If you love the idea of a quick, flavorful dish that feels fancy but is super approachable, then you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe. It delivers perfectly flaky, tender cod that’s kissed with vibrant lemon and fragrant parsley, all crisply cooked in the air fryer to give you a healthful meal in under 20 minutes. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy seafood anytime without the fuss, combining simple ingredients that sing in harmony to create a dish that’s light, fresh, and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe is sure to become one of your new favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one is key to bringing that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the bright lemon juice to the earthy paprika, every element plays an important role in making this dish shine.
- Cod fillets (4 x 6-ounce): Fresh or thawed frozen cod that flakes beautifully when cooked.
- Olive oil (4 teaspoons): Helps coat the fish for even seasoning and assists with crisping in the air fryer.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the cod.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the fish.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a hint of smokiness and a lovely reddish hue.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of gentle heat and warmth.
- Lemon juice (4 teaspoons): The star of the show, brightening the fish with zesty, fresh citrus flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds vibrant color.
- Lemon wedges: Served on the side for extra zing and presentation.
How to Make Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fillets
Start by gently brushing each cod fillet with a teaspoon of olive oil to lightly coat the surface. This simple step ensures that the seasonings stick properly and helps create a nice, lightly crisped exterior when cooking.
Step 2: Season the Fillets
In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, paprika, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over all the fillets, making sure every side is flavored. This mix not only enhances the natural taste of the cod but also adds a beautiful depth and color to the dish.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Preheating is crucial to ensure even cooking and to achieve a crispy outside texture while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Step 4: Cook the First Batch
Place two of the fillets into the air fryer basket, leaving space to allow air circulation. Cook them for 5 minutes, then open the basket carefully and drizzle 1 teaspoon of lemon juice over each fillet. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Cook the Remaining Fillets
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining two fillets, maintaining even spacing in the air fryer. This helps achieve consistent crispiness and perfectly cooked fish every time.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once all the cod fillets are cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. The parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness that makes this dish truly special.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your presentation effortlessly. The fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a splash of green but also infuses each bite with subtle herbal notes. Lemon wedges serve double duty as garnish and an extra burst of bright acidity just before eating.
Side Dishes
To round out this Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe, consider sides like garlic roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a crisp green salad. These pair beautifully by adding texture, contrasting flavors, and making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present the cod over a bed of fluffy couscous or wild rice, allowing the lemon and parsley juices to mingle with the grains. You could also serve the fillets atop sautéed spinach or drizzled with a light lemon yogurt sauce for an extra layer of creaminess and zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Ensure the fillets are cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While fresh cod is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze leftover cooked fillets by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them into a freezer-safe bag. Consume within one month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, use your air fryer again at a lower temperature (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes to bring back that lovely crisp exterior without drying out the fish. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy edges.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the seasoned cod fillets in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-15 minutes, adding lemon juice halfway through cooking. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon zest?
Lemon zest adds wonderful aroma and brightness, but it won’t provide the acidity that lemon juice does. Feel free to add zest alongside the juice for an extra flavor boost.
Is this recipe suitable for other types of white fish?
Definitely! This method works great for tilapia, haddock, or sea bass. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on fillet thickness.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It should look opaque and moist, not translucent or dry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about serving up flaky, flavorful fish in a flash, and this Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe makes it so easy and delicious. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a light yet hearty meal that feels both fresh and comforting at once. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again when you want a quick, healthy seafood dinner that never disappoints.
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Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Parsley recipe delivers a quick, healthy, and flavorful seafood dish. Tender cod fillets are lightly coated with olive oil, seasoned with a blend of spices, and air fried to perfection for a crispy exterior while remaining moist inside. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley for a bright, fresh flavor, this dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking; fish is done at 145°F.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted to baking at 400°F for approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten the flavors just before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
