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Air Fryer Miso Cod – Fast, Flavorful, and Foolproof

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • Cod fillets skinless, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
  • White miso paste shiro miso; milder and slightly sweet
  • Mirin Japanese sweet rice wine
  • Soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Rice vinegar or lemon juice
  • Fresh ginger grated
  • Garlic minced
  • Sesame oil
  • Neutral oil avocado, canola, or grapeseed for the basket
  • Green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds optional garnish
  • Lime or lemon wedges optional, for serving
  • Steamed rice quinoa, or mixed greens (for serving)

Instructions

  • Pat the cod dry. Use paper towels to remove surface moisture. This helps the marinade stick and promotes light caramelization.
  • Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons white miso, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 small minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil until smooth.
  • Marinate the fish. Coat the cod on all sides with the miso mixture.
  • Let it sit 15–30 minutes in the fridge. Avoid marinating longer than 45 minutes to keep the texture delicate.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the basket with neutral oil to prevent sticking.
  • Arrange the fillets. Place cod in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
  • Spoon a little extra marinade on top for flavor.
  • Air fry. Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Start checking at 7 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C).
  • Optional caramelization. For a deeper glaze, air fry 1–2 minutes more, watching closely so sugars don’t burn.
  • Rest briefly. Let the fish sit 2 minutes to settle the juices.
  • Garnish and serve. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve with rice, sautéed bok choy, or a cucumber salad, plus lime or lemon wedges.