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This air fryer frozen cod recipe is a game-changer for dinner! No need to thaw first, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a last minute dinner idea. It’s so easy to make, and comes out very flavorful!
QUICK AND EASY AIR FRYER FROZEN COD
Let the air fryer do all of the work for you, and just grab the frozen fillets straight from the freezer. All you have to do is season the fish, and then after air fryer, it will have a delicious crispy coating on the outside, and a soft and flaky inside.
Making frozen cod fillets means you don’t have to worry about what to make for dinner if you’ve forgotten to take something out of the freezer. And the air fryer makes it perfectly, without having to cook the cod in a lot of oil, making it less greasy too.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE FROZEN COD IN AIR FRYER
- Frozen Cod: Cod is a mild white fish that should be cooked until flaky. I love using it to make fish and chips because it has such a light flavor.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil is perfect for air frying! It not only helps foods get their golden color, but it helps seasonings stick to the meat too.
- Garlic Powder – Powder instead of minced garlic, keeps the flavor but is much easier to stick to the fish while it’s frozen during air frying.
- Paprika – This spice adds just a little bit of a smoky flavor. It’s just enough to make this cod have the right balance with the other seasonings.
- Salt – Cod is so mild, but with the right seasonings, and a pinch of salt and pepper, you will have a delicious and flavorful fish for dinner.
- Ground Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a little heat undertone to the flavor. Perfect with the salt and other spices!
- Optional: Lemon Wedges
HOW TO MAKE FROZEN COD IN THE AIR FRYER
STEP 1: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F. If you don’t have a preheat function, let it run at 360 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
STEP 2: While the air fryer is preheating, lightly rinse the cod in cold water, and then pat dry with paper towels.
STEP 3: Brush the fillets with the olive oil, coating both sides. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together. Then evenly sprinkle both sides of each piece of cod.
STEP 4: Place the frozen cod in the air fryer basket, and air fry at 360 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. The cod will be golden brown and if using a fork, it easily flakes. To confirm doneness, use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. For cod, it should be 145 degrees F.
STEP 5: Squeeze the juice from a lemon wedge over the cod before serving, if desired.
TIPS FOR AIR FRYING FROZEN COD
Preheat the Air Fryer: For the best results, preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the cod. Having the air fryer preheated will help the cod air fry evenly.
Light Coating of Oil: This will help the seasonings stick to the cod for air frying, and will help prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Watch Your Timing: Cooking times can vary, depending on the size and thickness of your frozen cod. If you are using frozen breaded fish fillets, cooking times may also need to be adjusted by adding an extra minute or two.
VARIATIONS OF FROZEN COD
Cod is so light and simple that it can be used several ways.
- Serve with tartar sauce and air fryer French fries for a quick and easy meal.
- Use forks to flake it into pieces, and toss with pasta, or fill tortillas to make it into fish tacos.
- Let it cool, and cut into small bites, then add it to a salad.
- Make fillets ahead of time, and add a vegetable like air fryer zucchini, or air fryer sweet potato fries, for an easy meal prep idea.
FAQ’S ABOUT AIR FRYER FROZEN COD
Can I cook frozen cod directly in the air fryer?
Yes! This recipe cooks frozen cod fillets straight from the freezer, without thawing. The air fryer is perfect for cooking frozen foods.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The safest way to confirm doneness is to check the internal temperature of 145°F with an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees F.
Can I cook another kind of fish from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes, the air fryer works well for other frozen fish. Like this air fryer frozen salmon, air fryer frozen salmon burgers, or air fryer frozen shrimp.
How do I store leftover cod?
If you have leftovers, let them completely, then place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, air fry at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. You can reheat in the microwave, but it may come out soggy.
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Air Fryer Frozen Cod
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional: Lemon Wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F. If you don't have a preheat function, let it run at 360 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, lightly rinse the cod in cold water, and then pat dry with paper towels.
- Brush the fillets with the olive oil, coating both sides. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together. Then evenly sprinkle both sides of each piece of cod.
- Place the cod in the air fryer and air fry at 360 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. For cod, when fully cooked, it should be 145 degrees F.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love how easy it is to make, without needing to wait for it to thaw first!