Gently pat the cod fillet dry with paper towels, then brush it lightly with olive oil using a pastry brush or clean fingers, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
1 piece cod fillet
Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over both sides of the fish to season, then place the fillet in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if applicable.
1 piece cod fillet
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes, then insert the basket with the fish and cook for 8 minutes. Listen for a gentle sizzling sound and observe that the fish’s edges start to turn slightly opaque.
At the 4-minute mark, open the air fryer and briefly check the fish; if desired, gently flip the fillet using tongs for more even cooking. Continue to cook for the remaining 4 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has a light golden color on the surface.
Remove the cooked cod from the air fryer using tongs, transfer to a plate, and let rest for a minute. Visually, the fish should be opaque and flaky, with crispy edges and a tender interior.
Optionally, serve immediately with a wedge of lemon or fresh herbs for garnish, showcasing the delicate, flaky texture of the fish.