Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus

This Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus dish is a delicious and nutritious option for busy weeknights. With its simple preparation and vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at a casual gathering. The air fryer method not only saves time but also ensures the cod remains tender while the asparagus gets that delightful crispness. Enjoy this one-pan meal that combines high protein with healthy ingredients, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Fresh Herbs
• Beans and Stocks
• Dairy and Condiments
• Vegetables and Fish
• How to Make Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus
• Step 1: Preheat Your Oven (if needed)
• Step 2: Prepare the Herbs and Lemon Zest
• Step 3: Mix Ingredients in Roasting Dish
• Step 4: Cook Butter Beans Mixture
• Step 5: Prepare Asparagus
• Step 6: Prepare Lemon Wedges
• Step 7: Make Herby Mayo Mixture
• Step 8: Season Cod Fillets
• Step 9: Combine Ingredients
• Step 10: Final Cooking Steps
• Step 11: Serve
• How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus
• With a Fresh Salad
• With Quinoa
• With Roasted Potatoes
• With Garlic Bread
• How to Perfect Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus
• Reheating Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other fish instead of cod?
• How do I customize the herby mayo?
• What side dishes go well with Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus?
• How do I ensure my asparagus stays crunchy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a wholesome dinner on the table in about 35 minutes.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from cod and fiber from butter beans, this dish supports a healthy diet.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one dish minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful Herby Mayo: The herby mayo adds a fresh burst of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• Versatile Meal: Adapt the recipe by swapping out vegetables or adding your favorite herbs to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this easy air fryer cod dish, having the right tools will make preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Roasting dish
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool cooks food quickly while keeping it crispy, making it ideal for this cod recipe.
• Roasting dish: A suitable roasting dish helps combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring great flavor throughout.
• Mixing bowl: This is essential for preparing the herby mayo and combining ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

Fresh Herbs

• 25g bunch parsley
• 12g (half a bunch) chives
• 1 Lemon

Beans and Stocks

• 2 large tins (700g) butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 125ml chicken/fish/vegetable stock

Dairy and Condiments

• 15g/3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp creme fraiche
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

Vegetables and Fish

• 1 pack asparagus
• 4 cod fillets
• 1 garlic clove

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven (if needed)

If you prefer cooking in an oven instead of an air fryer, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

Step 2: Prepare the Herbs and Lemon Zest

Rinse the parsley and chives. Chop them finely, discarding any large stalks from the parsley. Zest the lemon. In a bowl, combine the chopped parsley, chives, and lemon zest. Set aside ¼ of this mixture for later use to coat the cod.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients in Roasting Dish

In a roasting dish suitable for your air fryer or oven:
* Combine the butter beans, stock, parmesan cheese, most of the herb mixture, creme fraiche, and minced garlic.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook Butter Beans Mixture

Air fry at 180°C (355°F) for 10 minutes without preheating. If using an oven:
Cook for 13 minutes at 190°C (375°F). The mixture should thicken up; if necessary, cook longer until desired consistency is achieved.

Step 5: Prepare Asparagus

While cooking:
Wash asparagus spears. Trim about 2cm from their base to remove woody parts. Cut remaining asparagus into pieces about 3-4 cm long.

Step 6: Prepare Lemon Wedges

Cut zested lemon into wedges to serve alongside the finished dish.

Step 7: Make Herby Mayo Mixture

In a small bowl:
Combine reserved herb mixture with mayonnaise, add juice from one tablespoon of lemon juice (from wedges), plus salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Season Cod Fillets

Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Spread herby mayo evenly over each fillet.

Step 9: Combine Ingredients

Once beans are cooked:
Add chopped asparagus to the roasting dish. Place seasoned cod fillets atop the asparagus-bean mixture.

Step 10: Final Cooking Steps

Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 7-12 minutes or bake in an oven at 220°C (430°F) for similar time based on thickness. Cod should flake easily when done.

Step 11: Serve

Serve immediately with remaining lemon wedges on the side for added freshness. Enjoy your hearty meal!

How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus

Serving your Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ideas for making the meal even more enjoyable.

With a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens – A simple salad of mixed greens drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds freshness.
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad – This refreshing salad pairs well, offering a crunchy texture that complements the cod.

With Quinoa

• Lemon Quinoa – Cook quinoa in vegetable broth and toss it with lemon zest for a zesty side that aligns with the flavors of the dish.

With Roasted Potatoes

• Herb-Roasted Baby Potatoes – Toss baby potatoes with olive oil and herbs, then roast until crispy for a hearty addition.

With Garlic Bread

• Garlic Butter Breadsticks – Serve warm garlic breadsticks to soak up any leftover herby mayo sauce from the cod.

How to Perfect Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus

To ensure your Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus comes out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh herbs – Fresh parsley and chives will enhance the flavor of your herby mayo significantly.
• Pat the cod dry – Drying the cod fillets helps achieve a better sear and prevents excess moisture during cooking.
• Adjust cooking time – Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your cod fillets; check for doneness by flaking.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add other spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick in flavor.
• Serve immediately – For best taste and texture, serve your cod right after cooking while it’s still hot.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Air Fryer Cod can enhance the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious green element that balances the meal.
2. Rice Pilaf – A fragrant rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes for a comforting side that complements the cod beautifully.
3. Cauliflower Mash – Creamy cauliflower mash is a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, providing richness without heaviness.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, which contrasts nicely with the creamy herby mayo.
5. Grilled Zucchini – Grilled zucchini slices bring a smoky flavor that pairs well with fish dishes.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob can be served as a fun finger food alongside this delightful main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when you’re trying a new recipe. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus.

• Skipping ingredient prep: Not preparing your ingredients beforehand can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Take the time to chop herbs and measure out ingredients before you start cooking.
• Overcooking cod fillets: Cod can turn dry if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for flakiness to ensure perfect results.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season your cod and beans properly can result in bland flavors. Don’t shy away from using salt, pepper, or fresh herbs.
• Not preheating properly: If you’re using an oven, not preheating it can affect your cooking times and results. Ensure your oven is at the right temperature before starting.
• Ignoring texture: Overcooking asparagus or beans can lead to mushy textures. Keep track of cooking times for each component for optimal crunchiness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Enjoy within 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (355°F) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus.

Can I use other fish instead of cod?

Yes! You can substitute with other white fish like haddock or tilapia; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I customize the herby mayo?

Feel free to add other herbs like dill or basil depending on your preference for a unique flavor twist.

What side dishes go well with Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus?

Pair it with a fresh salad, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal that balances flavors beautifully.

How do I ensure my asparagus stays crunchy?

Avoid overcooking by adding it later in the process or adjusting cooking time based on thickness.

Final Thoughts

Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily swap ingredients or customize flavors to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. Give it a try today!