Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe

I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe turns out every single time – it s crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. When you re craving a quick, healthy dinner that feels a little fancy without tons of fuss, this recipe really comes through. I discovered this trick when I wanted to enjoy seafood without heating up the whole kitchen or dealing with sticky pans.

What makes this Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe so worth trying is how simple it is to get restaurant-worthy fish in under 20 minutes. You ll find that it s perfect for busy weeknights, but also impressive enough for guests. Plus, the combination of lemon and parsley adds such a fresh bright note, elevating the mild cod beautifully.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe are straightforward, making it easy to keep these pantry staples on hand. Each element works together to highlight the cod s natural flavor while keeping things light and fresh.

• Cod fillets: I recommend fillets about 6 ounces each, and picking pieces that are similar in size helps them cook evenly.
• Olive oil: This keeps the fish moist and helps the seasoning stick while crisping up nicely in the air fryer.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors without overpowering.
• Garlic powder: Adds a warm, subtle depth without being too bold.
• Paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and color that makes the fish look as great as it tastes.
• Ground black pepper: Just enough bite and spice to balance the lemon s acidity.
• Lemon juice: Fresh is best – it brightens and livens up the whole dish remarkably.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding color and a herby freshness that completes the flavor profile.

Variations

I love to tweak this Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe depending on what I have on hand, and you should totally feel free to make it your own. It s so forgiving and versatile that a little experimentation can be really fun!

• Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix brings a warm kick – my family goes crazy for this version on chilly evenings.
• Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh dill or basil, which changes up the aroma and pairs wonderfully with lemon.
• Other Fish: If you spot fresh haddock, sea bass, or halibut, I ve found they work great using the same seasoning and air fryer method.
• Gluten-Free Crust: For some crunch, try lightly coating the fillets with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers before air frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe

Step 1: Oil and Season the Fillets

Start by brushing each cod fillet all over with olive oil; this little step helps the seasoning stick and will give you that beautiful golden exterior. In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, then sprinkle it evenly over the cod. I like to take a moment here to gently pat the seasoning into the fish so it really clings.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating is a game changer for this recipe-you want your air fryer hot at 400°F before the fish goes in. This jump-starts the cooking process and helps form that crispy, slightly caramelized crust we all love. If your model doesn t have a preheat option, just run it empty for about 3 minutes at 400°F.

Step 3: Cook the Cod in Batches

Arrange two fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure not to crowd them-air needs to circulate around each piece for even cooking. Cook for 5 minutes, then pause to drizzle one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice over each fillet. This little citrus splash locks in freshness and helps brighten the fish beautifully. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature hits 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Repeat for the other two fillets. If your air fryer is spacious enough, you can cook all at once, but don t squeeze them in too tightly or they won t crisp as well.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each piece for a fresh, inviting touch and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes, and you ll be surprised how much that little green pop adds to the whole experience.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the cooked cod with freshly chopped parsley because it adds a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens every bite. Sometimes, I also add a tiny sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra citrusy pop. If I m feeling fancy, a few capers or a drizzle of garlic butter on top takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe are roasted asparagus or crispy air fryer potatoes for some crunch, and a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette keeps the meal light and fresh. Brown rice or quinoa also pairs beautifully if you want a more substantial plate. Trust me, each of these brings out the fish s delicate flavor without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve served this cod over a bed of garlic-infused sautéed spinach with lemon wedges artfully arranged on the side. Sometimes I plate the fillets stacked alongside a colorful medley of roasted vegetables and drizzle a light parsley-lemon butter sauce over everything – it always impresses guests while staying easy to pull together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Cod holds up well for up to 2 days refrigerated, and I always try to keep the parsley and lemon separate until serving so the flavors stay fresh.

Freezing

I ve frozen cooked cod before by wrapping individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It s handy for meal prep, but I recommend eating frozen fish within one month for best flavor and texture. When thawed, the texture might be a bit softer than fresh-cooked.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the air fryer again-just a quick 2-3 minutes at 350°F refreshes that crispy exterior without drying the fish. If using a microwave, heat gently in short bursts to avoid overcooking and losing the tender texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it hits that sweet spot of being simple, healthy, and packed with flavor. If you re anything like me, you ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up a satisfying seafood meal without extra fuss or mess. Give it a try soon – I promise it ll become a weeknight staple you reach for again and again, especially when life gets hectic but you still want something fresh and tasty.

Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe

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• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Air Fryer Cod recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky white fish with a crispy exterior in just minutes. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a hint of lemon juice, the cod fillets are air fried for a healthy, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Ideal for a light dinner or lunch, this recipe ensures moist, tender fish with a bright citrus finish.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the fillets: Brush each cod fillet all over with 1 teaspoon of olive oil to lightly coat the surface and help the seasonings stick.
2. Season the fillets: In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and ground black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning mix over all the cod fillets to flavor the fish thoroughly.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat, ensuring that the fish cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior.
4. Cook the first batch: Place two fillets in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook them for 5 minutes, then open the basket to drizzle 1 teaspoon of lemon juice over each fillet. Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cooked fillets and set aside.
5. Cook the remaining fillets: Repeat the same cooking process with the other two fillets, maintaining even spacing in the air fryer basket for optimal air circulation.
6. Garnish and serve: Once all fillets are cooked, top each with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to enhance the flavor.

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Notes

• Choose cod fillets that are uniform in weight and thickness to ensure even cooking.
• If your air fryer is large enough, you can cook all fillets simultaneously but avoid overcrowding to allow proper heat circulation.
• Preheating the air fryer is crucial to develop a crispy outer layer on the cod fillets.
• Don’t skip adding lemon juice—citrus brightens the flavor and complements seafood perfectly.
• Substitute cod with other white fish such as haddock, sea bass, grouper, or halibut if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 ounces)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 630mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg