Cod and white fish fillets cooking times
How long to cook cod: 12–15 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 8–10 min in an air fryer at 200°C, 3–4 min per side pan-fried and 8–10 min under the grill. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook cod
Times are for fillets of about 140 g, about 2.5 cm thick.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On an oiled tray or in a foil parcel with butter and lemon. |
| Air fryer | 8–10 min | 200°C (400°F) | Brushed with oil or coated in breadcrumbs. |
| Pan-fry | 3–4 min per side | over a medium-high heat | In oil and butter, skin side first if it has skin. |
| Grill | 8–10 min | under a hot grill | On foil, brushed with butter; no need to turn. |
| Deep-fry Battered | 5–7 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | In batter, one or two pieces at a time. |
| Poach | 6–8 min | in barely simmering milk or stock | – |
| Steam | 8–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| Microwave | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | Two fillets, with a splash of milk or water; stand for a minute. |
Before you start
Pat dry and season. Thin fillets like plaice and sole take about half the time.
How to tell it’s done
Opaque all the way through, flaking into big moist flakes.
Food safety: Fish is cooked at 63°C (145°F): the flesh turns opaque all the way through and flakes easily.
Tip: Frozen fillets cook from frozen: 20–25 minutes in the oven at 200°C, or 12–15 minutes in the air fryer.
Questions
How long to cook cod in the oven?
12–15 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. On an oiled tray or in a foil parcel with butter and lemon.
How long to cook cod in an air fryer?
8–10 min at 200°C (400°F). Brushed with oil or coated in breadcrumbs.
How long to pan-fry cod?
3–4 min per side over a medium-high heat. In oil and butter, skin side first if it has skin.
How long to grill cod?
8–10 min under a hot grill. On foil, brushed with butter; no need to turn.
How long to deep-fry cod?
Battered: 5–7 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). In batter, one or two pieces at a time.
How long to poach cod?
6–8 min in barely simmering milk or stock.
How long to steam cod?
8–10 min over simmering water.
How long to microwave cod?
3–4 min on full power, covered. Two fillets, with a splash of milk or water; stand for a minute.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.