Perfect baked Cod
Flaky, Juicy & Crispy Every Time
If you’ve picked up cod from ALDI, this easy air fryer recipe delivers perfectly flaky fish with a beautifully seasoned, lightly crisp exterior. Pair it with a creamy garlic-herb dipping sauce for a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 4 cod fillets (5–6 ounces/140–170 g each), thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh dill)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
- Steamed vegetables
- Rice, roasted potatoes, or salad
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Pat the cod completely dry with paper towels.
- Brush each fillet with olive oil or melted butter.
Step 2: Season
Mix together:
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne (if using)
Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of each fillet.
Step 3: Air Fry
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the cod in a single layer without overlapping.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness, flipping halfway through if desired.
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Dill
- Salt
- Pepper
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the hot cod with the creamy garlic herb sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cod
- Pat the fish dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Thicker fillets may need an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Frozen cod should be fully thawed and dried before cooking.
- Don’t overcook—cod becomes dry if left in too long.
Flavor Variations
Lemon Pepper
Use lemon pepper seasoning and finish with melted butter.
Cajun
Replace the herbs with Cajun seasoning.
Parmesan Crusted
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the fillets during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Garlic Butter
Brush the cooked fish with melted garlic butter before serving.
Mediterranean
Top with chopped tomatoes, olives, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.
Storage
Refrigerator
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
- Freeze cooked cod for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use only if necessary, as the fish may become softer.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
Nut Information
This recipe is naturally peanut-free and tree nut-free.
Contains
- Eggs (mayonnaise)
- Milk (if using sour cream)
Does Not Normally Contain
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Wheat/Gluten
- Soy
- Sesame
Contains Fish
- Cod
Allergy Tips
- For a dairy-free sauce, replace the sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise.
- Always check seasoning blends for hidden allergens if cooking for someone with food allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I cook cod straight from frozen?
Yes. Add about 4–6 extra minutes to the cooking time. For the best seasoning and texture, thawing the fillets first is recommended.
Q: How do I know when cod is done?
The fish should be opaque, flake easily with a fork, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Q: Which ALDI cod works best?
Fresh Atlantic cod or frozen wild-caught cod fillets both work well. Just thaw frozen fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
Q: What sides go well with air fryer cod?
Roasted asparagus, broccoli, green beans, rice, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad are all excellent choices.
Q: Can I use another white fish?
Yes. Haddock, pollock, halibut, tilapia, or mahi-mahi can be prepared using the same method. Cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness.
Q: Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto?
Yes. The recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates. Serve it with roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, or a salad for a keto-friendly meal.
This Perfect Air Fryer Cod has a beautifully seasoned crust, tender flaky center, and a creamy garlic herb dipping sauce that makes every bite delicious. It’s a quick, healthy dinner that’s ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving restaurant-quality fish at home.
