🐟 Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Cod
📝 Description
Golden, flaky cod fillets coated in a rich garlic butter seasoning and crisped perfectly in the air fryer. This dish is light yet indulgent, with a crispy outside and tender, juicy inside—ready in under 20 minutes.
🍽️ Servings
2–3 servings
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 2–3 cod fillets (about 500–600g / 1–1.3 lb)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for crust)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon wedges
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer
- Set to 200°C (400°F) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare Garlic Butter
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Season the Cod
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels.
- Brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top if using.
- Air Fry
- Place fillets in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until golden and flaky.
- Internal temp should reach about 63°C (145°F).
- Finish & Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve immediately.
💡 Tips
- Patting the fish dry helps create that crispy crust.
- Add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Works great with other white fish like haddock or tilapia.
- Avoid overcooking—cod becomes dry quickly.
🔥 Approx Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~250–300
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbs: ~2–3g
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen cod?
Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Q: How do I know it’s done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque.
Q: Can I make it without butter?
Yes, substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.