Air Fryer Mediterranean Cod (Print View)
Cod fillets tucked in parchment with peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives and lemon for light Mediterranean main.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each), skinless and boneless
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 - 1 small zucchini, cut into half-moon slices
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 8 Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
→ Aromatics & Herbs
07 - 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 lemon, thinly sliced
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
12 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
13 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
14 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
# Method:
01 - Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garlic, chopped parsley, and dried oregano. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and all of the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.
03 - Cut 4 large sheets of parchment paper, approximately 12x16 inches each, large enough to fully enclose each fillet and its topping.
04 - Place one cod fillet in the center of each parchment sheet. Season each fillet lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
05 - Divide the seasoned vegetable mixture evenly among the four fillets, mounding it on top of each one. Arrange 2 to 3 thin lemon slices over the vegetables on each packet. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tops.
06 - Fold the parchment paper over each fillet and vegetable stack. Crimp and fold the edges tightly together to form sealed packets, enclosing the fish and vegetables completely in the style of en papillote.
07 - Place the sealed parchment packets into the air fryer basket, working in batches if they do not all fit in a single layer. Cook at 350°F for 13 to 15 minutes, until the cod is opaque throughout and flakes easily when pierced with a fork.
08 - Carefully open each parchment packet, watching for the hot steam. Serve immediately, either directly in the parchment for a rustic presentation or transferred to individual plates.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- Cooking fish in parchment keeps it incredibly moist while the air fryer creates a beautifully sealed environment with zero fuss.
- The entire meal comes together in thirty minutes with almost no cleanup, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something elegant.
02 -
- Do not skip the crimping step, because loose packets let steam escape and your fish will dry out instead of poaching gently in its own juices.
- Check the cod at 13 minutes rather than 15, as thinner fillets cook faster and overcooked cod becomes rubbery and disappointing.
03 -
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels before seasoning, because excess moisture prevents the salt and pepper from adhering properly and dilutes the flavors inside the parcel.
- A light spray of olive oil on the inside of the parchment before adding the fish prevents any sticking and makes cleanup truly effortless.