• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fearless Dining
  • New? Start Here
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
  • GF Resources
    • Pantry
  • Welcome! Are You Ready To Start Living Gluten Free?
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Recipes
  • My Pantry
  • Cookbooks
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Recipes
  • My Pantry
  • Cookbooks
  • About
×

Home » Recipes » Seafood Recipes

Quick & Easy Air Fryer Cod

Published: Mar 7, 2022 · Modified: May 26, 2022 by Sandi Gaertner · 30 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

  • Facebook
  • Yummly
Jump to Recipe

Cod is a light fish everyone, including the kids, will love. This tender flaky air fryer cod has slight crispiness on the outside from cooking in the air fryer and it stays moist and juicy inside.

a white plate with a piece of air fried cod. The serving platter of cod is behind the plate
Jump To:
  • Why This Cod Recipe Is Great:
  • Ingredient Notes:
  • How To Thaw Frozen Fish
  • How To Make Air Fryer Cod:
  • Which gluten free flour is best for frying?
  • Baking directions:
  • Sides To Serve With Cod:
  • Storage:
  • Tips and Recipe FAQ:
  • Reader Raves:
  • More air fryer recipes to try:
  • Recipe
  • Comments

Cod is one of the most mild-flavored white fish. It is a great variety of fish to introduce kids to eating fish. We love it because it is also one of the more inexpensive types of fish, so it is great if you are on a budget!

We take the budget seriously here because gluten free can be so expensive. Here are many great budget gluten free recipes to check out if you are also sticking to a budget.

If you haven't made fish in your air fryer yet, you are missing out! You get the taste of fried fish without all the calories of frying fish.

Top Pick
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT Max Xl Large Cooker
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT Max Xl Large Cooker

I had a smaller 3.4 quart Corsori Air Fryer, but they no longer make the one I own. I am recommending the larger version of the air fryer I have. The size is much better for a large family than the smaller air fryer. It frequently goes on sale so keep an eye out for sales!

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

My air fryer is a Corsori 3.4 quart fryer, but they no longer make this small air fryer. I love this fryer, and clean-up is really easy. In hindsight, I really wish I had bought the larger 5.8 quart size because I can only fry two pieces of fish at a time in my small unit.

No matter what size air fryer you have, you can make this air fryer cod fish recipe in any. I also include oven directions for those who do not own an air fryer.

We tried it in our Air fryer absolutely loved it. The fish we used was cod it came out nice & flakey, crunchy not greasy."

Diana C., Pinterest User

Why This Cod Recipe Is Great:

  1. Cod is one of the few white fish types that my kids will eat. It is flaky and mild and so easy to cook.
  2. This recipe is really easy to make with very few ingredients.
  3. Cod absorbs flavor from the seasoning easily, and it tastes incredible.
  4. This easy meal cooks in just 10-12 minutes!

One bite is all it will take for you to add this easy, flavorful dinner recipe to your weekly rotation! If your kids love this cod, they will also love this kid-friendly gluten free cod fettuccine alfredo dinner recipe!

You can check out the air fryer cod story I created for more!

Ingredient Notes:

  • Cod - Use fillets that are deboned. (Most cod you buy in the grocery store should be boneless.) You can use fresh or frozen and thawed cod for this recipe.
  • Gluten free flour blend - You can use any blend for this; it doesn't have to have xanthan gum.
  • Seasonings - Paprika, garlic powder, and cajun seasonings. (Always double-check ingredients if you are gluten free.) I used Zatarain's Cajun Seasoning, but you can also use Old Bay seasoning.

How To Thaw Frozen Fish

If your cod is frozen, you must defrost it before dipping it into the seasoning mix. Here are two ways to thaw your cod:

  1. Place the frozen cod in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. This is the easiest method but also the slowest. If you are looking for a faster method, you will want to do the second option.
  2. Remove the frozen cod from the outer packaging, but leave the cod in the inner wrapping. Place the fish in a bowl of warm water. Let the fish soak for 15-20 minutes. You can refresh the water with warmer water. Do not use boiling hot water.

How To Make Air Fryer Cod:

the cod coating mix in a bowl ready to mix.

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F. In a large bowl, add the garlic powder, paprika, cajun seasonings (I used Zaitarins brand), sea salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk to blend the fish coating mix together.

a cod filet in the fish coating mix

Step 2: Remove the codfish from the package and pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Double-check to make sure there are no bones.

Tips for Seasoning The Cod

  • Dip the fish into the coating and ensure you get the flour seasoning mixture on both sides.
  • Don't overcrowd the fish while coating it in the seasoning mix. Dip one fillet at a time. Be sure every bit of the fish is coated.

NOTE: If you have frozen cod, you must defrost the fish before coating it in the seasoning. See above for tips to thaw the cod.

Which gluten free flour is best for frying?

You can use quite a few different gluten free flour blends and regular flour in this recipe. I used a combination of King Arthur GF Measure for Measure and plantain flour. You can easily use regular flour, corn, or rice flour instead of plantain flour.

You can also use flours like Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flour in the red bag. It contains bean flours which are great for savory dishes.

using an oil sprayer to spray the seasoned cod in the air fryer.

Step 3: Place the fish in a single layer into an oiled air fryer basket. Be sure the cod fillets are not touching each other. You want the hot air to circulate around all areas of the fish.

Spray the top of the fish with light oil. This light spray of oil helps crisp up the outside of the fish, and it also helps seal in the flavor!

If you are wondering what oils are best to use, you can check out my easy Air Fryer Oil guide. Using the right oil is critical to avoid off-flavors in your air-fried foods.

a spatula lifting a piece of cod out of the air fryer.

Step 4: Cook at 360º F for 6 minutes on each side. For thinner filets, cook 5 minutes on each side. Check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer to see if the cod is cooking. You will know the cod is finished cooking when it has an internal temperature of 145º F.

Note cooking time will vary depending on how thick your pieces of cod are!

If you love air-fried seafood, you will love this Air Fryer Scallops in a Dill Garlic Butter too!

Baking directions:

If you do not have an air fryer, you can still enjoy this delicious recipe. Prepare the cod the same way and spray it with oil. Bake at 375º F for 20 minutes, depending on how thick your cod is.

Sides To Serve With Cod:

  • Air Fryer Green Beans
  • Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
  • Brown Sugar Cinnamon Carrots
  • Kale and Apple Salad

Storage:

Store your air-fried cod in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this cod by placing cooled cod into a freezer bag.

To reheat the cod, you can microwave it for 45 seconds. I prefer to reheat my cod in the air fryer or oven to keep it crisp. To reheat using the air fryer, cook for 3-4 minutes at 340º F. To reheat in the oven, place the cod on a sheet pan and bake at 350º F for 10 minutes.

Tips and Recipe FAQ:

Can you cook frozen cod in the air fryer?

You can cook frozen cod in the air fryer, but it won't be as good in this recipe. This recipe uses thawed cod that is patted dry to keep the coating crisp.

Is air fryer fish healthy?

Cooking fish in your air fryer is much healthier than frying your fish!

Can you put foil down in the air fryer?

The whole point of the air fryer is to circulate hot air around your fish to get it crisp. If you put foil down, the underside of the fish will not be crisp.

What other types of fish can you cook in an air fryer?

You can cook sole, halibut, catfish, or any type of fish.

If you love cooking with an air fryer, check out all of my easy gluten free air fryer recipes!

a single piece of air fried cod on a white plate. It is garnished with lemon and parsley

If you want to try another delicious cod recipe, try this Miso Glazed Cod. You can bake it, grill it, or make it in your air fryer!

Reader Raves:

Delicious and so easy!!! Loved it with the Bay Seasoning. Yum."

Brandi, Pinterest User

More air fryer recipes to try:

If you love seafood as much as we do, you will want to check out these 50+ deliciously easy gluten free seafood recipes too. I am sure you will find some new favorites! These were picked with the pickiest eaters in mind! You will also love my crispy gluten free cod fish sticks too.

  • Air Fryer Rutabagas
  • Air Fryer Turkey Breast {Oven Baked Option!}
  • Easy Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets
  • Quick and Easy Gluten Free Orange Chicken

Recipe

a slice of cod on a white plate. The serving dish of cod is in the background

Air Fryer Cod

Sandi Gaertner
A delicious easy air fryer cod recipe that is crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. Kids love this mild white fish recipe!
4.95 from 56 votes
dairy free allergen icon
an egg free allergen icon
gluten free allergy icon
nut free allergen icon
soy free allergy icon
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 16 mins
Total Time 21 mins
Course Meal Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 129 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds cod
  • ¼ cup flour regular or gluten free
  • 3 tablespoons plantain flour or use more flour
  • 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning or old bay
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon light oil for spraying
  • pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Spray oil on the air fryer basket and preheat it to 360 degrees F.
  • Mix the spices in a bowl with the flour and whisk to blend.
  • If your fish is frozen, see the Notes Section below for thawing directions.
  • Remove the cod from the package and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Dip each piece of fish into the flour spice mixture and then turn it over and press down to coat all of the fish.
  • Place the fish in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil. Make sure there is space around each piece of fish so air can circulate around the fish.
  • Cook at 360º F for 6-8 minutes on each side. Note cooking time will vary depending on how thick your pieces of cod are! For thinner filets cook 5 minutes on each side.
  • Enjoy hot with lemon.

Video

Notes

1. You can use other types of fish in this air fryer fish recipe.
2. You can substitute cornflour, regular flour, or rice flour for plantain flour.
3. Do not use olive oil because it doesn't do well at high heat. Try coconut oil or canola.
4. This cod will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.
How To Thaw Frozen Fish
If your cod is frozen, you will need to defrost it before dipping it into the seasoning mix. Here are two ways to thaw your cod:
  1. Place the frozen cod in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. This is the easiest method, but also the slowest. If you are looking for a faster method, you will want to do the second option.
  2. Remove the frozen cod from the outer packaging, but leave the cod in the inner wrapping. Place the fish in a bowl of warm water. Let the fish soak for 15-20 minutes. You can refresh the water with warmer water. Do not use boiling hot water.
Baking directions:
If you do not have an air fryer, you can still enjoy this delicious recipe. Prepare the cod the same way and spray it with oil. Bake at 375º F for 20 minutes, depending on how thick your cod is.
Storage:
Store your air fried cod in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this cod by placing cooled cod into a freezer bag.
To reheat the cod, you can microwave it for 45 seconds. I prefer to reheat my cod in the air fryer or oven to keep it crisp. To reheat using the air fryer, cook for 3-4 minutes at 340º F. To reheat in the oven, place the cod on a sheet pan and bake at 350º F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 129kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 21gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 492mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 227IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

the cover image of my lemon e-cookbook.

If you love the recipes you find on my blog, I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter (and get my free gluten free lemon dessert e-cookbook!)

More Gluten Free Seafood Recipes

  • How to Make Blackened Shrimp Fajitas Tacos
  • 8 Tasty Ways To Enjoy Shishito Peppers {Easy Recipes}
  • Easy Gluten Free Tuna Casserole
  • Easy Baked Miso Glazed Cod
  • Facebook
  • Yummly

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Tonya

    January 12, 2021 at 8:07 am

    Can you use regular flour rahter than gluten free?

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      January 12, 2021 at 8:43 am

      Hi Tonya, you can use regular flour if you are not gluten free. Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  2. Brianna Herrin

    December 16, 2020 at 7:33 am

    5 stars
    This was so so so good. I just got an air fryer for my birthday. I've been looking for creative ways to cook with it. I never would have thought you could get a texture like that without oil! That said, does anybody have any tips for getting the fishy smell out of the appliance once you're done? I don't want to use a harsh cleaner or anything like that.

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      December 16, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      I am so glad you enjoyed it Brianna. Happy Birthday!

      Reply
    • Tonja

      January 02, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      I’m guessing this recipe is for thawed fish but mine are frozen so I just wondered if it works from frozen?

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        January 03, 2021 at 11:14 am

        Hi Tonja, it should cook well with frozen fish but the coating may not stick as well. I advise soaking the fish in lukewarm water for 10 minutes then pat it dry first.

  3. Jenny

    December 01, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    Would coconut flour work? We enjoy coconut flavor on cod

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      December 01, 2020 at 1:40 pm

      Hi Jenny, I haven't tried coconut flour. I do know when I bake with coconut flour it doesn't get crisp like gluten free flour and I worry it would get mushy on your cod. Can you use tapioca starch, which is also paleo like coconut flour?

      Reply
  4. Suzy

    September 17, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    The perfect way to cook cod! We really enjoyed it!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      September 17, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      I am really glad you enjoyed this recipe Suzy 🙂

      Reply
  5. Sara Welch

    September 16, 2020 at 11:36 am

    5 stars
    Tried this for dinner last night and it didn't disappoint! Easily, a new favorite recipe; the whole family loved it!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      September 16, 2020 at 1:35 pm

      I am so glad you liked it :-).

      Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Primary Sidebar

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
A picture of my face standing in front of landscape bushes

Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. I have created hundreds of delicious, family-friendly gluten free recipes with easy step-by-step directions. Many recipes are also dairy-free. A gluten free lifestyle has never been easier!

More about me →

GF Resources:

  • Living Gluten Free and My Best Tips
  • My Gluten Free Pantry Essentials
  • My Best Gluten Free Baking Tips
  • The Best Gluten Free Flour Blends (And Where to Use Them)
  • Gluten Free Living on a Budget
  • Safe Gluten Free Dining And How To Stay Safe

More Resources!

A glass bowl filled with my gluten free flour blend.

Try My DIY Gluten Free Flour Blend Recipe! It is also gum-free!

a photo that states

Trending Gluten Free Recipes:

  • The Best Gluten Free Bread Machine Bread {Dairy Free Too!}
  • How to Make a Homemade Gluten Free Pie Crust
  • Grandma's Chicken Soup From Scratch
  • The Best Flaky Gluten Free Biscuits

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Web Stories

Copyright © 2014-2023 Fearless Dining