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- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) To make Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, you need fresh cod fillets. These fillets provide a nice, flaky texture. Next, you will prepare a lemon garlic butter marinade. This marinade adds rich flavors to the fish. You will need melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Dried oregano and paprika bring warmth and depth to the dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. For garnish, fresh chopped parsley brightens the plate. Lemon wedges are perfect for serving. They add a fresh squeeze of acidity right before eating. This combo makes it not only tasty but also visually appealing. Gathering these ingredients will set you up for a great cooking experience. Each component plays an important role in the final dish. Enjoy the process of creating this easy and delicious meal! First, I mix the marinade. In a small bowl, I combine: - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these well. The marinade adds flavor to the cod. Marinating helps the fish soak in all those tasty juices. I let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This step makes a big difference! Next, I prepare the cod fillets. I pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is key. Drying helps the marinade stick better. It also ensures the fish gets a nice, crispy finish. After that, I place the cod in a shallow dish. I pour the marinade over the fish, covering each piece well. Now, it's time to air fry. I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps the cod cook evenly. I lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents sticking. Once preheated, I put the marinated cod in the basket. I make sure the fillets do not overlap. I air fry the cod for 8-10 minutes. I check for doneness by seeing if the fish flakes easily with a fork. If it does, it's ready! Once done, I carefully take the cod out and let it rest for a minute. Then, I garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy this simple and tasty dish! To make a great marinade, you can mix things up. Add fresh herbs like thyme or dill. You might try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. This gives the dish a new twist. Common mistakes? Many skip marinating long enough. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes. This time lets the flavors soak in deep. Also, don’t forget to coat each fillet well. Every bite should burst with lemon-garlic goodness. Drying the fish is key. Use a paper towel to pat the cod fillets dry. This step helps the marinade stick and keeps the fish crispy. Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Preheating for 3-5 minutes makes a big difference. It ensures even cooking and a nice crust. Pair your cod with light sides. A fresh salad or steamed veggies work great. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish well. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. It adds a refreshing touch. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs to fit your taste. Try using fresh dill, basil, or thyme. Each herb gives a unique flavor. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds warmth without being too hot. You don't have to stick with cod. This recipe works well with other fish too. Try salmon, tilapia, or halibut. Each fish gives a different taste and texture. If you prefer shellfish, shrimp is a great choice. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through. If you don’t have an air fryer, oven-baking is a great option. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cod on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. You can also grill the cod. Use medium heat and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. To keep your air fryer lemon garlic butter cod fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Store the cooked cod in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating cod, you have two main options: the microwave or the oven. The microwave is quick but can dry out the fish. For better results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking tray and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps it moist and tasty. To freeze cooked cod, let it cool completely first. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. The cod can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, move the cod to the fridge overnight to thaw. If you need it fast, use cold water for a quick thaw. I recommend marinating cod for at least 15-20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. You can marinate it longer if you want a stronger taste. Just avoid going over two hours, as the acid from the lemon can change the fish's texture. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best results. If you need to thaw it quickly, seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, pat it dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better. You have many great options for side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Roasted vegetables - Rice pilaf These sides complement the cod well and create a balanced meal. Enjoy your cooking! This article guides you through making delicious lemon garlic butter cod. We explored key ingredients, a step-by-step guide, and tips for perfect results. You learned about marinating time and ideal cooking methods. Use this knowledge to enhance your meals and impress guests. Experiment with variations or enjoy leftovers creatively. Enjoy cooking and the tasty rewards that follow! Your kitchen is now ready for flavorful adventures.

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

Savor the flavors of Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with this delicious and easy recipe! Perfectly flaky cod fillets drenched in a creamy garlic butter marinade create a dish that’s both quick to prepare and full of zest. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and make this tasty fish dish for your next dinner!
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Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.

    Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade adhere better and ensures a nice, crispy texture.

      Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish and pour the lemon garlic butter marinade over them, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavor.

        Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

          Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once preheated, place the marinated cod fillets in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap.

            Air fry the cod for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

              Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute.

                Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4