If you’re after something wholesome, comforting, and fuss-free, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Cooking fish in foil is an absolute game changer. It keeps everything beautifully moist, locks in flavour, and means there’s barely any washing up at the end. It’s the kind of clever little trick that makes midweek cooking feel a whole lot more manageable. In this dish, flaky cod fillets are nestled on top of buttery sliced potatoes, which soak up all the delicious, garlicky juices as everything cooks together in a tidy foil parcel. The result? A complete meal that’s full of flavour but still feels light and fresh.
The addition of soft-boiled eggs and vibrant peas brings colour, protein, and a little springtime energy to the plate. It’s hearty without being heavy, and the textures (from the tender fish to the creamy yolk and pop of peas) make each bite really satisfying. You could easily adapt it too, swapping the cod for salmon or trout, or tossing in a few chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Best of all, it’s cooked entirely in your air fryer. No need to preheat the oven or faff around with multiple pans, just assemble, wrap, and let the air fryer do the rest. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the family, it’s a simple, fresh, and low-effort dinner that delivers every time. Serve it straight from the foil for a rustic feel, or plate it up for something a little more polished, it works either way. Perfect for those evenings when you want something warm and nourishing, without spending ages in the kitchen. This recipe proves that quick and easy doesn’t have to mean boring!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15 minutes
SERVES 1 person
KIT you will need an air-fryer and tin foil
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cod
1 fillet of cod
50g frozen peas
300g (small tin) potatoes
A handful fresh parsley
½ Lemon
1 egg
1 tbs butter
Seasoning
Tartare sauce (to serve)
Method
Start by peeling cutting your potatoes into evenly sized chunks, this helps them cook at the same speed. Once chopped, set them aside while you prepare your fish.
To make the foil bag, take a large sheet of foil and fold it in half. Then, carefully fold and seal the edges on two sides to form a pouch, leaving one side open. Pop your chopped potatoes into the pouch, then add a generous knob of butter and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Give it a gentle toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
Next, place your cod fillet on top of the buttery potatoes inside the foil. Season the fish with a little salt, pepper, and a few more parsley leaves if you like. Then seal up the final side of the foil parcel, making sure it’s tightly closed so no steam escapes.
Set your air-fryer to 200°C and preheat it if your model requires it. Gently place the foil parcel in the basket, along with an egg (in its shell) beside it. Cook for 12 minutes.
After 12 minutes, carefully remove the egg and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water, this stops it from cooking further and makes peeling easier later on. Leave the foil parcel in the air-fryer and continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cod is cooked through. (If your cod is a particularly thick cut, you may need to add an extra minute or two.)
Meanwhile, cook your peas separately, either on the hob or simply microwave them until hot.
To serve, gently open the foil parcel (watch out for steam!), peel and halve your egg, and plate everything up with the cooked peas, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a dollop of tartare sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cod
Here’s some top tips to get the best result every time you cook cod parcels in your air-fryer.
1. Use even-sized potato slices
To ensure the potatoes cook evenly and soften properly in the air fryer, slice them thinly and consistently. So 3–4mm thick works best. Thicker slices might still be firm by the time the fish is done, so a mandoline or sharp knife is your friend here.
2. Pre-boil for speed (optional)
If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before layering them into the foil. It’s not essential, but it gives you extra peace of mind that they’ll be tender by the end.
3. Choose skinless cod fillets
Skinless fillets work best here, as they sit flat against the potatoes and allow the flavours to soak through. If using frozen cod, make sure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry before wrapping.
4. Don’t skimp on seasoning
Fish can be subtle in flavour, so be generous with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. A pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil in each parcel also helps carry the flavours through the potatoes and fish.
Seal the foil tightly
Wrap your foil parcels so they’re completely sealed but not too tightly pressed against the ingredients. You want to trap steam, which helps cook everything evenly and keeps it beautifully moist.
Cook in batches if needed
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the parcels in two batches. They’re very forgiving, so the first batch will stay warm wrapped in foil while the second cooks.
5. Serve straight from the foil
For minimal washing up and a rustic presentation, serve the parcels directly on plates. Just open them up and add your soft-boiled egg and peas on top!
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this easy foil-baked cod, here are five more air fryer fish recipes from the blog that are just as simple, tasty, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re after something speedy, crowd-pleasing, or a bit of a treat, there’s something here for every craving.
Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Quick, juicy, and full of flavour, these Tuna Steaks are a brilliant alternative to your usual midweek protein. They cook in minutes and pair beautifully with a crisp salad or roasted veg.
Air Fryer Breaded Fish
Crispy on the outside and flaky in the middle, these Fish fillets are a homemade twist on a classic. Serve with chips and tartare sauce for a proper fish and chip supper. No deep fryer needed!.
Air Fryer Salmon Skewers
These Skewers are a summery option that’s great for sharing. Marinated in a zingy mix of lemon and herbs, they’re light, fresh, and perfect for pairing with flatbreads or couscous.
Air Fryer Fish Pie
Comfort food at its finest, this Fish Pie is rich, creamy, and topped with golden mash. A freezer-friendly favourite that’s perfect for batch cooking too.
Air Fryer Fish Fingers
Loved by kids and grown-ups alike, these Fish Fingers are crispy, golden, and surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Serve with peas and ketchup for a nostalgic, satisfying dinner.
Whether you’re keeping it light or going all-in on comfort, these fish recipes are fuss-free and full of flavour!
Do you want more easy air fryer recipes like these? Then join the AirFryerUK Club to unlock members-only content including custom meal plans, shopping lists, and my biggest-ever recipe collection. It’s everything you need to level up your air fryer game.
Or buy my best selling cookbooks directly from my Amazon shop and bring even more air-fryer goodness into your kitchen!