Blackened Cod

4.50 from 4 votes

Blackening seasoning turns mild cod into one of the best fish recipes around. Blackened cod has a bold, flavorful crust and tender flaky texture. It can be cooked on the stovetop or air fryer.

To adjust the servings in this recipe, click on the number next to servings.

Prep Time20

Cook Time6

Total Time26

Course: Main Dish

Keyword: DIY seasoning, easy recipe, fish dish, gluten free, seafood

Servings:

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $10.00

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Skillet or Air Fryer

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons Cooking Oil (see note)
1 1/2 Tablespoons Paprika
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon Onion Powder (not onion salt)
3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder (not garlic salt)
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (preferably fresh-cracked)
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (more or less, to taste)
1 pound Cod (substitute any flaky white fish)
3 Tablespoons Butter
Lemon Wedges, for serving

Instructions

In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together oil, paprika, salt, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Pat fish very dry with paper towels (this is important to help the spices to stick.) Add the fish to the spice mixture, turning to coat.
Heat a large cast iron pan to medium heat. Add butter.
When the butter melts, remove the fish from the marinade. Add the cod to the hot pan and cook on one side until a dark crust appears, 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip the cod to cook it on the other side. As the cod finishes cooking, tip the pan and spoon the spices back over the top of the fish. Continue cooking until cooked through (145°F), 2 to 3 minutes more.
Transfer the cod to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining spices and butter from the pan over the cod.
Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Cooking Oil - Use any high-heat cooking oil with a neutral flavor. My favorites are avocado, grapeseed, or vegetable oil.

Air Fryer Instructions - This can also be cooked in the air fryer. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray before adding the seasoned fish. Cook until the fish is flaky and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F without turning.

Nutrition