I grew up around Mediterranean food, so meals like this feel pretty normal to me.
Fish, olive oil, a bit of cheese, and some fresh vegetables is a dinner we had all the time.
This air fryer cod salad follows that same idea, just with a quicker way to cook the fish. The cod cooks in a few minutes, and while that’s going on, you chop everything else and mix it in one bowl.
It’s light and works well for lunch or dinner when you don’t feel like making anything heavy.
Recipe Notes
Pat the cod dry before adding oil and seasoning. It helps the fish cook better and keeps it from turning watery.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Give the fillets a bit of space so they cook evenly.
Let the cod sit for a couple of minutes after cooking before flaking it. It holds together better and is easier to handle.
Add the dressing in parts. Start with half, toss the salad, then add more if needed so it doesn’t get too wet.
If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.
You can swap Kalamata olives for green ones or add avocado if you want a bit more creaminess.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 1 shallot
- ½ large cucumber
- 1 cup mixed salad leaves
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 oz feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 14-15 cherry tomatoes
- 10-12 Kalamata olives
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried Herbes de Provence
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
Directions
Rub both sides of the cod fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with granulated garlic and half of the Herbes de Provence.
Place the cod in the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 7 minutes.
While the cod cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the shallot, cube the feta, and tear the salad leaves. Add everything to a large bowl.
Flip the cod and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and the remaining olive oil until smooth.
Season the salad with salt and the remaining herbs. Add half of the dressing and toss gently.
Flake the cod into pieces and place it on top of the salad. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing and serve.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just thaw it first and pat it dry before cooking. That helps it cook evenly in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can cook the cod in a pan or in the oven. It will still work, just takes a bit longer.
Can I use a different fish?
Yes. Any white fish like haddock or tilapia will work the same way.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing in advance, but it’s best to cook the fish and assemble the salad right before serving.
What if I don’t like olives?
You can skip them or replace them with something like avocado or extra cucumber.
How do I know the cod is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and look opaque all the way through.
Can I add more to the salad?
Yes. Things like avocado, boiled eggs, or extra vegetables work well.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge for up to a day, but it’s best eaten fresh.
