Savory Mediterranean Air Fryer Cod with Tomatoes & Olives

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Mediterranean air fryer cod with tomatoes & olives is one of those dinners you make once and think, why didn’t I try that sooner? If you’ve got a busy weeknight and want something bright, fast, and almost foolproof, this is your new go to. My family loves the way the tomatoes burst and the olives add that salty pop in every bite. The air fryer keeps the cod flaky and juicy without babysitting a pan. I’ll walk you through my exact routine, plus a bruschetta topping that turns this into a little vacation on a plate.

What you will need:

I keep this simple, but it tastes like you fussed. If you can, choose cod that looks firm and almost translucent, not dull or mushy. Here’s everything I grab:

• Cod fillets, about 1 to 1.25 inches thick, 5 to 6 ounces each
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
• Fresh garlic, finely minced
• Lemon, for zest and juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Sea salt and black pepper
• Dried oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes
• Optional extras: capers, a little smoked paprika, and a spoon of panko for crunch
• Air fryer and parchment liners or a light spray of oil

For reference, I’m making Savory Mediterranean Air Fryer Cod with Tomatoes & Olives as written, but you can swap in halibut or haddock with similar timing.

Pantry swaps that work

No basil? Use parsley. No fresh garlic? A small pinch of garlic powder will do in a pinch. If you’re out of Kalamatas, green olives lend a brighter, briny note. Just keep the balance: something sweet and juicy from the tomatoes, something salty from the olives or capers, and a clean lemon finish.

How to air fry cod:

Air frying fish doesn’t need to be intimidating. The key is to pat the cod thoroughly dry, coat it lightly with oil, and avoid overcooking. Here’s my quick path to flaky fillets:

• Preheat the air fryer to 390 to 400 F for about 3 minutes. Dry the cod well with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and a pinch of smoked paprika if you like. Drizzle or brush on 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil per fillet.
• Line the basket with a perforated parchment sheet or lightly oil the basket so the fish releases cleanly.
• Air fry thick fillets for 8 to 10 minutes, thinner fillets for 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t flip unless the fillets are extra thick.
• Check for doneness: the fish should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of 145 F in the thickest part.
• Rest for 2 minutes so the juices settle, then top with the bruschetta and serve with lemon wedges.

I love how Savory Mediterranean Air Fryer Cod with Tomatoes & Olives comes together in under 15 minutes of actual cooking. If you want a hearty, quick side, I often pair it with these crispy breakfast potatoes in the air fryer. The crunchy edges and tender middle are perfect alongside tender cod.

“I followed your timing at 400 F and my cod came out restaurant level. The tomatoes were jammy and the olives made it taste fancy without any extra work. Five stars from my picky teenager.”

How to make Bruschetta topping:

This is the flavor bomb that turns simple fish into a Mediterranean favorite. You can mix it while the air fryer preheats, then spoon it on right before serving so the tomatoes stay bright.

Mix, marinate, and spoon

In a bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, 1 to 2 cloves minced garlic, lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, pinch of salt, pepper, dried oregano, and a few red pepper flakes. If you like extra briny bite, add a teaspoon of capers. Toss and let it sit for 10 minutes. The salt will pull out the tomato juices and make a quick, savory dressing. Fold in chopped basil or parsley right before serving so the herbs stay fresh and green. Spoon the topping over hot cod and let everything mingle for a minute so the flavors soften into the fish.

It’s simple and bold, which is exactly the kind of cooking I love on weeknights.

Recipe Notes & Tips:

Cook like a pro without overthinking it

Patting the fish dry is the quiet hero of this recipe. Moisture on the surface fights browning and makes your spices slide off. Use a light coating of oil so the seasonings stick and the fish doesn’t fuse to the basket.

Thickness decides time. A 1 inch fillet usually takes around 8 minutes at 400 F in my air fryer. If yours runs hot, start checking earlier. A quick thermometer check at the thickest part keeps you from guessing.

Frozen fillets can work too. Rinse briefly to remove frost, pat very dry, then add 2 to 3 extra minutes. If they’re thick and icy, give them a 2 minute head start, then season and finish cooking.

Don’t drown the fish in oil. A teaspoon or two per fillet is plenty. The bruschetta topping adds moisture and shine at the end anyway.

Let the fish rest a minute or two. That little pause keeps it extra juicy. If you want extra texture, sprinkle a tablespoon of panko mixed with olive oil and oregano on each fillet before air frying for a fast, crisp finish.

For a snackable side that keeps the theme, try these zesty air fryer chickpeas. They’re crunchy and bring even more Mediterranean vibes to the plate.

I’ve made Savory Mediterranean Air Fryer Cod with Tomatoes & Olives more times than I can count, and the biggest lesson is this: keep the fish simple, then go big with the topping. It never fails.

Serving ideas:

Quick sides that fit the mood

Keep the Mediterranean flow with simple sides and bright textures. Here are a few easy wins:

• Serve over warm couscous or orzo with lemon and fresh parsley.
• Pair with a crunchy salad of cucumbers, red onion, and feta.
• Add grilled or air fried veggies. These air fryer eggplant recipes are great with the tomato olive topping.
• Want something fun for dipping? Try air fryer zucchini fries without breading. Light and crunchy.
• For a hearty platter, tuck cod next to air fryer lamb kofta kebabs, olives, and flatbread.
• Feeding a crowd? Add a bowl of crispy air fryer potatoes and let everyone build their own plates.

If you want an easy brunch version, throw the leftover tomatoes and olives over toast with a fried egg on the side. I also love using the fish in tacos with lemon yogurt sauce and shredded lettuce.

Common Questions

How do I keep cod from sticking in the air fryer?

Dry the fillets well, brush lightly with oil, and either oil the basket or use perforated parchment liners. Don’t move the fish until it releases easily.

What if my cod is very thin?

Drop the temp to 375 F and start checking at 5 minutes. Thin fillets cook fast and can dry out if you blink.

Can I prep the bruschetta topping ahead?

Yes. Mix everything except the herbs up to a day ahead. Stir in basil or parsley right before serving for the freshest flavor.

Is there a substitute for cod?

Haddock, pollock, or halibut work well. Adjust time based on thickness, and check early to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t like olives?

Skip them and add capers for briny bite, or use chopped roasted red peppers for sweetness and color.

A quick, sunny dinner worth repeating

When I want a fast meal that feels special, Savory Mediterranean Air Fryer Cod with Tomatoes & Olives never lets me down. The air fryer keeps the fish tender, while the bright bruschetta makes it sing with very little effort. If you’re curious about variations, take a peek at this helpful take on Air Fryer Bruschetta Cod, or explore a classic spin like Air Fryer Cod, Mediterranean-style. Baked more your speed? This Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe is a great oven option for cooler nights. Grab your fillets and tomatoes, and cook this tonight. You’ll taste sunshine in every bite and probably add it to your regular rotation.

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