Are you looking for an easy cod recipe for your air fryer? One of my favorites is air fryer pesto cod, which only needs a few ingredients for this delicious recipe.
If you love pesto, try my pesto air fryer recipes for shrimp, air-fried pesto potatoes, air fryer chicken pesto sliders, air fryer pesto chicken breast, air fryer pesto chicken and tomato kebabs, or even air-fried pesto pinwheels.
For easy Instant Pot Pesto recipes, try my recipe for instant pot cashew basil pesto chicken,
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pesto Cod
- Cod Fillets: Offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a flaky texture that pairs wonderfully with the boldness of pesto.
- Pesto Sauce: A vibrant blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the cod moist and tender while cooking.
- Lemon Wedges: Adds a bright, citrusy zing that enhances the flavors of the pesto and cod.
- Salt and Pepper: Elevates the cod’s natural flavors and balances the pesto’s zest.
How To Make Air Fryer Pesto Cod
Creating Air Fryer Pesto Cod is a simple, straightforward process that results in a deliciously healthy meal. Here’s how to make it:
- Preparation: Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season the Cod: Lightly season each cod fillet with salt and pepper.
- Apply Pesto: Spread a tablespoon of pesto sauce evenly over the top of each cod fillet.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the pesto-covered cod fillets.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures the cod cooks evenly.
- Arrange the Cod: Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching to allow for even air circulation and cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Air Fryer Pesto Cod Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Cod: To ensure even cooking, use fresh or thoroughly thawed cod fillets.
- Customize Your Pesto: While store-bought pesto is great for convenience, homemade pesto allows you to adjust the flavors to your preference—experiment with adding more garlic, different nuts, or even spinach for a unique twist.
- Ensure Even Thickness: Select cod fillets that are uniform in thickness. This promotes even cooking.
- Prevent Sticking: Even though most air fryers are non-stick, lightly greasing the basket with olive oil spray or oil brush helps prevent the fish from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air circulation is key in an air fryer. Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer with space between them.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The thickness of your fillets will affect cooking time. Start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the cod rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Complement your Air Fryer Pesto Cod with sides that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the fish. Light salads, steamed vegetables, or a simple quinoa salad are excellent choices.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER BOSTON BROWN BREAD
- AIR FRYER HOMEMADE PIZZA ROLLS
- EASY AIR FRYER LATKES
- AIR FRYER FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
- AIR FRYER TWICE-BAKED SWEET POTATOES
- EASY AIR FRYER LOADED POTATO CHIPS
- Air Fryer Nutella Scrolls Recipe
- air fryer bacon wrapped pickle dippers
Don’t Forget To Pin!
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Air Fryer Pesto Cod
Description
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the pesto and oil adhere better and ensures a crispy finish.
- Season the Cod: Lightly season each cod fillet with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering the pesto.
- Apply Pesto: Spread a tablespoon of pesto sauce evenly over the top of each cod fillet. Be generous with the pesto to ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the pesto-covered cod fillets. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also helps to keep the fish moist during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures the cod cooks evenly.
- Arrange the Cod: Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching to allow for even air circulation and cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Air fry the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your fillets, so it’s a good idea to check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the cod fillets from the air fryer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty kick.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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