Succulent cod fillets are coated in a miso glaze and air-fried to perfection. Don’t be fooled by the recipe’s simplicity. You’ll end up with buttery, tender fish with the sweet, umami flavors of miso, sesame, and honey.
What Makes Miso Cod Healthy?
Miso cod is good for your health, and specifically your gut. Fermented miso paste contains probiotics that promote digestive health while the lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids in cod support gut function and reduce inflammation.
Go here for a detailed overview of miso and its benefits for your gut health.
Together, miso and cod contribute to a dish that not only indulges the taste buds but also nourishes the gut.
Ingredients
Beyond the fish, the only ingredients required for this simple recipe are for the miso glaze, which consists of:
- cod fillets
- white miso
- mirin
- honey
- sesame oil
- salt (optional – you’ll see 1/2 tsp in the photo, but I have since omitted it to manage salt intake. The miso offered plenty of saltiness!)
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Best Miso Paste for Miso Cod
Miso paste comes in several varieties, the most common of which are white, yellow, and red. White miso is milder and sweeter, yellow miso has a balanced flavor, while red miso is the strongest and offers the most intense umami taste.
The best miso paste for miso cod is typically white or yellow miso paste, as their milder flavor profile complements the delicate taste of the cod without overpowering it. I find red miso paste to be overly salty.
How to Make Miso Cod
Pat the fillets with a paper towel to dry them.
To make the miso marinade, whisk the white miso, mirin, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl large enough to accommodate the fish.
Add the fish to the miso glaze, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (or overnight).
Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment. Heat to 390°F.
Add cod fillets, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. If desired, coat the tops of the fish with a little of the excess marinade. Cook for 10 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with black sesame seeds, sliced radish, cucumber, or cilantro.
What to Serve with Miso Cod
Pair miso cod with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded and healthy meal that’s full of gut-healthy ingredients. Here are some ideas:
Rice: Steamed white rice or a veggie fried rice pair nicely with the buttery cod.
Vegetables: Bok choy, asparagus, broccolini, or a veggie stir fry would be great with miso cod.
Salad: A cold cucumber or green salad with a sesame dressing would add wonderful texture and temperature variety to your meal.
Miso Soup: Add miso soup to your meal for an extra dose of probiotic goodness from miso!
Recipe Variations
Baking Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the marinated fish on a baking sheet or dish. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The cod should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when done.
Citrus Miso Marinade: Incorporate freshly squeezed citrus juice such as orange or lemon into the miso marinade for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Spicy Miso Rub: Kick up the heat by mixing in some chili paste or Sriracha with the miso glaze for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the cod.
Ginger Miso Sauce: Infuse the miso glaze with grated ginger and garlic for an extra layer of aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the delicate cod.
Miso Cod (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets roughly 4-5 oz each
- 2 Tbsp white miso
- 2 Tbsp mirin or rice wine vinegar as substitute
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Pat the fillets with a paper towel to dry them.
- Whisk the white miso, mirin, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl large enough to accommodate the fish.
- Add the cod fillets to the miso glaze, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Spray or line the bottom of your air fryer basket. Heat to 390°F.
- Add cod fillets, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with black sesame seeds, sliced radish, cucumber, or cilantro.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod works wonderfully with miso glaze, you can also try other mild-flavored, firm-fleshed fish such as halibut, sea bass, or salmon.
Is miso cod gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe should be gluten-free as long as the miso paste you use is gluten-free. Please read the allergen statements on the miso containers to watch for barley miso and other gluten ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover air fryer miso cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven until warmed through before serving.
Can I freeze air fryer miso cod?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze air fryer miso cod for up to 1-2 months. Wrap the cooled cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Will cod stink up my air fryer?
I have had this same question given how pungent cod is, but after several times preparing this dish, I have not had any issues with a fishy odor in the air fryer. Simply wash the basket/drawer as you normally do, and it shouldn’t be a problem.
One Response
So fast and delicious. I worried that the miso would overpower things but was totally fine!