Air-Fried Swai Fish: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and Swai fish is a fantastic option for air frying. It is a white-fleshed freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, also known as Basa fish. Swai fish has a mild flavour and a delicate texture, making it a popular choice for various dishes. It is also a very healthy option, being low in calories and high in protein.

When cooking Swai fish in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 390-400°F (200°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, but it usually takes around 7-15 minutes. You can season the fish with various spices and herbs such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Some recipes suggest coating the fish with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture, while others recommend simply brushing the fish with olive oil and seasoning. Either way, the Swai fish will be cooked to perfection in your air fryer, resulting in a tasty and healthy dish.

How to prepare swai fish for air frying

Swai fish is a versatile, mild-flavoured white fish that is easy to cook in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare swai fish for air frying:

Step 1: Defrost the Fish

If you have purchased frozen swai fillets, it is best to defrost them before cooking. Take out the desired number of fillets and let them thaw for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Alternatively, you can leave them overnight in the fridge to defrost slowly.

Step 2: Rinse and Dry the Fish

Once the fillets are thawed, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the fish cooks evenly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, or spray it with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures that the fish doesn't stick to the basket and makes clean-up easier.

Step 4: Season the Fish

Brush both sides of the fish fillets with olive oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the fish and promote even cooking. Then, sprinkle blackened seasoning, or a seasoning of your choice, onto both sides of the fillets. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, oregano, or a Cajun or Mediterranean spice blend.

Step 5: Place the Fish in the Air Fryer

Arrange the seasoned fillets in the prepared air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Overlapping may result in undercooked fish.

Step 6: Cook the Fish

Cook the swai fillets for about 10 minutes at 390°F (200°C). Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process. For thinner fillets, 7 minutes may be sufficient. For frozen fillets, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes, and remember to flip them halfway through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the fish is cooked to your desired level of doneness, serve it with your favourite sides. Swai fish pairs well with healthy options like salad, sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus.

Swai fish is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and sides to find your favourite combinations!

How to air fry swai fish

Swai fish is a delicious, mild-flavoured white fish that is easy to cook in an air fryer. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked Swai fish with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky flesh.

Ingredients:

• Swai fish fillets (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil (or alternative oil of your choice)
• Blackened seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or similar
• Lemon (optional)
• Capers (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Paprika (optional)
• Oregano (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the Swai Fish Fillets: If using frozen fillets, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Rinse the fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with a silicone reusable liner. Do not use parchment paper, as it may pose a fire risk.
• Coat the Fish: Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the fish moist during cooking.
• Season the Fish: Sprinkle your chosen seasoning generously over both sides of the fillets. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, paprika, and oregano, or simply use salt and pepper.
• Cook the Fish: Place the coated fillets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Finally, flip once more and cook for a further 2 minutes. The total cooking time is 10 minutes for fillets that are around 0.5 inches thick. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of your fillets.
• Serve: Swai fish is best served hot. Squeeze some lemon juice over the fish to enhance its flavour, or serve it with a side of tartar sauce or aioli for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!

Tips:

• For a zesty twist, lay lemon slices in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer basket before adding the fish. This will impart a bright, zesty flavour and help prevent sticking.
• To ensure the fish is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet has reached at least 145°F (63°C).
• For a crispier exterior, spray the fish with cooking oil during the final few minutes of cooking.
• Do not overlap the fillets in the air fryer, as this may cause uneven cooking.
• If you want to add breadcrumbs, dip the fillets in an egg wash and then coat them in breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer. This will make the cooking time a bit longer.
• For frozen Swai fish fillets, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked, healthy, and delicious air-fried Swai fish!

How to serve swai fish

Swai fish is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious and healthy fish:

Side Dishes

Swai fish is a light and delicate white fish, so it goes well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options:

• Healthy vegetables: Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms, oven-baked fries or potato wedges, cheesy mashed potato cakes, steamed or fresh vegetables, or a salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
• Carb options: White rice, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
• Dips and sauces: Tartar sauce, lemon wedges, aioli, or hot sauce.

Different Cooking Methods

If you don't have an air fryer, there are several other ways to cook Swai fish:

• Skillet: Pan-fry the fish in a skillet for a crispy and golden texture.
• Blackstone: Preheat your Blackstone Griddle to medium-high and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Oven: Prepare the fish as directed and place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.

Variations and Seasonings

Swai fish is mild in flavor, so it can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Classic blackened or Cajun seasoning: Brush the fish with olive oil and sprinkle with blackened or Cajun seasoning.
• Lemon and garlic: Sprinkle garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning on the fish, or serve with fresh lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.
• Spicy: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or use a jerk rub for a kick of heat.
• Mediterranean: Try a Mediterranean-inspired blend of herbs and spices, such as oregano, garlic, and olive oil.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper on top of the cooked fish and let it sit for a few minutes to melt slightly.
• Coconut: Dip the fish in an egg wash, then coat it in unsalted shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, and season with salt and pepper.
• Breaded: Dip the fish in flour, then an egg wash, and finally panko breadcrumbs. Spritz with cooking oil and air fry until crispy.

Swai fish is a delicious and versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. So, feel free to experiment with different cooking methods, seasonings, and side dishes to find your favorite way to enjoy this healthy and tasty fish!

What temperature to air fry swai fish at

The ideal temperature to air fry swai fish is between 360°F and 400°F (182°C and 200°C).

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) if you're cooking the fish without any breading or coating. This will give you a great crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the fish tender and moist on the inside.

However, if you're cooking breaded swai fish, reduce the temperature to 360°F (182°C). This slightly lower temperature will ensure the breading doesn't burn before the fish is cooked through.

For frozen swai fish fillets, you can use the same temperature settings as for fresh fillets. Just remember to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the fish is cooked through.

It's worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Aim for a golden brown crust and opaque, flaky fish.

What to serve with swai fish

Swai fish is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer swai fish:

Keep it Healthy

If you're looking for a nutritious option to accompany your swai fish, consider serving it with a fresh salad. You can add some cherry tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, mini cucumbers, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Another option is to go for roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or asparagus.

Carb Companions

For a heartier meal, pair your swai fish with some carbohydrates. Rice is always a good option; you could make a simple bowl of white or brown rice, or get creative with dishes like cilantro-lime rice, mint rice, or lemon rice. If you're feeling adventurous, try making scalloped, mashed, or boiled potatoes.

Moreish Sides

If you want something a little different, there are plenty of options to explore. You could try air fryer roasted vegetables, air fryer guacamole-stuffed onion rings, or air fryer frozen crinkle-cut fries. Sautéed mushrooms and onions are another tasty option, especially when combined with the acidity of lemon juice and white wine.

Classic Combos

Sometimes, it's best to stick with what works. Fish and chips, anyone? You could also try serving your swai fish with a side of English peas or green beans, as suggested by a home cook who shared their swai fish recipe.

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect side dish to complement your air fryer swai fish!

Frequently asked questions