Learning how to cook cod and other varieties of white fish is simple and easy!
Cod and other varieties of white fish are so versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. But learning how to cook cod with a basic bread crumb coating is not only easy, but also delicious!
How to cook white fish
Today, we’re going to talk about how to cook cod and how to cook white fish in general. White fish refers to a group of fish including: pollock, bass, cod, grouper, haddock, red snapper, halibut, and others. These are best when pan-fried or seared, and even in soups and chowders… and they are interchangeable in recipes. So, if your recipe calls for cod but you only have snapper that’s a-ok!
White fish is so easy to prepare and a great “gateway” fish for anyone eating fish for the first time! It can be delicate though, so keep an eye on it while cooking so it is flaky and not mushy.
We’re going to start just like we do with salmon and shrimp, by rinsing our white fish in cold water and and then we pat it dry.
How long to cook cod
I’m going to teach you how to cook cod in my all time favorite way for any type of white fish. Because remember, you can substitute any of the above mentioned type of white fish in this recipe.
We’re going to dip the fish in an egg wash and then coat it in bread crumbs. Then, regardless of which way you choose how to cook cod, we’re going to cook it for about 7-10 minutes. It’s a super quick fish to cook!
How to cook cod on the stove
Heat a large skillet over medium heat… add some butter and let it melt to fully cover the bottom of the pan. Add your bread crumb coated fish to the pan and cook it for 4-5 minutes. Then flip your fish and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
How to cook cod in the oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Add your coated filets to a foil lined pan. As an optional step, you can drizzle melted butter over the filets or skip the butter. Bake the cod for ~10 minutes until the fish is no longer translucent.
How to cook cod in air fryer
Add your coated filets to your air fryer basket. (I recommend covering the bottom of the air fryer basket with foil. As an optional step, you can drizzle melted butter over the filets or skip the butter. Cook on 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
How to cook black cod
Black cod and cod are very similar fish and many people can’t even tell them apart. Cod is firmer and leaner than black cod, but we will use very similar methods to cook both of them. When deciding how to cook cod, you can choose to cook black cod in the same ways.
How to cook frozen cod
I highly recommend cooking cod after thawing it, but you can cook cod from frozen if needed. If you have a plain cod filet that is frozen, sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and lemon juice and bake in your oven for about 15 minutes.
Another option for how to cook cod from frozen, would be to freeze your filet after coating it with bread crumbs. You can store these coated filets in your freezer and use them when desired. Just add 5-7 minutes to the cook times listed above for each method.
(Note: Do not freeze fish again if it has previously already been frozen.)
How to Cook Cod in an Air Fryer, Skillet, or Oven
Ingredients
- 2 6 oz cod filets or other white fish
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 Tbsp water
- ¼ cup bread or cracker crumbs
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Rinse your cod or white fish filets under cold running water and pat them dry. Set your fish on a clean plate and set aside.
- Combine the beaten egg and water in a shallow dish and set aside.
- Then, combine your bread crumbs, salt, and pepper and spread the mixture on a plate.
- Dip your fish filets in the egg wash and gently shake off any excess egg. Then dredge the filets through the bread crumbs on both sides of the fish. Set aside.
Stove top
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat… add your butter and let it melt to fully cover the bottom of the pan. Add your coated fish to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes. Then flip your fish and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees,
- Add your coated filets to a foil lined pan. As an optional step, you can drizzle melted butter over the filets or skip the butter.
- Bake for ~10 minutes until the fish is no longer translucent.
Air fryer
- Add your coated filets to your air fryer basket. (I recommend covering the bottom of the air fryer basket with foil. As an optional step, you can drizzle melted butter over the filets or skip the butter.
- Cook on 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve with your desired veggies and enjoy .
