Crispy Air Fryer Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter

Make a family favorite dinner in under 30 minutes. This air fryer cod recipe is quick and simple, delivering a crisp, flavorful batter wrapped around tender, flaky fish.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and later studying in Boston, I developed a real love for classic fish and chips. Deep frying creates great texture, but it can be messy and heavy. Baking often lacks the true crunch we crave. The air fryer offers the best of both worlds: a crunchy beer-battered exterior and flaky cod inside, without the splatter or excess oil. If you enjoy fish and chips and own an air fryer, this air fryer cod recipe is worth trying.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient notes
• Step-by-step instructions
• Recipe Tip
• Recipe FAQs
• Serving suggestions
• Wine pairings
• More fish recipes
• Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Ingredient notes

This recipe uses a short list of common ingredients to achieve classic beer-battered cod:

• Fish: Cod is traditional and works beautifully here thanks to its large flakes and mild flavor. You can substitute other firm white fish such as halibut or flounder if desired.
• Wet batter: The beer batter combines all-purpose flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt and pepper, beer, and an egg. Choose a light to amber beer (lager, pilsner, pale ale or IPA) for the best results; avoid dark stouts as they can overpower the batter flavor.
• Dry dredge: A separate bowl of flour mixed with Old Bay seasoning helps the batter adhere and adds savory depth. If you don’t have Old Bay, a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne will work as a substitute.

Step-by-step instructions

The technique is simple: make a beer batter, dredge the cod, chill briefly, then air fry until golden and crisp. Below are the concise steps; full ingredient amounts and detailed timing are in the recipe card further down.

• Whisk the wet batter ingredients in one bowl until mostly smooth.
• Combine the remaining flour with Old Bay seasoning in a second bowl for the dry dredge.
• Pat the fillets dry, dip them in the wet batter to coat, then dredge in the seasoned flour.
• Chill the battered fillets briefly on a parchment-lined tray so the batter sets.
• Air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, in a single layer with space between pieces; work in batches if necessary.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon, and serve with malt vinegar and tartar sauce if you like.

Marlynn’s Tip

Recipe Tip

Use a beer you enjoy drinking for the batter—its flavor will come through in the crust. Lighter beers such as lagers, pilsners, pale ales, or light IPAs are the best choices for a balanced, crisp coating.

Recipe FAQs

Serving suggestions

Traditional chips (French fries) are a natural match for beer-battered cod, but there are many other tasty side options. A crisp summer slaw, mango coleslaw, or an Asian cabbage slaw adds bright texture and acidity that balances the rich batter. For a different presentation, tuck a piece of air-fried cod between toasted buns and top with slaw for a crunchy fish sandwich.