Craving a light, zesty seafood dish? Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod is the perfect blend of tangy lemon, bold pepper, and tender fish, all cooked to crispy perfection in minutes! It’s an easy, flavorful way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod is a simple and delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The cod fillets are seasoned with a zesty lemon pepper blend, then air-fried to a crispy golden brown while keeping the fish tender and flaky on the inside.
This recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a burst of bright, tangy flavor with every bite. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a quick and tasty meal that’s both light and satisfying.
If you love easy Air Fryer Cod Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Cod, Air Fryer Pesto Cod, Air Fryer Blackened Cod, or Panko Crusted Cod Air Fryer.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and easy to prepare in minutes.
- Crispy, golden exterior with a tender interior.
- Zesty lemon pepper seasoning adds vibrant flavor.
- Minimal prep with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
- Cod Fillets: Cod loin or cod fillets have a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with our zesty lemon-pepper seasoning.
- Lemon Zest: Infuses our cod with bright, tangy undertones.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and moisture, ensuring the cod remains juicy.
- Black Pepper: Adds a spicy kick, contrasting the lemon’s brightness.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle, earthy richness.
- Garlic Powder (optional): If you’re a fan of garlic, adding a sprinkle will infuse the cod with a hint of zest.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color but also introduces a fresh, herbaceous note to the finished dish.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes every bite savory and well-seasoned.
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod
Step One: Begin by patting the cod fillets dry using a paper towel.
Step Two: In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, coarsely ground black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder (if using), and salt. Mix well to form a consistent seasoning paste.
Step Three: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the cod fillets. Let the fillets marinate to soak in the flavors for 10-15 minutes. Set your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
Step Four: Once preheated, place the marinated cod fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time might vary based on the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
Step Five: The cod is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and has a translucent-to-opaque color. If unsure, use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod Recipe Tips
- Quality Matters: Always choose fresh or properly thawed cod fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Zest Right: When zesting your lemon, only get the bright yellow outer layer.
- Even Cooking: If your cod fillets vary significantly in thickness, consider cutting them into even-sized portions.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Monitor Closely: Given the delicate nature of cod, it’s crucial to monitor it closely during the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the cod sit for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer.
- Additional Flavors: If you love a bit more kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or some grated ginger to your lemon-pepper mix.
- Pairing Sauces: While this lemon pepper cod is flavorful, you can always serve it with tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple lemon-dill yogurt sauce for added depth.
Storing
- Storing: Allow the Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the cod in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
What To Serve With Air-Fried Lemon Pepper Cod
Air-Fried Lemon Pepper Cod pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its zesty flavor. Serve it with a light, crisp salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. You can also add roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a savory, healthy side. For a more filling meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a lemony rice pilaf to balance the bright flavors of the cod.
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod Recipe Faqs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe? Absolutely! While cod is a mild, flaky fish that pairs well with lemon pepper, you can also use other white fish like tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness and type of fish.
Why is my cod coming out dry? Overcooking is the usual culprit when cod turns out dry. Always watch the cod, and use a fork to check its flakiness to ensure you don’t overcook it.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Crispy Bacon
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod filets
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley, diced, for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, optional
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by patting the cod fillets dry using a paper towel. This ensures proper seasoning adhesion and optimal cooking.
- Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, coarsely ground black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder (if using), and salt. Mix well to form a consistent seasoning paste.
- Marinate: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the cod fillets. Let the fillets marinate for about 10-15 minutes to soak in the flavors.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Cooking: Once preheated, place the marinated cod fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time might vary based on the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
- Check Doneness: The cod is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and has a translucent-to-opaque color. If unsure, you can use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).
- Serving: Once cooked, transfer the cod fillets to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining lemon-pepper mixture or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve your Lemon Pepper Cod hot with your choice of sides. Some popular options include a light salad, steamed veggies, or a grain like quinoa or rice.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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