Dinner

Easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus Recipe

ByHugo Harnd April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

Introduction

This easy Air Fryer Cod with Herby Mayo and Asparagus is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Tender cod fillets are topped with a zesty herby mayo and roasted alongside butter beans and asparagus for a satisfying, healthy meal.

A black air fryer basket holds a silver rectangular tray filled with a creamy dish. At the top, there are four grilled, herb-covered white fish fillets with green flecks of seasoning. Underneath and around the fish, there is a mix of green asparagus pieces and large white beans, all coated in a light creamy sauce and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The whole setup sits on a white marbled table. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

25g bunch parsley
12g (half a bunch) chives
1 lemon
2 large tins (700g) butter beans, rinsed and drained
125ml chicken, fish, or vegetable stock
15g (3 tbsp) grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp creme fraiche
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pack asparagus
4 cod fillets
1 garlic clove
2 tbsp mayonnaise

Instructions

Step 1: If using the oven, preheat to 190°C (375°F) fan. If air frying, skip preheating and proceed.
Step 2: Rinse and finely chop parsley and chives, discarding large parsley stalks. Zest the lemon. Combine parsley, chives, and lemon zest in a bowl, reserving ¼ of this mixture for coating the cod later.
Step 3: In a roasting dish suitable for your air fryer or oven, combine butter beans, stock, parmesan, the larger portion of the herb and lemon zest mixture, creme fraiche, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Air fry this mixture for 10 minutes at 180°C (355°F) with no need to preheat.
Step 5: In the oven, cook for 13 minutes at 190°C (375°F). The beans should be soft and the liquid thickened. If needed, cook for up to an additional 3 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: While the beans cook, wash the asparagus and trim about 2cm from the woody base if using whole spears. Cut into 3-4 cm pieces.
Step 7: Cut the zested lemon into wedges.
Step 8: In a small bowl, mix the reserved ¼ herb and lemon zest mixture with mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1-2 wedges), and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Spread the herby mayo evenly over the top of each fillet.
Step 10: When the beans are ready, add the chopped asparagus to the roasting dish and arrange the cod fillets on top.
Step 11: Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 7-12 minutes, depending on fillet thickness.
Step 12: Alternatively, bake in the oven at 220°C (430°F) for 7-12 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Step 13: Serve immediately with the remaining lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh or frozen cod fillets, but adjust cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner cuts.
Swap asparagus for green beans or broccoli if preferred.
For a dairy-free option, replace crème fraîche with coconut yogurt and omit parmesan.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the herby mayo for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or air fryer to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the cod and asparagus.

How to Serve

The image shows two thick pieces of white fish fillets with a textured, browned herb crust on top, sprinkled with finely chopped green chives. The fish sits on a bed of green roasted asparagus and pale beige beans in a creamy sauce, all presented inside a metal baking dish. The asparagus is charred slightly on the edges, and the beans are scattered around the fillets. The photo has a close-up view with focus on the fish and vegetables, set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, white fish like haddock or pollock work well. Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness to ensure the fish is cooked through but still moist.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe?

No, preheating the air fryer is not necessary for the bean mixture. You can air fry directly at the specified temperature for the given times.

Hugo Harnd