  • Dipping Sauce: A simple blend of mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish that beats any store-bought tartar sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Fish Substitutes: Try this method with other white fish recipes, such as air-fried halibut, bass fillets, or even air-fried tilapia. Adjust the cooking time slightly for thinner fillets.
  • Coating Options: Swap the dry rub for a panko mixture with parmesan cheese for extra crunch, like our oven-baked panko chicken, or try corn flakes for a unique twist.
  • Seasoning Swaps: Occasionally, I use Old Bay seasoning, Cajun spices, or a dash of cayenne pepper to customize the flavor of this recipe.
  • Make it for Fish Tacos: Flake the cooked cod into warm tortillas and top with slaw for easy fish tacos.

Pro Air Fryer Tips

  • For the crispiest results, cook the cod in a single layer and don’t overcrowd the basket.
  • Be sure to use cod fillets that have an even thickness for uniform cooking.

How to Make Cod in the Air Fryer

Using a paper towel to pat dry some fish fillets.
A spoon, mixing some seasoning in a small bowl.
  1. Prep the Cod: Bring your cod filets to room temperature. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This is the key to crispy air fryer cod.
  2. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried onion flakes, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
Brushing olive oil on to some fish fillets.
Coating cod fillets with a dry seasoning rub.
  1. Coat the Cod: Brush each cod fillet with olive oil.
  2. Apply the Dry Rub: Generously coat the cod with the dry seasoning mix. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees F. Not preheating an air fryer is one of the most common mistakes that people make when using one of these. It’s never a good idea to put raw food in a cold oven! Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or lightly grease with cooking spray.
Three fish fillets in an air fryer basket.
Some fish cooking in an air fryer basket.
  1. Cook the Fish: Place cod fillets in a single layer.
  2. Cook for 6 minutes. Then flip and continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
Stirring some mayonnaise, relish, and mustard in a small bowl.
Garnishing some fish with chopped chives.
  1. Make the Optional Dipping Sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients and stir together.
  2. Serve: Garnish with green onions, a slice of lemon, or fresh parsley, and pair with dipping sauce.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cod

Pair this flaky fish with your favorite sides for a well-rounded main dish. Some of our go-to options include:

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A piece of golden fish, split open and flakey.

Recipe Questions and Answers

How do I know when cod is done in the air fryer?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Cod is fully cooked when it reaches 145 degrees F and flakes easily with a fork.

Can I make frozen cod in the air fryer?

Yes, but thaw it completely under cold water or in the fridge before seasoning. Cooking frozen cod without thawing often results in uneven texture. If using frozen cod for this air fryer recipe, you’ll want to add an extra 2 to 5 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I store leftover air fryer cod?

Store leftover fish fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer for best results.

By blending fresh flavor with a short cook time and minimal cleanup, this crispy air fryer cod is one of our favorite ways to prepare white fish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a main dish for guests at the dinner table, this easy recipe hits all the right notes.

A baking dish of air fryer cod with broccoli.

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A piece of golden air fryer cod in a baking dish.
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Air Fryer Cod with Dipping Sauce

5 from 1 vote
This easy air fryer cod recipe makes flaky, golden fish fillets in just 10–12 minutes. Seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion flakes, it's a healthy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce made from mayo, lemon juice, and relish for a quick and flavorful main dish.
Prep: 8 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 18 minutes
Yield: 2

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Equipment

Ingredients 

For the Cod

  • 12 oz thawed Cod Fillets, about 1-inch thick, divided in 2.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika, or non-smoked
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried Onion Flakes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 sliced Green Onion to garnish

For the Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons sweet Pickle Relish
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard, or yellow mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Instructions 

  • Pat Cod Fillets dry with paper towel. Brush both sides with oil.
  • In a small bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients. (substitute favorite spices as desired.)
  • Coat Cod Fillets with the dry mixture well, and allow to marinate and absorb spices for 5 minutes, while you preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  • Grease air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray. Place Cod Fillets in air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes, then turn additional 4-6 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy. over and cook an
  • While Cod is cooking, mix Dipping Sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and stir together.
  • Garnish Cod Fillets with sliced Green Onions as desired.

Notes

My Top 3 Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Cod

    1. Pat the cod dry with a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture before seasoning.
    2. Cook cod in a single layer and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. (Be sure to use fillets with an even thickness!)
    3. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature hits 145 degrees F.

Nutrition

Calories: 636kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 51g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 97mg, Sodium: 1979mg, Potassium: 1334mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1895IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 238mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @plattertalk or tag #plattertalk!

Nutrient information is provided as a courtesy and based on available nutrient data. It should not be considered medical advice or a medically restrictive diet.

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About Dan from Platter Talk

Dan Zehr is a recipe developer, food photographer, and home cooking expert who has shared tested family recipes on Platter Talk since 2013. Some of the many publications his work has been featured in include Good Housekeeping, Reader’s Digest, and Home Beautiful. Dan has created award-winning recipes for brands like Tyson’s Chicken and has appeared in numerous cooking TV segments and contributed to various cookbooks and curated food collections.

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5 from 1 vote

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1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    I am not usually a fish person. However, this was light tasting and delicious. I will make it again!

    Reply