This quick and easy Air Fryer Mahi Mahi recipe is as nutritious as it is flavorsome! Quick to prepare and rich in taste, this dish is a pleasant combination of a crispy exterior with a tender, flaky interior. This weeknight seafood dinner is great for the whole family!
Looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy way to prepare mahi mahi? Look no further than this air fryer mahi mahi recipe! This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering up perfectly cooked fish in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop.
The fish comes out rich, tender, flaky, and flavorful. This quick and easy recipe takes just 10 minutes!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Air frying locks in moisture, resulting in flaky, tender fish with a beautiful golden brown crust.
- Compared to traditional frying methods, air frying uses significantly less oil, making this a lighter and more nutritious option.
- With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Air Fryer Mahi Mahi can be customized with a variety of seasonings and flavorings to suit your taste.
- This recipe takes only 10 minutes from start to finish.
- The seasonings allow the lightness of the fish to shine through.
- Great for busy weeknights or fancy dinner parties.
- This recipe is great for many diets and lifestyles.
- It is paleo, Whole30, grain free, gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and sugar free.
- Check out this Halibut Recipe for another delicious seafood dinner recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for this air fryer mahi mahi recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.
First, use thawed or fresh mahi mahi. If you only have frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge.
Olive oil helps brown the fish slightly. If desired, use melted butter instead.
Season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust these amounts.
Lastly, garnish with melted butter, lemon slices, or fresh herbs if desired.
Taste & Texture
When cooked right, this air fryer Mahi Mahi has a firm yet delicately tender texture that separates easily into flakes.
The taste is mild, with a slightly sweet undertone, that’s beautifully complimented by the flavorful, crispy crust achieved by air frying.
How to Make
Step 1
First, pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on a plate.
Step 2
Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle the seasonings on top. Turn over and season the other side until fully seasoned.
Step 3
Place in the basket of your air fryer. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the fish is easily flaked with a fork.
Step 4
Lastly, remove from the air fryer and serve!
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best air fryer mahi mahi.
Pat it Dry: For the crispiest crust, ensure your mahi mahi fillets are completely dry before seasoning or coating.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Leave space between the fillets for optimal air circulation, promoting even cooking.
Internal Temperature is Key: The safest way to ensure perfectly cooked fish is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some delicious flavor variations for your air fryer mahi mahi recipe.
Cajun Spice: Add a kick with a blend of Cajun seasoning or blackened seasoning.
Herb Crusted: Coat your fish in a mixture of breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Mediterranean Flair: Marinate your mahi mahi in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
How to Serve & Store
Air Fryer Mahi Mahi pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potato fries
Brown rice or quinoa
A light and refreshing salad
Top your mahi mahi with lemon slices, melted butter, or fresh herbs.
Leftover cooked mahi mahi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! Thaw frozen mahi mahi completely before cooking and pat it dry thoroughly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
No problem! You can use a perforated air fryer tray instead.
The fish should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (145°F / 63°C).
It depends on the fish and the air fryer. This air fryer mahi mahi takes only about 8 minutes.
Equipment Needed
Air Fryer: This air fryer is our favorite for making dinner and side dishes.
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