Air-Fryer Mahi Mahi: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Mahi-mahi is a versatile, mild-flavoured fish that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The air fryer is a great way to cook fish, as it ensures the fish cooks evenly and reduces the risk of overcooking. This recipe is simple, requiring only a few ingredients, and is a good option for a healthy, high-protein, low-carb dinner.

How to cook Mahi Mahi in an air fryer

Seasoning and preparation

Mahi-mahi is a very versatile fish that can be served with many different flavors and cuisines, such as Hawaiian, Mexican, or Cajun. It has a mild flavor with no fishy taste, so it's a great base for a variety of seasonings and serving options. You can serve it with simple vegetable sides, rice, or potatoes for a nutritious and well-rounded meal. It's also delicious in fish tacos, served over salad greens, or in a sandwich.

When preparing the air fryer, it's important to grease the basket with oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature and cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your fillets, but generally, mahi-mahi fillets take between 7 and 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. It's important to keep an eye on the fish to ensure it doesn't overcook, and you can flip it halfway through cooking for even browning. The fish is done when it's flaky and no longer pink in the middle.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer mahi mahi depend on several factors, including the size of the fillets, whether the fish is fresh or frozen, and the desired level of doneness.

Most sources recommend cooking mahi mahi fillets in the air fryer at a temperature between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time can vary from 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and whether they are fresh or frozen.

For thinner fillets, 7-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit should be sufficient. It is recommended to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process. Larger or thicker fillets may require up to 12 minutes at the same temperature, with a flip at the halfway point.

If cooking frozen mahi mahi fillets, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, flipping halfway through is recommended.

It is important to note that the desired level of doneness may vary. Some people prefer their mahi mahi to be fully cooked, while others may prefer it slightly rarer. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends cooking mahi mahi to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, others suggest that the fish is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 137 degrees Fahrenheit.

To check the doneness of mahi mahi, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. The fish should be flaky and have an internal temperature of at least 137-145 degrees Fahrenheit when done. Alternatively, you can use a fork to check for doneness by inserting it into the thickest part of the fillet and gently flaking the flesh. If the fish flakes easily and is no longer pink, it is ready to be served.

What to serve it with

There are many side dishes that can accompany air-fried mahi-mahi. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: A Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, iceberg lettuce, olives, feta cheese, and a homemade Greek dressing is a refreshing option. Alternatively, a broccoli salad with a slightly sweet flavor can be a tasty side dish.
• Starchy Sides: Any potato variety, especially roasted potatoes with cajun seasoning, can be a delicious pairing. For a different flavor profile, roasted sweet potatoes or brown rice are great options.
• Vegetables: Grilled corn, roasted broccoli, or bacon-wrapped asparagus are some tasty vegetable sides. For a creamy option, consider creamed spinach, which is rich in flavor and texture, as well as vitamins and minerals.
• Fruit-based Sides: Pineapple-mango salsa, made with diced red onion, chopped pineapple, mangoes, and fresh cilantro, is a tangy and sweet accompaniment. Watermelon salsa is another fruity option that pairs well with mahi-mahi.
• Tacos: Mahi-mahi can be flaked inside toasted corn tortillas with thinly shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, lime juice, sliced avocado, and a lime crema drizzle. For a twist, use flour tortillas or add leftover blackened mahi-mahi with mango salsa.

Reheating leftovers

When it comes to reheating leftovers, you can use an air fryer to ensure your mahi-mahi retains its delicious flavor and texture. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should only reheat mahi-mahi once, so make sure you only refrigerate the amount you intend to reheat. It is best to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.

To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If your mahi-mahi has a breaded coating, spritz it with cooking oil and place it in the air fryer in a single layer. Reheat for around 4 minutes or until heated through.

If your mahi-mahi is not breaded, you can simply place it in the air fryer and reheat for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on whether it is refrigerated or frozen. It is important to ensure the fish is thoroughly reheated, so use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 137 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

For both breaded and non-breaded mahi-mahi, remember to flip the fillets halfway through the reheating time to ensure even heating.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality mahi-mahi from the comfort of your home, even when enjoying leftovers!

Storing leftovers

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer to achieve a crispy texture similar to the original dish. Simply place the leftovers in the air fryer and cook for about three to four minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they are thoroughly heated. You can also reheat the leftovers in a skillet with some butter or oil, or in the oven. However, avoid using the microwave to reheat, as this can result in a soggy texture.

If you don't plan on eating the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze them for longer-term storage. First, let the mahi-mahi cool to room temperature, then place the fillets in a shallow container and store them in the freezer. The frozen leftovers will stay fresh for up to six months, although some sources suggest a shorter duration of up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy the frozen leftovers, defrost them and reheat them using one of the methods mentioned above.

Frequently asked questions