Air-Fried Swordfish: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Swordfish is a meaty, hearty, and healthy fish that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a versatile dish that can be served at a dinner party or as a quick weeknight meal. It can be cooked from fresh or frozen, but it is recommended to defrost frozen swordfish before cooking. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the swordfish steaks, but on average, it takes around 10 minutes to cook an 8-ounce swordfish fillet in an air fryer at 400°F. The ideal internal temperature for swordfish is 145°F.

Fresh vs frozen swordfish

You can cook swordfish in an air fryer in about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Frozen swordfish can also be cooked in the air fryer, but you will need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Swordfish is a popular fish with a delicate, mildly sweet flavour and a moist, meaty texture. It is usually sold as steaks and is a healthy, hearty meal option. It is a versatile fish that can be grilled, made into kebabs, or cooked in an air fryer.

When buying fresh swordfish, there are several things to look out for to ensure its freshness:

• The eyes: Fresh swordfish will have a white ball fallen deep inside the eye, whereas if it has been frozen, the white ball will be on the surface.
• The gills: These should be light pink in colour. Colour variations indicate that the fish has been struggling and suffering.
• The skin: Fresh swordfish skin will discolour when in contact with a metal surface.
• The blood: After the fish has been cleaned and cut, fresh blood will be left on the table.

Other signs of fresh swordfish include a firm texture and a white or translucent colour. It should also have no odour; if it smells fishy, it is not fresh.

Frozen swordfish is a convenient option, but it is usually more expensive than fresh swordfish. It can be stored in the freezer indefinitely at 0°F, but once defrosted, it should be cooked within 1-2 days.

Whether you choose fresh or frozen swordfish, it is a delicious and healthy option that can be prepared in a variety of ways, including air frying, to suit any occasion.

Marinade ingredients and timings

Marinating swordfish steaks can be done in as little as 30 minutes or up to 8 hours before cooking. The longer the swordfish is marinated, the deeper the flavours will be. However, it is not recommended to marinate for longer than 8 hours, as the fish will have a mushy texture.

For a simple marinade, whisk together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add chicken stock and rosemary to this mixture. Reserve a couple of tablespoons of the marinade to spoon over the cooked fish.

Place the swordfish steaks in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them, or use a baking dish. Seal the bag and refrigerate for the desired amount of time.

If you are using frozen swordfish, it is recommended to defrost it first so that it can better absorb the marinade.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for swordfish in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the fish. On average, an 8-ounce swordfish fillet that is 3/4-1 inch thick will take about 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 400°F. If you are cooking two 8-ounce swordfish steaks, 8-10 minutes is the perfect amount of time. Thicker swordfish steaks, such as those that are about 1.25 inches thick, will take approximately 13 minutes. If your swordfish steak is thinner, reduce the cooking time.

When cooking swordfish in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer to 400°F/204°C. You should also flip the swordfish halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking from frozen, add 4-5 minutes to the cooking time. However, it is recommended to defrost the fish first before cooking it in the air fryer, as frozen fish can lead to uneven cooking.

To check if the swordfish is cooked, insert a fork down the center of the fish. If it flakes easily, it is ready. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for well-done swordfish. If you prefer your swordfish medium or medium-rare, reduce the cooking time.

How to check if the swordfish is cooked

Swordfish is a meaty, mildly-flavoured fish with a texture similar to steak. It is a popular choice for those who don't usually enjoy fish because of its firm texture.

When cooked, swordfish should be moist and somewhat meat-like in texture. It should not be dry, and it should not be raw in the middle.

To check if swordfish is cooked, there are a few methods you can use. Firstly, the FDA recommends that cooked fish should have an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this. If you don't have a thermometer, you can use a fork to test if the fish is cooked. Insert a fork at a 45-degree angle into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist and pull. If the fish is cooked, it should flake easily. Undercooked fish will resist flaking and be translucent.

When cooked, swordfish should have a slightly pink centre. It should not be brown as this is a sign that the meat is old.

Side dishes and pairings

Swordfish is a versatile fish that pairs well with many different side dishes and can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer in just 10 to 15 minutes.

For a quick and easy side dish, consider a simple side salad. If you're looking for something a little more substantial, air-fried fingerling potatoes would be a great option. These potatoes can be cooked in the air fryer alongside the swordfish, making it a convenient choice.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you could try making air fryer teriyaki salmon or air fryer halibut as side dishes. These dishes will add variety to your meal and showcase your culinary skills.

For a refreshing and healthy option, serve your air fryer swordfish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. The citrus flavour of the lemon will enhance the natural freshness of the fish, while the parsley adds a bright, herbal note.

Finally, consider the occasion and your personal preferences when choosing a side dish. For a busy weeknight dinner, keep things simple with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus. If you're hosting a dinner party, impress your guests with a more elaborate side, such as a wild rice pilaf or a creamy risotto.

Remember, the key to successful side dishes is to complement the swordfish without overwhelming its delicate flavour.

Frequently asked questions