1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Any surface moisture will steam instead of letting the fish set up properly, so don't skip this.
  2. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes if your model runs cool without preheating.
  4. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the basket, leaving space around each one so air can circulate. Work in two batches if your basket is small; crowding leads to uneven cooking.
  5. Air fryer: 380°F, 8 to 10 minutes, no flip needed. Cod is delicate, so flipping isn't necessary. Fillets around 0.75in thick at the center usually finish closer to 8 minutes; thicker cuts near 1in may need the full 10.
  6. Check doneness with a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet. Fish is safe to eat once it reaches 145°F, and the flesh should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.
  7. Transfer the cod to plates, drizzle with the melted butter, and finish with a squeeze of lemon and a scatter of chopped parsley.

Tips

  • Buy fillets of even thickness if you can. A tail-end piece and a thick center-cut piece won't finish at the same time in the same batch.
  • Skip flour or breadcrumbs if you want the fastest version; a light oil coating is enough to keep the seasoning stuck on and the surface from drying out.
  • Every air fryer runs a little differently. Start checking with a thermometer at the 7-minute mark the first time you make this so you learn your machine's timing.
  • Parchment liners made for air fryers can help thin fillets release cleanly, but cut them to fit the basket and never let paper cover the vents.

FAQ

Can I cook frozen cod fillets in the air fryer? Yes, skip the thaw and add about 4 to 5 extra minutes at 380°F, checking with a thermometer until the fish hits 145°F at the thickest point.

Why did my cod turn out mushy instead of flaky? Usually excess moisture. Pat the fillets very dry before oiling and seasoning, and don't overcrowd the basket, since steam trapped between pieces keeps the surface from firming up.

Do I need to flip the fillets halfway through? No. Cod is thin and delicate enough that flipping often causes it to break apart; the air fryer's circulating heat cooks it evenly from one side.

What can I use instead of butter at the end? A drizzle of olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute works fine if you want to keep the dish dairy-free; the seasoning and cook time stay the same.

How do I know the cod is done without a thermometer? A thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm the fish has reached 145°F, but as a visual check, the flesh should be opaque all the way through and separate into flakes easily with a fork.