Air Fryer Cod with Lemon Spice Rub
Quick, no-breading air fryer cod with a lemon-spice rub that turns out crispy on the outside and tender inside. Cooked at 400°F, it’s ready in about 8 minutes and perfect for a fast weeknight dinner. Minimal prep and easy cleanup make it a reliable go-to.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small bowl
- Cooking spray
- Instant-read thermometer
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets 4–6 oz each; defrosted if frozen; patted dry
- 2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- cooking spray avocado or olive oil
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix the oil, lemon juice, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt into a paste.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fillet.
- Spray the air fryer basket generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place fillets in the basket in a single layer without touching.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes without flipping.
- Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 145°F. Serve immediately with lemon if desired.
Notes
- For fillets over 1 inch thick, add about 2 minutes and check temperature.
- Defrost frozen cod fully and pat very dry to avoid steaming.
- If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 7 minutes.
- Tested at 380°F but 400°F produced better browning and crisp edges.
- Variation: Press panko onto oiled fillets and air fry at 400°F for about 9 minutes, spraying the top lightly with oil.
- Variation: Swap the spice mix for 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning.
- Reheat leftovers at 350°F in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to revive texture; avoid microwaving.