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Fresh Air Fryer Mediterranean Cod Recipe with Vibrant Herbs

air fryer mediterranean cod - featured image

A quick, light, and fresh Mediterranean cod recipe cooked in the air fryer with a vibrant herb marinade, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the herb marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dill, and oregano. Add sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix until combined and fragrant.
  2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick and the fish crisp up better.
  3. Place cod fillets in the bowl and gently coat with the herb marinade. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes if time allows (optional but recommended).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, checking tenderness at 10 minutes by gently flaking the thickest part with a fork. The cod should be opaque and flake easily but still moist.
  6. Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to settle. Drizzle any leftover herb marinade over the top or add a fresh squeeze of lemon before serving.

Notes

Pat the cod dry before marinating to ensure crisp edges. Avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist and tender. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Fresh herbs are preferred for best flavor. The herb marinade can be prepared a day ahead and stored refrigerated; add lemon juice fresh before marinating the fish. If no air fryer is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or pan-sear with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer cod, Mediterranean cod, fresh herbs, quick fish recipe, healthy dinner, easy cod recipe, lemon cod, herb marinade