Perfection Air Fryer Blackened Cod

The Process

1. Prep the Fish: Pat the cod fillets extremely dry with paper towels. This is the secret to getting that dark, crispy crust rather than “steamed” fish.

2. Coat: Brush each fillet generously with oil or melted butter on all sides.

3. Season Heavily: Mix your spices together and press the rub firmly into the fish. You want a thick layer to create that “blackened” look shown in your picture.

4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fillets in the basket, ensuring they aren’t touching.

5. Timing: Cook for 8 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness. Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.

6. The Dip: While the fish cooks, whisk your sauce ingredients together. Top with a little extra fresh parsley and lemon zest for that gourmet look.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Don’t Flip: Unlike chicken, cod is very fragile. If you’ve preheated your air fryer, the hot air circulating will cook the bottom sufficiently without you needing to risk breaking the fillets by flipping them.

• Check Early: Cod can go from “perfectly flaky” to “rubbery” in about 60 seconds. Start checking at the 8-minute mark.