If you’re wondering how long to cook cod in an air fryer, the answer generally falls between 8 and 14 minutes depending on the thickness of your fillet. Cod cooks fast, stays wonderfully moist, and gets a lightly crisp surface in the air fryer with almost no effort. As someone who tests air fryer seafood recipes regularly, I’ve learned that timing, temperature, and fillet size make the biggest difference in perfect results.
This guide walks you through ideal cooking times, temperatures, doneness checks, and pro tips so your cod turns out flaky and flavorful every time.
Why Cod Works So Well in the Air Fryer
Cod is a naturally lean, mild, and delicate white fish. While it can dry out easily in the oven or pan, the air fryer delivers a more controlled, even heat that keeps the interior moist. Because cod doesn’t need breading or heavy sauces to shine, it’s an excellent candidate for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
How Long to Cook Cod in Air Fryer
The best cook time for cod in the air fryer is 8 to 14 minutes at 380–400°F (195–205°C). The exact timing depends on:
- The thickness of the fillet
- Whether the cod is fresh or previously frozen
- Your specific air fryer model’s heating strength
As a rule of thumb:
- Thin fillets (½ inch): 8–10 minutes
- Medium fillets (¾ inch): 10–12 minutes
- Thicker fillets (1 inch+): 12–14 minutes
Cod is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Air Fryer Cod Cooking Chart
Below is a simple comparison table for quick decision-making.
| Cod Thickness | Air Fryer Temperature | Cook Time | Flip? | Doneness Check |
| Thin (½ inch) | 380–400°F | 8–10 minutes | Recommended | Flaky, opaque, 145°F internal |
| Medium (¾ inch) | 380–400°F | 10–12 minutes | Recommended | Flaky, opaque, 145°F internal |
| Thick (1 inch+) | 380–400°F | 12–14 minutes | Recommended | Very flaky, moist, 145°F internal |
This table applies to both fresh and thawed cod fillets. If cooking from frozen, add 2–4 extra minutes depending on thickness.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Cod in the Air Fryer
Here’s the method I use in my test kitchen that consistently delivers tender cod with a beautifully cooked center.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 380–400°F (195–205°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Cod Fillets
Pat each fillet dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming.
Lightly coat the fillets with:
- Olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, lemon pepper, or parsley
Step 3: Arrange in a Single Layer
Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket with space around each piece. Do not stack or overlap, or the cod will cook unevenly.
Step 4: Air Fry for 8–14 Minutes
Cook according to thickness:
- Thin: 8–10 minutes
- Medium: 10–12 minutes
- Thick: 12–14 minutes
Step 5: Flip at the Halfway Point
Flipping helps the cod cook evenly and prevents the bottom from becoming overly soft.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Other signs the cod is done:
- It flakes easily
- It is completely opaque
- The internal texture is moist, not rubbery
If your fillet still looks slightly translucent, add 1–2 more minutes.
Cooking Cod from Frozen in the Air Fryer
You can cook frozen cod directly in the air fryer without thawing.
Here is the best method:
- Preheat to 380°F
- Air fry frozen cod for 4 minutes
- Remove, pat off any melted moisture, season, and oil
- Return to the air fryer for another 8–11 minutes
- Check for doneness at 145°F
Total time: 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.
The key is allowing the initial heat to soften the surface so that seasoning sticks properly.
Best Temperature for Air Fryer Cod
For most cod recipes, the sweet spot is 380–400°F. Here’s why:
- 380°F gives the cod more time to cook gently, preventing dryness.
- 400°F works well for thicker fillets or when you want a more golden surface.
Because cod is a lean fish, it benefits from higher heat and shorter cooking times.
How to Season Cod for the Air Fryer
Cod is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of flavors.
Try any of these seasoning ideas:
Simple Lemon Herb
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Fresh lemon slices on top
Cajun-Style Cod
- Cajun seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- A touch of oil for crisp edges
Garlic Butter Cod
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Parsley
Mediterranean Cod
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Lemon zest
- Cracked pepper
Regardless of the flavor profile, avoid oversalting since cod is naturally mild.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over years of testing, these are the mistakes I see most often.
Not Preheating
Skipping preheating can add several minutes and make the fish cook unevenly.
Using Too Much Oil
Cod only needs a light coating of oil. Excess oil leads to soggy edges.
Overcrowding
If the air can’t circulate, the interior will steam instead of air fry.
Overcooking
Cod becomes tough and dry quickly if left too long. Start with the lower range of time and adjust as needed.
Not Checking Temperature
Visual cues are helpful, but a thermometer ensures accurate doneness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to cook cod in air fryer at 400°F?
Typically 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness. Thinner fillets may finish as early as 8 minutes, while thicker ones need the full 14.
2. Can you air fry cod without breading?
Yes. Cod cooks beautifully without breading and gets a lightly crisp exterior with just oil and seasoning.
3. How do you prevent cod from drying out in the air fryer?
Use slightly higher heat with shorter cooking time, avoid overcooking, and remove the cod as soon as it reaches 145°F.
4. Is it safe to cook cod from frozen in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Just increase the total time to 12–15 minutes, and remember to season after the first few minutes once the surface defrosts.
5. What should cod look like when it’s done?
It should be white and opaque, easily flaked with a fork, and register 145°F internally.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Timing for Air Fryer Cod
If you’re trying to figure out how long to cook cod in an air fryer, stick with the proven window of 8–14 minutes at 380–400°F, adjusting for thickness. Always check for an internal temperature of 145°F, and keep your seasoning light and fresh. With this approach, you’ll get flaky, tender, perfectly cooked cod every single time.
This guide provides everything you need to cook air fryer cod quickly and confidently, whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a more flavorful seasoned variation.
