Interface optimization is an effective way to improve the performance of aluminum matrix composites. Basalt fibers (BF) modified by Ni-Co-P alloy coatings with about 0.2 μm in thickness were prepared by electroless plating firstly, and then Ni-Co-P coated basalt fibers reinforced 2024Al matrix composites (BF(Ni-Co-P)/Al) and uncoated basalt fibers reinforced 2024Al matrix composites (BF/Al) were fabricated by vacuum hot pressing sintering process. The effects of Ni-Co-P coatings on the interface microstructure and tensile properties of BF(Ni-Co-P)/Al composites were studied. The results show that stable Ni-Co-P intermediate layer is formed in BF(Ni-Co-P)/Al composites, which can not only restrain harmful interface reaction but also optimize the interface bonding state between matrix and basalt fiber. The density and hardness of BF(Ni-Co-P)/Al composites are superior to those of BF/Al composites, and yield strength (252 MPa) and ultimate tensile strength (360 MPa) of BF(Ni-Co-P)/Al composites with basalt fibers content of 30vol% have a significant improvement compared with those of BF/Al composites and 2024Al matrix, and the fracture mode is progressive accumulative failure.