How Long to Cook Cod at 400 in the Oven, Air Fryer, Fried in Pan

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Want to know how to cook fish for dinner perfectly? This is how long to cook cod at 400 in the oven, on the stove, in a pressure cooker, slow cooker or on the grill smoked to fork tender and flaky. Fresh is always best but Baking Frozen Fish is possible too!

This is how to cook cod perfectly in a number of different ways! Some times you may want to bake in your oven, pressure cook fish perfectly, use your slow cooker or grill outside. We will talk about them all so you can see which is your favorite. (affiliate links present)

How Long to Cook Cod in the Oven

Cod, a delicate and flaky white fish, is a versatile and popular choice for seafood lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the art of cooking fresh or frozen cod can make it easier to eat it more often. We’ll explore here the key steps to cook fish to perfection, along with an easy and delicious baked cod recipe below that will leave you craving for more.

Cod can be prepared using various cooking methods, such as baking, pan-searing, or grilling. Each method imparts a distinct texture and flavor to the fish. For our easy fried fish recipe, we’ll be using the oven to achieve a tender and moist result.

How Long to Cook Cod in Air Fryer

Before you begin cooking, ensure your cod fillets are thawed. If they aren’t use our air fryer frozen cod recipe. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy and well-seasoned outer layer.

Seasoning is essential to bring out the delicate flavors of the cod. A classic and straightforward approach is to use salt and black pepper. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the cod fillets. Alternatively, you can explore various spice blends or marinades to suit your taste preferences.

How Long to Cook Cod in Pan

If you prefer pan-searing like with How to Cook Walleye, you can follow a similar seasoning process. Heat a pan over high heat with a drizzle of olive oil, then add the seasoned cod fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

What is an Easy Baked Cod Recipe?

Ingredients are simple, you should keep it that way really no matter how you cook it. Let the flavors of the fresh fish shine like we did with our cod fish cakes.

4 cod fillets, thawed
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for greasing the baking dish

How long should you cook cod at 400?

You do NOT want to dry it out so stay close. Set to 15 minutes and then check. You want it to be easily flaked with a fork, white vs. translucent in color. If not done give it another 2 minutes at a time and check again. Timing will vary depending on how thick your piece is so keep that in mind.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the seasoned cod fillets in the greased baking dish.
Drizzle the melted butter and lemon juice over the cod fillets, evenly coating them for enhanced flavor and moisture.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a loose tent to allow the fish to cook through without drying out.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes to 20 minutes, or until fillet is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. No need to flip the fish as it will be delicate and likely would fall apart.

Once fully cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How Long to Cook Cod From Frozen

Cooking frozen fish or fresh in this case is a straightforward process. Whether you choose to bake or pan-sear your cod, the key lies in the right seasoning, proper cooking time, and attentiveness to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Read our article linked above for best results if right out of the freezer.

To achieve a slightly crispy texture, you can remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking, allowing the top of the cod to brown slightly.
Baked cod pairs exceptionally well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
For a burst of freshness and brightness, consider garnishing the baked cod with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Baked Breaded Cod

Below we will explain how to bake it breaded with Panko breadcrumbs. It will come out as crispy as if you fried it but it will be in fact oven fried fish instead, so much healthier. If you didn’t want to use breading at all you could just brush with olive oil and seasonings, and still bake as directed below until flaky and 145 degrees F.

Set up a breading station by arranging three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to incorporate the spices evenly.
In a second dish, whisk the eggs. This will act as the “glue” to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the fish.
In the third dish, add the breadcrumbs. You can use plain or seasoned for added flavor. You may also use a mixture of both to create a balance of textures and tastes.
Dip each fish fillet into the flour mixture, coating both sides and shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the floured fillet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, press the fish fillet into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even and thorough coating on all sides.
- Gently pat the breadcrumbs onto the fish to help them adhere.

Once the fish is breaded, place it on a plate or wire rack and let it rest for a few minutes. Allowing the breading to rest helps it adhere better to the fish during cooking.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices in the breading mixture to suit your taste. You can add herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme for a refreshing flavor. For a hint of citrus, add a bit of lemon zest to the breadcrumbs. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko, for varying textures.

How Long to Cook Cod in Deep Fryer

You want it to be opaque white, easily flaked with a fork. If you prefer a more precise method to determine doneness, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. It is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit or 63 degrees Celsius.

There are several ways to cook the breaded fish, such as frying, baking, or air frying. Choose your preferred method based on your taste and dietary preferences.

Frying fish in a deep skillet or fryer to around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit (175-190 degrees Celsius). Carefully add the breaded fish fillets and cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- Same goes for a deep fryer but there is not flipping required with that since it is fully submerged.
Air Frying fish you preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the breaded fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the fish is golden and cooked through.

Serve the crispy breaded fish with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. Pair it with a side of coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh green salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How do you know when cod is cooked?

With these step by step directions you can then customize and enjoy a delightful and crispy fish dish that will impress your family and guests alike.

What’s the best way to cook 2 inch thick cuts of cod?

Baked in the oven would be best. Lowering the temperature from 400 degrees to 350 F for a bit longer to ensure the middle of your thick fish fillet is flaky all the way to the center would be helpful. Closer to 20 minutes cook time you want it to be white and flake easily when cut with the side of a fork.

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