15-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod

Let me tell you about my new obsession – air fryer garlic butter cod that’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated fish recipes before. I stumbled onto this method during one of those crazy weeknights when I needed dinner on the table FAST. The magic happens when simple ingredients – fresh cod, real butter, and lots of garlic – meet the air fryer’s magic touch. In just 15 minutes, you get restaurant-quality fish with a buttery, garlicky crust that’ll make your taste buds dance. My kids now beg for this instead of chicken nuggets (can you believe it?), and I love how light yet satisfying it feels. Trust me, once you try this garlic butter cod in your air fryer, you’ll be making it weekly like we do!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod

Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:

• It’s ready in 15 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Only 7 simple ingredients you probably already have.
• That garlic butter sauce? Pure flavor magic.
• Packed with lean protein and low in calories.
• Air fryer makes it crisp outside, tender inside.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod

You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to make this flavor-packed dish happen – and I bet most are already in your kitchen! Here’s what to grab:

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each, skinless) – Look for thick, fresh pieces that feel firm to the touch
• 3 tbsp butter, melted – Real butter makes all the difference here, trust me
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best, but 1 tsp jarred works in a pinch
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – About half a juicy lemon (bottled just isn’t the same)
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped – The pop of green makes it pretty!
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt – I prefer this over table salt for even seasoning
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper – That little kick brings everything together

See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that make magic together in the air fryer!

Equipment You’ll Need

You really don’t need much to make this garlic butter cod shine – just grab your trusty air fryer and a few basic tools from your kitchen drawers. Here’s what I use:

• Air fryer – Any model works, but I love my basket-style for fish
• Small mixing bowl – For that heavenly garlic butter sauce
• Pastry brush – Helps spread the butter evenly (fingers work too in a pinch!)
• Measuring spoons – For perfect seasoning every time

Bonus item: An instant-read thermometer gives you peace of mind (fish should hit 145°F), but the flake test never fails me!

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod

Okay, let’s get cooking! This garlic butter cod comes together so easily, but there are a few key steps that make all the difference. Follow along and you’ll have perfect, flaky fish every time.

Preparing the Cod

First things first – grab those cod fillets and pat them really dry with paper towels. This is my secret for getting that beautiful golden crust! Then sprinkle both sides with the salt and pepper – don’t be shy, seasoning is everything here.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

While your air fryer preheats to 400°F, melt the butter (microwave works great). Stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice – the smell alone will make your mouth water! Pro tip: don’t let the garlic sit too long in hot butter or it might burn.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Brush that glorious garlic butter all over your cod fillets, then pop them in the air fryer basket in a single layer – no stacking! Cook for 8-10 minutes (thicker fillets might need the full 10). You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F inside. Oh, and that golden, buttery crust? Absolute perfection!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod

Want that restaurant-quality garlic butter cod every single time? Here are my hard-earned tricks:

Fresh is best – Spring for fresh cod if you can find it. That firm, pearly texture makes all the difference!

Mind the thickness – Thicker fillets need the full 10 minutes, while thinner ones might be done in 7-8. Just peek halfway through!

Give ’em space – No overlapping fillets in the basket! Crowding = steamed fish instead of that gorgeous crispy exterior.

Butter generously – Really slather on that garlic butter sauce – it creates the most delicious golden crust!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this garlic butter cod – it’s all about keeping things simple but delicious! I always pop a few lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing when you need it. My family goes crazy when I pair it with roasted asparagus – just toss those spears with olive oil and salt and roast while the cod cooks. If we’re feeling fancy, a scoop of fluffy lemon herb quinoa makes it feel like a fancy restaurant meal at home. Sometimes I’ll even throw together a quick arugula salad with cherry tomatoes when I want something fresh and crunchy. Honestly? It’s so good you could eat it straight from the air fryer basket – not that I’ve done that… okay, maybe once or twice!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Now, I know this garlic butter cod is so delicious you might not have leftovers – but if you do, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh! Pop any extra fillets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes. The air fryer works magic bringing back that crispy exterior without drying out the fish. Trust me, it beats the microwave any day!

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting with each delicious serving (remember, these are estimates):

• 220 calories – Light but satisfying
• 12g fat – Mostly from that glorious butter
• 25g protein – Hello, muscle fuel!
• 2g carbs – Basically nothing
• 380mg sodium – Just right for flavor

Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

I get questions about this garlic butter cod all the time – here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I use frozen cod?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight first. Patting it extra dry is key since frozen fish tends to hold more moisture. I’ve done this many rushed mornings when I forgot to take fish out the night before!

What can I use instead of butter?
Olive oil works in a pinch, but you’ll miss that rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, ghee is my favorite substitute – it gives you that same golden crispiness without the milk solids.

How do I prevent sticking?
A quick spritz of oil on the air fryer basket before adding fish makes all the difference. I use my trusty Misto sprayer – just a light coating does the trick!

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. I’ll often make extra garlic butter sauce to brush on the second batch for maximum flavor.

Ready to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod?

What are you waiting for? Grab that cod and let’s get cooking – I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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