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Air Fryer Sesame Cod Bites are a versatile and delicious dish perfect for both appetizers and main courses. With a delightful Asian twist, these cod bites are not only a crowd-pleaser but also kid-friendly, making them an ideal choice for family meals.
These sesame crusted cod bites are a delicious way to eat more seafood. Serve them simply as little appetizer bites you can pop in your mouth, or serve them on a salad, making a great Asian Bowl. And you’ll love that these are not breaded, but simply marinated sesame crusted cod.
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Cod fish
I went to a seafood pop up event earlier in 2023 and was inspired to make these air fryer cod bites based on the tuna bites that were served at the event. They’re full of great flavor, and super easy to make.
I asked the event staff how they made their tuna bites, and they were pan seared with the sesame crust. Then the bites were served at room temperature. So, this is my version of those bites.
I wanted to use cod, as I think it’s easier for most people to find at the store. You’ll see that I used black cod in the ones in the picture. Black cod is actually sablefish, a rich buttery fish. But these bites are great with any cod or any fish at all. Salmon would also be great.
Just make sure that you get a good quality fish. I highly recommend {affiliate link} Whidbey Island Seafood Company. They always do a great job and the fish is so fresh!
And I wanted to use the air fryer because my kitchen is still under construction and I don’t have a stove.
Want to learn more about fish? Check out my fish tutorials with lots of great info on seafood including nutrition, different kinds of fish, and great ways to cook it.
Is it better to cook cod frozen or thawed?
Should you defrost cod before cooking? No, you don’t have to defrost cod before cooking it for most recipes.
However, as this fish gets marinated, you’ll want to defrost it in the fridge the night before making these bites.
How to make
Cod fillets cut into bite sized pieces, marinated, lightly coated with sesame seeds, and air-fried in this easy dinner recipe. The cod bites come together so easily, and are the perfect simple dinner. They can be enjoyed in so many ways: over a salad, as an appetizer, or even layered in a taco.
The full printable recipe ingredients and instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips and tricks on how to make sesame cod bites in the air fryer in the post.
Cut skin off
Pat the fish dry with paper towels, and cut the skin off of the cod, if there is any.
I find it easiest to cut the fish into smaller pieces and then remove the skin.
Cut into bite sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches. The fish will shrink as it cooks, so don’t cut the pieces too small.
To remove fish skin, slide the knife along the skin, holding the skin in one hand and the knife in the other. Try not to cut through the skin, but separate it from the flesh of the fish. Remove the skin from the fish entirely.
Marinate
Mix the soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar together in a bowl. Add in the fish pieces, and toss to coat. Let marinate, covered in the fridge for 30 minutes. It can marinate up to an hour long.
Drain and discard the marinade. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel.
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 380° F.
Mix the sesame seeds with the pepper, and the salt if you’re using. I don’t usually salt my fish, I find it doesn’t need it, but if you prefer to salt, start with a small amount. Remember you can always add salt at the end.
Use all black sesame seeds, all white sesame seeds, or a mix if you prefer.
Add the sesame oil to the marinated fish and toss to coat.
Using tongs, dip each piece of fish into the seed mixture. You can coat all sides, or just to one side for an elegant presentation.
Using the tongs, place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer. Don’t crowd the pan; you can cook in two batches if necessary.
Air fry at 380° F for 5-7 minutes. The fish should be opaque white inside and flake easily when pressed with a fork.
Sprinkle the cooked cod bites with chopped green onion and additional sesame seeds if desired for serving.
The sharp green onion cuts through the salty soy sauce and rich fish for a nice balance, so don’t skip the green onions.
How do you make cod not chewy?
Chewy cod results from overcooking it. Use an instant read thermometer to be sure that your cod reaches an internal temperature of 145° F. This is the sweet spot for when the cod will be opaque white and flake easily when pressed with a fork.
More cod recipes
Can’t get enough code recipes? Be sure to check out my Air fryer chili lime cod, Miso glazed black cod, and Spicy Cajun cod.
Serving suggestions
These bites are great just as they are. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like Tamarind Cashew Sauce, Asian Plum Dipping sauce, Peanut Sauce, or teriyaki.
Serve them as a main course with some nice bok choy or snap peas on the side.
Make a great Asian Bowl with some Coconut Rice or Cilantro lime rice. Check out my Salmon Bowl or Asian Fusion bowl for more inspiration.
Garnish with slices of orange or a sprinkle of furikake.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Sesame Cod Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 to 16 ounces cod thawed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Cut the skin off of the cod, if there is any. Pat the fish dry with paper towels, and cut into bite sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches.12 to 16 ounces cod
- Mix the soy sauce and vinegar together in a bowl. Add in the fish pieces, and toss to coat. Let marinate, covered in the fridge for 30 minutes. It can marinate up to an hour long.¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- Drain and discard the marinade. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380° F.
- Mix the sesame seeds with the pepper, and the salt if you’re using.¼ cup sesame seeds, ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, Salt to taste
- Add the sesame oil to the marinated fish and toss to coat.1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Using tongs, dip each piece of fish into the seed mixture. You can coat all sides, or just to one side for an elegant presentation.
- Using the tongs, place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer. Don’t crowd the pan; you can cook in two batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 380° F for 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the cooked cod bites with chopped green onion for serving.2 green onions
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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