Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Cod
This Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Cod recipe offers quick, healthier preparation with crispy texture and vibrant flavor, pairing well with various sides for a versatile meal option.
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
10-12 min
Calories
1000
Servings
4
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe
Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Healthier Alternative: Cooking the cod in the air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, resulting in a lighter and healthier dish compared to traditional frying methods. It’s a great option for those looking to reduce their calorie and fat intake without sacrificing flavor.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior on the cod while keeping the inside tender and flaky. You’ll love the satisfying crunch with every bite, reminiscent of fried fish but without the greasiness.
Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic infuses the cod with a burst of fresh and tangy flavor. It’s a delightful balance of acidity and savory notes that elevates the taste of the mild cod fish.
Versatility: This recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or salad. You can also customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, adding herbs or spices for an extra layer of flavor.
More Air Fryer Tips & Tricks
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Cod
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Cod: Pat dry the cod fillets with paper towels. Brush both sides of each fillet with the lemon garlic marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the cod from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh chopped parsley.
Enjoy: Serve your Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Cod hot with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or salad.
Equipment to make Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Cod
Tips and tricks for making Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Cod
Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like with traditional frying, preheating the air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature, allowing the cod fillets to crisp up nicely. Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the cod.
Pat Dry the Cod: Before applying the lemon garlic marinade, make sure to pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the surface of the fish helps the marinade adhere better and promotes better browning and crispiness during cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Cook the cod in batches if necessary.
Flip the Cod Fillets: To ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides, flip the cod fillets halfway through the cooking time. Use kitchen tongs to gently flip the fillets, being careful not to break them. This helps achieve an evenly golden and crispy exterior.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cod as it cooks in the air fryer. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the specific model of your air fryer. It’s better to check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time is up to avoid overcooking the fish.
Nutrition breakdown ( per serving )
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sodium: 450 mg
*Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient brands and specific measurements used in the recipe. Additionally, if you adjust the serving size or make modifications to the recipe, the nutritional values may change accordingly.