Cook frozen cod to crispy, flaky perfection in minutes with your air fryer! This Easy Air Fryer Frozen Cod recipe is fast, simple, and full of flavor — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner without the hassle.

Frozen Cod in the Air Fryer is a game-changer for busy nights when you’re craving a delicious seafood meal with little prep.
There’s no need to thaw, making this an incredibly convenient and quick option for a healthy dinner. Season with your favorite spices or a drizzle of lemon for extra flavor, and you’re ready to enjoy a satisfying meal in no time!
Making frozen cod in the air fryer has never been easier!
If you love Easy Air Fryer Cod Recipes, try my recipes for Air Fryer Pesto Cod, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod, Air Fryer Blackened Cod, or Panko Crusted Cod Air Fryer.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and easy with no thawing required.
- Crispy, golden crust with a tender interior.
- Minimal prep with just a few ingredients.
- Healthy, low-fat option for a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for busy nights or last-minute dinners.
Ingredients Needed

- Frozen Cod Fillets: Convenient and easy to use, frozen cod fillets. Provides a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids without the need for thawing.
- Olive Oil: Enhances the flavor of the fish and helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Seasoning Blend: A mixture of your favorite seasonings—such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or lemon zest—adds delicious flavor to the cod, elevating its natural taste.
- Lemon Slices: Fresh lemon slices not only brighten the dish but also provide a zesty finish that complements the flaky cod perfectly.
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Frozen Cod

Step One: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step Two: Take the frozen cod fillets directly from the freezer. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and season with salt, pepper, and any optional seasoning blend you prefer.
Step Three: Place the seasoned frozen cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
Step Four: Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking time, until the fish is cooked through and has a crispy exterior. The internal temperature of the cod should reach 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and serve with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious, flaky air-fried cod!

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Cod Recipe Tips
- Not Thaw: There’s no need to thaw the cod before air frying.
- Use Olive Oil: Lightly coat the frozen fillets with olive oil to enhance flavor and promote a crispy texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t skip the seasoning!
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the specific air fryer model.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Recipe Variations
- For added crunch, you can coat the frozen cod in breadcrumbs or panko before air frying for a crispy texture.
- Serve with homemade French Fries, or homemade onion rings.
- Serve with healthy sides, such as air fryer hasselback zucchini, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Brussels Sprouts, or Air Fryer Ranch Broccoli.
How To Season Frozen Cod For The Air Fryer
Seasoning frozen cod for the air fryer is simple and key to getting flavorful, crispy fish. Start by patting the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice crust. Lightly brush or spray the cod with oil, then sprinkle with a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, or use your favorite seafood spice blend. For extra flavor, you can add lemon zest, Old Bay seasoning, or a pinch of smoked paprika.

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Cod Recipe Faqs
Do I need to thaw the cod before cooking? No, you do not need to thaw the cod before air frying. Cooking frozen cod fillets is convenient, quick and easy.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked: The cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
How to store leftover frozen cod fillets: Store any leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
How to cook breaded frozen cod in air fryer: Cooking breaded frozen cod in the air fryer is quick and easy. Simply place the fillets in a single layer, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
How to cook frozen cod in air fryer no breading: To cook frozen cod in the air fryer without breading, place the fillets in a single layer in the basket and lightly spray with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fish is opaque, flaky, and cooked through.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Crab Legs
- AIR FRYER SOFT SHELL CRAB
- AIR FRYER CRISPY BREADED FISH FILLETS
- AIR FRYER OLD BAY GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS
- AIR FRYER SALMON BURGER
- AIR FRYER BACON AND CRAB ROLLS
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Cod
Description
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets, frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon seasonings, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest
- 4 Lemon slices, for serving
- 1 teaspoon Fresh parsley, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Take the frozen cod fillets directly from the freezer. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and season with salt, pepper, and any optional seasoning blend you prefer.
- Place the seasoned frozen cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Air fry the cod for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking time, until the fish is cooked through and has a crispy exterior.
- The internal temperature of the cod should reach 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and serve with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious, flaky air-fried cod!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
