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Golden, blackened cod fillets in the air fryer, crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside.

Air Fryer Blackened Cod

5 from 1 vote
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Flaky cod with a smoky homemade blackened seasoning crust, cooked at 400°F in the air fryer in 10 to 12 minutes. No flipping, no skillet.

Ingredients 

Ingredients

  • 4 cod fillets, 6 ounces each, ¾ to 1 inch thick, patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Lime or lemon wedges, for serving

Blackened seasoning (makes 3 tablespoons, enough for 4 fillets)

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne.
  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet all over with olive oil.
  • Press the seasoning onto the top, bottom and sides of each fillet.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Spray the basket with oil or line it with perforated parchment.
  • Place the fillets in a single layer with space between them. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, without flipping, until the thickest part reads 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Thinner fillets need 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Rest 2 minutes, squeeze lime over the top and serve.

Equipment

  • Air fryer (basket or oven style)
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Oil spray or perforated parchment

Notes

  • Cook time depends on thickness, not weight. Check at the low end and use a thermometer; cod dries out fast once it passes 145°F.
  • Cook in two batches rather than crowding the basket.
  • For a milder rub, leave out the cayenne. For store-bought blackening seasoning, use about 2 teaspoons per fillet and omit the added salt.
  • The recipe doubles easily; make the seasoning in a full jar and keep it for salmon, tilapia, shrimp or chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 781kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 161gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 387mgSodium: 1070mgPotassium: 3785mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 1293IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 4mg