This healthy air fryer frozen cod recipe is bursting with fresh citrus flavor. It is so easy to make using the air fryer and the fish is tender, moist, and juicy. In this recipe, frozen cod fillets are air fried in under 10 minutes with lemon and garlic to create an easy and healthy seafood dinner!

No matter what time of year it is, I'm always looking for healthy meals to prepare for my family and seafood is always my favorite go-to! Cod is packed with protein, low in fat, and full of many vitamins and minerals making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner. Try other easy seafood dinners: air fryer pollock and air fryer swai. Healthy and delicious!

This lean whitefish has a milder flavor than oiler fish such as salmon, tuna, or sardines, so it's a perfect option for picky eaters! Served with steamed or roasted veggies it is an amazing dinner that anyone can make!

Even if you forgot to defrost something for dinner, you can make this tasty seafood dinner in just a few minutes! This meal is full of amazing flavor, tastes delicious, and there's no need to wait for the fish to thaw!

Using your air fryer, frozen cod fillets cook in 10 minutes using only 5 easy ingredients. This quick recipe doesn't require any breading and is incredibly easy to prepare whenever you are short on time.

Lean white fish like cod tend to overcook and become dry very easily. By cooking the fish in the air fryer with both the juice and slices of fresh lemon, this recipe cooks fast before it can become dry and the lemon helps to keep the fish moist and juicy.

Recipe ingredients

Frozen cod. 2 unbreaded fillets, no need to thaw them beforehand!

Olive oil. Helps to keep the fish moist while it cooks.

Garlic. Freshly minced. Gives a nice garlic aroma and flavor to the cod. Pairs wells with citrus flavors.

Salt. Adds just the right amount of seasoning.

Lemon juice. Freshly squeezed and poured over the fish. Adds a bright citrus flavor and keeps the frozen fillets moist as they cook.

Lemon slices. Used to line the air fryer basket so the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer. Adds even more citrus flavor to this recipe.

How to make air fryer frozen cod

Its best to use frozen cod that has being frozen individually. If not its ok too but cooking time may be longer. I used two frozen cod fillets that were stuck together and it worked out just fine!

First, cover the bottom of air fryer basket with lemon slices (where the fish will go). It will prevent cod from sticking to the bottom. You can also use an air fryer liner or simply spray it with an olive oil or any other oil spray.

Place cod fillets on top of lemon and air fry for 8 minutes. This cooking time is needed to thaw the fish. Meanwhile make seasoning mixture.

Melt butter in a small bowl and add minced or chopped garlic. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper and lemon juice. I just used half of the lemon for slices and i juiced the other half.

Pour the mixture on top of cod fillets, spread it evenly. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook for another 4 minutes.

I am always checking the internal temperature to make sure the fish is done. Cooked cod should be at least at 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not overcook.

This is not in the recipe but i added some chopped on top for serving. Fresh dill is very aromatic and delicious and looks great on any kind of fish too!

Substitutions

Fish. Any lean white fish can be used in place of frozen cod, such as tilapia, halibut, or pollock.

Oil. Use butter or ghee to give the fish a tasty buttery flavor.

Garlic. Instead of fresh garlic, use store-bought minced garlic or ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.

Variations

Switch up the seasonings. This frozen cod recipe is easy to make using just a few seasonings. However, feel free to add freshly ground black pepper, regular or smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or lemon pepper seasoning.

Add capers to the fish for a briny pop of flavor!

Cook or top with fresh or dried herbs such as dill, parsley, cilantro, or green onions.

Frequently asked questions

Side dishes

A nice green salad is a great idea. Mix arugula or spinach or romaine lettuce with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and cucumbers. Drizzle olive oil mixed with balsamic and mix.

A bowl of steamy hot white rice never disappoints when served with any kind of fish. Grilled, roasted or steamed vegetables like zucchinis, mushrooms, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli… you name it.

I just simply served air fryer cod with broccoli and a pinch of salt. Easy, healthy and very quick!

Storage

1. Leftovers will keep in the fridge in the air tight container for up to 3 days. Fish is not getting any better when stored for longer time.
2. Reheat in the microwave on low heat until warm, about 1 minute. Or in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.
3. Freeze in the freezer friendly container for 2-3 months.

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Hope you will like this air fryer frozen cod recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.