Frozen Cod in the Air Fryer: Simple, Juicy & Crispy Every Time
Craving a healthy, no-fuss seafood dinner? Cooking frozen cod in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get moist, flaky fish with a golden outer layer.
No need to thaw, no pan-frying mess—just season, cook, and enjoy a restaurant-style dish right at home.
To make air fryer frozen cod, simply preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and cook the fish for 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness.
A light coat of oil and seasoning will help seal in moisture and develop a crisp exterior. Whether you’re using plain fillets or breaded cod, the air fryer makes it fast and foolproof.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 minutes | 10–14 minutes | 13–17 minutes | Main | American / Mediterranean | 2–3 |
Ingredients Breakdown
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 3 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen cod fillets | 2 (4–6 oz each) | 3 (4–6 oz each) | Frozen haddock, halibut |
| Olive oil or spray | 1 tsp or light spray | 1½ tsp or light spray | Avocado oil spray |
| Salt, pepper, garlic powder | To taste | To taste | Lemon pepper, paprika |
Equipment You’ll Need
| Tool | Use | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer (basket or tray) | To cook fish evenly | Oven with convection |
| Tongs or spatula | To flip cod without breaking | Fish spatula |
| Oil spray bottle | Helps with crisping | Brush with oil |
How Long to Cook Frozen Cod in Air Fryer
The cook time varies depending on your air fryer and fillet size:
- Standard frozen cod fillets:
- Temp: 390°F (199°C)
- Time: 12–14 minutes
- Flip at the 6–7 minute mark
- Thinner cod portions:
- Time: 9–11 minutes
- Watch closely to avoid overcooking
- Breaded or pre-seasoned frozen cod:
- Same temp, but may crisp faster—start checking at 10 minutes
- Air fryer ovens:
- Add 1–2 minutes extra if using middle rack or crowded trays
- Important note:
- Internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C) for doneness
How to Cook Frozen Cod in the Air Fryer
Let’s go step by step so you get it perfectly crisp yet tender inside.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat to 390°F (199°C) for about 4 minutes. This helps avoid sticking and speeds up cook time.
Step 2: Prep Your Cod
Take the fillets out of the freezer and brush or spray with a little oil. Add seasoning: salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any favorite dry rub. No need to thaw.
Step 3: Arrange in Basket
Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd. Use parchment if your air fryer tends to stick.
Step 4: Air Fry
Cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. Use tongs gently to avoid breaking the fish. Thinner fillets may finish at 10–11 minutes.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and internal temp hits 145°F (63°C).
Serving and Garnish Ideas
- Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or garlic aioli
- Pair with air-fried vegetables, mashed potatoes, or couscous
- Garnish with chopped parsley or dill
- For a healthier plate, add a side of steamed green beans or salad
Cod Variations You Can Try
- Breaded cod: Use store-bought or homemade breaded frozen cod
- Spicy cod: Add cayenne, paprika, or chili flakes before air frying
- Cod tacos: Chop cooked cod and serve in tortillas with slaw and lime
- Butter-seasoned cod: Brush with lemon butter post-cooking
Storing & Reheating Instructions
- ✅ Store leftover cod in the fridge for 2–3 days in an airtight container
- ✅ Reheat in air fryer at 370°F for 3–5 minutes
- ❌ Avoid microwaving—it softens the crispy layer
- ❌ Don’t freeze again after cooking
Extra Tips for Best Air Fryer Results
- ✅ Preheat the air fryer before cooking
- ✅ Use oil spray to promote golden color
- ✅ Flip fillets gently to avoid breakage
- ✅ Use parchment for delicate skinless fillets
- ✅ Don’t stack—always cook in a single layer
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
| Mistake | Cause | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry fish | Overcooked or no oil | Reduce cook time | Use oil spray and monitor time |
| Fish sticks to basket | Not enough oil or no liner | Use parchment or silicone liner | Preheat and apply oil |
| Uneven cooking | Overlapping fillets | Flip and spread out | Single layer only |
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen cod that has skin on?
Yes, but cook skin-side down first. Flip halfway if desired for crisping both sides.
Q2: Do I need to marinate frozen cod before air frying?
No, but dry rubs and seasoning sticks well with a bit of oil spray even when frozen.
Q3: Can I air fry frozen cod in foil?
It’s not ideal. Foil prevents airflow and crisping. Use parchment with holes if needed.
Q4: How do I avoid breaking the cod while flipping?
Use wide silicone spatulas or tongs gently, and let it cook longer before flipping if it’s too soft.
Give This Easy Cod Method a Try!
You’ll be amazed at how effortless it is to get restaurant-style cod at home using your air fryer. Flaky inside, crisp outside—it’s perfect for a fast dinner or healthy lunch.
Try it tonight and share how it turned out!
