Air fryer miso cod is an easy, flavorful way to cook cod using an air fryer. A simple miso glaze lends a rich umami note that complements the flaky texture of the fish.
This recipe is straightforward and quick. Gather white (shiro) miso, thaw your cod if frozen, make the glaze, then air fry. The miso pairs nicely with soy sauce and sesame oil, and a touch of sugar helps the glaze caramelize for a beautiful finish.
The whole dish takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s become a regular in my rotation because it’s so simple and reliably delicious.
Ingredients
- Cod fillet (about 6 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon white (shiro) miso paste
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- Olive oil for brushing or spraying the air fryer basket
- Black sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
How to make air fryer miso cod
Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F. If your model doesn’t have a preheat function, set it to 400°F for 5 minutes before cooking.
While the air fryer preheats, combine the miso paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
Pat the cod dry with paper towels and place it on a plate. Spoon or brush the miso glaze evenly over the top of the fillet.
Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking, then add the glazed cod to the basket.
Cook at 380°F for about 10 minutes. Cooking time will vary with the thickness of the fillet; thinner pieces may be done in 7–8 minutes. The cod is finished when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature appropriate for fish.
Remove the cod from the air fryer, garnish with black sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.
Recipe tips
- Adjust cook time based on fillet thickness. Start checking at 7–8 minutes for thin pieces and allow up to 10 minutes for thicker fillets.
- White (shiro) miso provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor. If you prefer a stronger, earthier taste, you can substitute a darker miso, but the glaze will be more assertive.
- Brush or spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking and help the glaze caramelize.
What to serve with the miso cod
This cod is excellent over steamed rice or in a rice or noodle bowl alongside air-fried vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. A simple sesame rice or lightly dressed greens also pair well.
Can you use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw the cod in the refrigerator before glazing and cooking for best results. Pat the fillet dry before applying the miso mixture so the glaze adheres properly.
What type of miso to use
White (shiro) miso is recommended here for its balance and mildness with cod. If you prefer deeper, more savory notes, try yellow or red miso, but expect a stronger flavor.
Quick recipe summary
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 (scale as needed)
- Calories (estimate): 193 kcal
Air Fryer Miso Cod
Ingredients
- 6 ounce cod fillet
- 1 Tablespoon miso paste (white/shiro)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- Olive oil for the basket
- Black sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.
- Mix miso, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
- Pat the cod dry and spoon the glaze over the top.
- Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the cod at 380°F for 10 minutes, checking earlier for thinner fillets.
- Plate and top with black sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Cook times vary by thickness—thin fillets may take 7–8 minutes.
- Use different miso varieties to change the intensity of flavor.
- Scale the ingredients to serve more people.