Air-Fryer Swai: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Swai fish is a great option for a quick, healthy dinner. It can be cooked in an air fryer in just 8-12 minutes, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights. The fish is seasoned with a variety of spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cooked at a high temperature to achieve a crispy texture. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, but with a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time.

How to season Swai fish

To season Swai fish, first rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to taste. If you want to add a sauce, you can melt butter in a saucepan, then add garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

To cook Swai fish in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the Swai fish fillets in a single layer in the basket, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over them, ensuring both sides are coated. Season the fish with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Place the basket inside the preheated air fryer and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the fillets are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

How long to cook Swai fish for

Swai fish can be cooked in an air fryer in around 10 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so it's important to keep an eye on the fish to ensure it doesn't overcook.

To cook Swai fish in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, place the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray. If using frozen fillets, add the seasonings after the fish has cooked for a few minutes and thawed. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, ensuring both sides are coated. Season the fish with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add a teaspoon of honey mustard marinade to the fish.

Once the fish is seasoned, place the basket or tray inside the preheated air fryer and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the fillets are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

It's not necessary to coat Swai fish with oil before air frying, as the fish already contains natural oils. However, if you prefer a slightly crispier texture, you can lightly spray or brush the fish with oil.

How to prep the air fryer basket

To prep the air fryer basket, first spray the bottom with nonstick cooking spray. Then, place the Swai fish fillets in a single layer in the basket. If you're using frozen fillets, you'll need to add the seasonings after the fish has cooked a little and thawed.

If you're using fresh fish, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, ensuring both sides are coated. Season the fish with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasonings according to your preference.

If you're cooking the fish with asparagus, place the fish and asparagus on foil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a teaspoon of honey mustard marinade to the fish and asparagus, and rub it in with a clean hand. Wrap the foil around the fish and asparagus to make a small packet, reserving the last teaspoon of marinade to brush on the fish later.

Whether to use frozen or fresh Swai fish

You can use either frozen or fresh Swai fish in an air fryer, but the cooking time will vary. Frozen Swai fish fillets will take around 10 minutes to cook, while fresh fillets will take 8-10 minutes. The thickness of the fillets will also impact the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

If you are using frozen fish, you will need to add the seasonings after the fish has cooked a little and thawed. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, add the frozen Swai fish, and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, pull out the basket and season the fish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Carefully flip the fish over using a spatula and season the other side. Replace the basket in the air fryer and finish cooking.

If you are using fresh Swai fish, place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, ensuring both sides are coated. Season the fish with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the fish for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove the fish from the air fryer once it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and the fillets are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

You can also cook Swai fish in an air fryer with asparagus. Place the clean fish on a foil alongside asparagus and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a teaspoon of honey mustard marinade to the fish and asparagus and rub it in with your clean hand. Wrap the foil to cover the fish and make a small packet, reserving the last teaspoon of marinade to brush on later. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes and place the fish packet in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.

Whether to coat Swai fish in oil before air frying

It is not necessary to coat Swai fish in oil before air frying, as the fish already contains natural oils. However, if you prefer a slightly crispier texture, you can lightly spray or brush the fish with oil before cooking.

To cook Swai fish in an air fryer, first prep the air fryer basket by spraying the bottom with nonstick cooking spray. Place the Swai fish fillets in a single layer in the basket or on the tray. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, ensuring both sides are coated. Season the fish with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Place the basket or tray inside the preheated air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Remove the fish from the air fryer once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the fillets are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Frequently asked questions