Air Fryer Cod and Vegetables: Easy One-Basket Meal

Cod fillets (1-inch thick) take 10–12 minutes at 400°F to cook through to an internal temperature of 145°F. Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus cut into bite-sized pieces also need 10–12 minutes at 400°F to become tender with slightly charred edges. Because the timing is identical, everything goes in together — no staggering needed. Thinner cod fillets (under 3/4 inch) may be done in 8–9 minutes, so check early. Thicker, denser vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower take 12–15 minutes and should be added 2–3 minutes before the cod.

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. 2. Cut zucchini and bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Trim asparagus if using. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. 3. Pat cod fillets dry. Season with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. 4. Place vegetables around the edges of the basket. Set cod fillets in the center. 5. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes without flipping the cod. 6. Shake vegetables once at the 6-minute mark. 7. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Lemon, garlic, and Italian herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme) work naturally on both cod and Mediterranean-style vegetables. For a Cajun twist, use Cajun seasoning on both the fish and veg — the smokiness pairs well with the sweetness of bell peppers. A simple olive oil, lemon, and capers combination makes a quick sauce to drizzle after cooking. Old Bay seasoning on the cod with a squeeze of lime and cilantro gives a coastal feel. Keep the vegetable seasoning aligned with whatever you use on the fish so the dish tastes unified.

Thin cod loins (under 3/4 inch) are done in 8–9 minutes — watch carefully to avoid overcooking. If substituting tilapia, the timing is nearly identical. Broccoli or cauliflower take longer, so add them 3 minutes before the cod. For a crispy coating, brush cod with a thin layer of mustard and press panko breadcrumbs on top before air frying. The crust crisps up beautifully. You can swap the vegetable combination with any quick-cooking veg: cherry tomatoes, snap peas, or mushrooms all work in the same timeframe.