This is the best blackened cod recipe. It's so quick and easy to make and is ready in under 10 minutes. The homemade blackened seasoning on this fish is full of delicious, smoky cajun flavour and gives this healthy fish recipe the best taste.
I love seafood recipes like air fryer Mahi Mahi and air fried frozen shrimp because they are so quick and easy to make, which is why I am so excited for you to make the delicious blackened cod recipe I am sharing with you today!
Table of Contents
Why you will love this recipe:
- These blackened cod filets have the best flavour! A little sweet, a little spicy, and a little smoky. Just like the best pan seared shrimp.
- It's such an easy recipe! This fish recipe takes less than 10 minutes to cook so it's a great option for busy weeknight meals.
- This fish recipe is healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, low carb, keto and paleo.
- You can use this cod recipe to make blackened fish tacos!
If you love seafood recipes you will also love pan seared shrimp and healthy tuna pesto pasta.
Ingredients and substitutions:
For the full ingredient list and exact measurements refer to the recipe card later in this post.
Jump to the Recipe Card.
- Cod fillets - If you bought frozen cod filets, let them thaw before cooking them. I recommend using wild cod rather than farmed cod if possible for the best flavour.
- Cooking oil - I use avocado oil to coat the fish but you can also use olive oil.
- Blackened seasoning - this homemade blackened seasoning is made with smoked paprika, dried oregano, brown sugar or coconut sugar, sea salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne and basil. If you want an even easier option you could buy a store bought blackened seasoning instead.
Recipe variations and add ins:
- If you are serving a crowd feel free to double or triple this blackened cod recipe.
- If you can't find cod, you can use a different fish such as haddock or pollock.
- If you don't have smoked paprika you can use paprika or sweet paprika instead.
- To make the spice rub less spicy: decrease the amount of cayenne, or omit it altogether.
- To make the blackened seasoning sweeter: add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- If you want a spicier flavour add a bit of chili powder to the spice blend.
How to make blackened cod:
Step 1
First make the blackened seasoning by mixing together the seasonings in a small bowl or jar.
Step 2
Now, wash and dry both sides of the cod fillets with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Step 3
Then brush each side of the fish fillets with a little of the cooking oil.
Step 4
Now evenly coat each side of the cod fillets with the spice blend.
Step 5
Next place a large pan or cast iron skillet on the stove on medium heat and add the remaining cooking oil to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned cod fillets to the pan and cook for ~3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through.
Top Tips:
- When buying cod, try to buy fillets that are about an inch thick. If you buy thinner pieces of cod, you will need to decrease the cooking time.
- Depending on the size of the cod filets that you buy, you may have to adjust the cook time. For larger fillets, add more time, for smaller fillets, you will need less time.
- After it's done cooking, let the blackened cod rest for 2-3 minutes to become even more tender and juicy (just like you do for a steak).
- You will know your cod is fully cooked when it has a flaky texture and the flesh is opaque white and no longer translucent. When tested with a meat thermometer the fish should be an internal temperature of 145˚F.
- You will likely have some of the blackened seasoning left over, simply store it in a jar to use at a later date.
How to serve:
You can serve blackened cod in so many ways. Some of my favourite ways to serve it include:
- Squeeze a little fresh lime juice or lemon juice on it when it's done cooking.
- Serve with cooked vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli or cauliflower.
- Top it with mango habanero salsa, the best chunky guacamole, or another fruit salsa.
- Serve this blackened cod with cajun butter sauce for even more flavour!
- This is the perfect fish recipe to make blackened cod tacos!
Blackened cod FAQs:
Blackened fish is a cooking technique that uses a spice blend to coat the fish and cooking the fish in a high heat pan or skillet to create a delicious blackened fish crust.
To bake blackened cod in the oven rather than a skillet or pan, prepare the cod with the oil and blackened seasoning and then bake the cod at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 10-12 minutes.
To cook these blackened cod fillets in air fryer, prepare the cod as you would for this recipe, and then bake the cod at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes.
Black cod actually isn't a form of cod. Black cod, which is known as Sablefish or Butterfish, is a fish with a rich, buttery flavour and delicate, silky texture. Black cod is a delicacy in many countries, and is especially popular in Japan.
Store any leftover blackened cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Other seafood recipes you will love:
Recipe
Blackened Cod
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 6 oz pieces of fresh cod (equivalent to 170 grams)
- 3 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil)
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (or paprika or sweet paprika)
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
Blackened Seasoning Instructions
- Mix together the smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, coconut sugar, cayenne, and dried basil to create the blackened seasoning. Store any unused seasoning in an airtight jar.
Cod Instructions
- Wash and dry each cod filet with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Brush each side of the cod fillets with a little of the cooking oil.
- Evenly coat each side of the cod fillets with the blackened seasoning.
- Place a medium pan or cast iron skillet on the stove on medium heat and add the remaining cooking oil to the pan.
- Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned cod fillets and cook for ~3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through.
Notes
- Nutritional values are an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
- Feel free to vary the spices in the blackened seasoning depending on your taste preference.
- Store any leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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