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air fryer garlic butter cod - featured image

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod: 5-Min Easy Weeknight Dinner


  • Author: angela_woods
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

A quick and healthy weeknight dinner featuring tender cod fillets coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, cooked to perfection in an air fryer in under 15 minutes.


Ingredients

  • Cod fillets (fresh or thawed frozen, approx. 6 oz each)
  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh lemon (juice and zest)
  • Dried parsley
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions

  1. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl (approx. 30-45 seconds total).
  3. Whisk minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes into the melted butter.
  4. Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil, tucking edges up to create a boat for the sauce.
  5. Place cod fillets on the foil, ensuring they do not overlap.
  6. Brush half of the garlic butter mixture over the top of each fillet.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  8. Remove basket and brush the remaining garlic butter mixture over the hot fish.
  9. Let rest for 1 minute before serving with lemon wedges.

Notes

Ensure fish is completely dry before cooking to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. If fillets are very thin, check at 6 minutes. If thick, may need up to 11 minutes. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with garlic
  • Calories: 150
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 1
  • Protein: 20

Keywords: air fryer cod, garlic butter fish, quick weeknight dinner, healthy seafood, easy fish recipe, air fryer recipes