This Air Fryer Cod with lemon and dill turns out perfectly flaky and flavorful in just 15 minutes. After testing methods from top air fryer recipes, I found this combination delivers a light, refreshing dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Perfect Lemon Dill Air Fryer Cod Recipe
Cod is a naturally mild, flaky white fish that benefits from quick cooking and simple seasoning. The air fryer creates the perfect environment for crisp edges while keeping the inside moist. Adding lemon juice brightens the flavor, while fresh dill introduces a delicate herbal touch that pairs beautifully with seafood. This recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Lemon Dill Air Fryer Cod Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each, fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions for Lemon Dill Air Fryer Cod
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, zest, dill, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush or spoon the mixture evenly over both sides of each fillet.
- Place cod in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 145°F/63°C).
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with extra dill.
Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Lemon Dill Cod
Temperature & Timing Guide
- Thin fillets (½ inch thick): 10–12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Thicker fillets (1 inch or more): 14–16 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Always check doneness with a fork or thermometer; cod should be opaque and flake easily.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Pat fish dry to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; air needs to circulate.
- Preheating helps ensure even crisping.
- For extra crispiness, add a light spray of olive oil over the top before cooking.
- If fillets stick, let them rest for 1 minute before lifting with a spatula.
Serving & Storage for Lemon Dill Air Fryer Cod
Best Pairings
- Drizzle with garlic butter sauce for richness.
- Pair with tartar sauce or a simple yogurt-dill dip.
- A light lemon cream sauce also complements beautifully.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Air fryer asparagus or green beans for a quick veggie side.
- Roasted or air fryer baby potatoes for a hearty pairing.
- Fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as cod loses texture when refrozen after cooking.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Lemon Dill Air Fryer Cod proves that simple ingredients can shine when cooked the right way. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a healthy, flaky fish dinner with bright citrus and herbal notes that rival restaurant-quality seafood.
