Cod is one of the quickest, leanest dinners the air fryer does — flaky, mild and high in protein, with just lemon and herbs needed. It's ready in under 10 minutes.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does cod take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry cod at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, until it flakes easily and turns opaque.
Q: Can you cook cod from frozen?
A: Yes — cook at 180°C (360°F) for 12–15 minutes, checking it flakes through.
Times & temperatures
| Fillet | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh (150g) | 200°C / 400°F | 8–10 min |
| Thick loin | 200°C / 400°F | 10–12 min |
| From frozen | 180°C / 360°F | 12–15 min |
The recipe
Lemon & Herb Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets (≈150g each)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ lemon
- ½ tsp dried herbs
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Pat the cod dry, brush with oil and season.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Air fry 8–10 minutes — no need to flip.
- Squeeze over lemon and serve.
140 kcal
27g protein
0g carbs
4g fat
0.4g salt
Tips
- Don't overcook — pull it the moment it flakes.
- Pat dry for a firmer, less watery result.
- Prefer oily fish? Try our air fryer salmon, or the easy frozen fish fingers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you know when cod is cooked?
It turns from translucent to opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking, which dries it out.
Can you air fry cod from frozen?
Yes — cook at 180°C (360°F) for 12–15 minutes, checking it flakes all the way through before serving.
Is air fryer cod healthy?
Very — it's high in protein, low in fat and cooked with just a teaspoon of oil, at around 140 calories per fillet.