Lemony Air Fryer Cod
We are still learning how to use our air fryer. We have yet to master things like French Fries and Sweet Potato Fries. We love roasting vegetables in it. They turn out so well, cook so fast and don’t require heating up a big oven for two.
We wanted to experiment with different types of fish to go with our veggies. We found that cod is a great firm fish that works well in the air fryer. After some researching, we came up with this recipe, which was actually inspired by one we saw from The Pampered Chef.
It’s a great weeknight meal (and healthy) for two!
This recipe can be doubled but would have to be made in batches. Since it uses so few ingredients, it would not double the time to make for 4. In this case, just one cob of corn is used.
Cut the Asparagus
2 inch pieces work well. We use just about a 1/2 a bunch for two, but this amount can be adjusted.
Zesty Lemon
This is what makes the flavor extra bright. We add the lemon zest right to the panko mixture.
After the lemon zest, add the panko, pepper and garlic salt. Give it a little stir. Then add the melted butter and stir all together.
Prepare the vegetables for the air fryer by tossing in olive oil then adding bit of salt.
Pre-Heat the Air Fryer for Five Minutes
Once it’s preheated spoon the asparagus and corn into the air fryer. Be sure to spread it evenly across the bottom of the air fryer.
After rubbing the mayonnaise all over the cod, dip both sides in the panko blend. We have found it’s just easiest to use your clean hands for this step. Be sure the air fryer is prepped and ready ahead of this step with the veggies, as above. Set the fish on the rack and then the rack over the veggies. (This step may slightly differ, based on the type of air fryer)
Then start the air fryer at a temp of 380 degrees. Cook for 9 minutes.
Next it’s time to make the lemony vinaigrette for tossing with the vegetables.
Using a small bowl, juice the lemon, add the garlic, honey and chives. Next, whisk in the olive oil. Correct the taste with salt. Set aside while the air fryer finishes up.
Just nine minutes later it’s all done! It is crispy on the outside and nice and moist on the inside. As long as the corn and asparagus are evenly distributed they will come our nicely roasted.
Dinner is just about ready!
The final step is to toss the asparagus and corn with the vinaigrette. Toss to taste, as you might want to have some left to drizzle over the fish or on the side.
On this night, we served it with rice. We did drizzle the sauce over both the fish and rice. It was so good and so easy!
Lemony Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 2 fresh cod fillets, 1" thick / 4 -5 ozs. each
- Oil for spraying
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Zest of one lemon
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 ear corn, husk removed, cut off the cob
- 8 oz. asparagus (½ bunch), trimmed and sliced into 2 “ pieces
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 small lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
Instructions
- Start with the roasted vegetables. Add the corn, asparagus, olive oil, and salt to a medium bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes
- Zest the lemon into a bowl. Add the, panko, garlic salt, and pepper. Finally, add the melted butter, mixing all together.
- Pat the cod fillets dry using a paper towel. Brush each fillet with the mayonnaise. Evenly divide the panko mixture onto the cod fillets, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Spray the top, or removable, cooking tray with oil. Place the fillets on the cooking tray.
- Transfer vegetable mixture to the lower cooking tray.
- The cod should now be on the top rack and the tray with the vegetables on the bottom rack. Cook for 9 minutes on the fish setting of 380 degrees. The internal temperature should reach 140°F, adding more time if needed. The cod will be crispy on the outside and the veggies roasted and still slightly firm.
- While the fish and veggies are cooking, make the vinaigrette, juice the lemon into a small bowl. Add the remaining vinaigrette ingredients and whisk to combine.
- To serve, place the veggies in a shallow bowl drizzle some of the vinaigrette over the top. Place veggies on serving plate the lay the cod on top. Serve additional vinaigrette on the side if desired. Enjoy!
