Air fryer Mahi Mahi is a quick, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy this delicious fish! With a perfectly crispy outside and a tender, flaky inside, it’s an easy meal that comes together in just 10 minutes!
Using an air fryer to cook fish is a game-changer! This air fryer mahi mahi recipe can be ready to serve in just about 10 minutes! It comes out of the air fryer perfectly seasoned, flaky, and deliciously buttery without a ton of oil. I’ve found that the air fryer does a better job of giving the fish a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. Air frying is a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s my favorite way to cook most seafood! My air fryer salmon bites are to die for!
What you’ll need to make air fryer mahi mahi
With only two ingredients, plus spices, this air fryer mahi mahi recipe could not be more simple. It is perfect for a busy weekday or a lazy weekend. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:
- Mahi Mahi fillets: A firm, flaky white fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that holds up well to air frying.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the fish and adds a touch of richness.
- Seasoning: A flavorful blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt & pepper makes the fish taste incredible.
Substitutions and variations
- Fish: Swap for other firm white fish like cod, haddock, or sea bass. Cook time may vary depending on the size and overall thickness of your fillets.
- Lemon zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the seasoning mix for a bright, citrusy kick. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish, once cooked.
- Cajun seasoning: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning for a spicier, bolder flavor.
- Parmesan crust: For a crispy, cheesy crust, sprinkle grated Parmesan on the fish before air frying.
Recipe tips
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating helps the fish cook more evenly and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange the mahi mahi fillets in a single layer with space between them. This allows for better air circulation and even cooking.
- Check for doneness: Fish cooks quickly in the air fryer, so check for doneness around the 8-minute mark. The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure about the doneness, a meat thermometer is a great tool to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately: Air fried mahi mahi tastes best right when it’s cooked, so enjoy it fresh out of the air fryer for the best texture and flavor.
How to serve mahi mahi
Air fryer mahi mahi is a versatile fish that can be used in many different recipes and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Main dish: Some of my favorite sides to serve alongside mahi mahi are garlic butter mushrooms, autumn roasted veggies, Greek kale salad or baked mac & cheese.
- In a salad: Add a fillet to any fresh green salad for a protein boost, and drizzle with your favorite dressing.
- In a grain bowl: Pair these fillets with rice or quinoa, load up on veggies, and finish with a drizzle of Yum Yum Sauce for a satisfying bowl.
- Fish tacos: Wrap the mahi mahi fillets in tortillas and top with slaw and sauce from my shrimp tacos recipe for a delicious twist.
Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- 4-5 Mahi Mahi fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 EACH teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF.
- Place fish on a shallow dish or cutting powder. Rub both sides with oil.
- Whisk the spice mixture in a small bowl then rub all over the fish.
- Place fish in pre-heated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through or fish flakes with a fork.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired. Enjoy!
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to flip the fish halfway through cooking?
It’s not strictly necessary, but flipping the fillets halfway through can help achieve an even crispness on both sides.
Can I cook frozen mahi mahi in the air fryer?
I recommend thawing the fillets before cooking but in a pinch it should work fine. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes, and ensure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I cook multiple fillets at once?
Yes, but be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the fillets to allow hot air to circulate and cook the fish evenly.
Storage recommendations
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can reheat the mahi mahi in the microwave at 30-second intervals until it is just heated through. It won’t be quite as tender or flakey as when it’s just cooked, but it will still be very tasty. I like to serve leftovers over a salad.
Air fryer Mahi Mahi is the perfect quick and healthy meal! The crispy outside and tender, flaky inside make it absolutely delicious. In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful fish dinner with minimal effort—what’s not to love? 🐟✨