Tiffany Haney
Swordfish steaks are a great option for a quick, healthy, and hearty meal. With an air fryer, you can have a delicious and perfectly cooked swordfish steak on your table in under 15 minutes. This cooking method is ideal for swordfish, as it cooks the fish evenly without drying it out. You can also add a simple marinade to enhance the mild flavour of the fish. In this article, we will teach you how to cook swordfish in an air fryer, as well as provide tips on buying fresh fish and creating a tasty marinade.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right swordfish steak
Freshness:
The freshness of the swordfish directly impacts the taste and quality of your cooked steak. Look for swordfish with a firm texture and a springy resistance when touched. Fresh swordfish should be odourless and have a white, translucent colour. Avoid swordfish with a strong fishy smell or a darker colour, as this indicates a stronger flavour that may not be desirable.
Thickness:
The thickness of the swordfish steak will determine the cooking time required in the air fryer. Steaks that are 3/4 to 1 inch thick are commonly used, with cooking times ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. Thicker steaks, such as those around 1.25 inches, may take a few extra minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
Weight:
The weight of the swordfish steak is another important factor. Most recipes suggest using steaks that are 6 to 8 ounces in weight. This weight range provides a generous portion size and ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
Marination:
Marinating your swordfish steak can enhance its flavour and tenderness. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary can be prepared, or a store-bought lemon pepper seasoning can be used. For the best results, marinate the swordfish for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours in advance. However, do not exceed the recommended marination time, as over-marination can result in a mushy texture.
Frozen Swordfish:
If you are using frozen swordfish steaks, it is advisable to defrost them before cooking. This allows the swordfish to better absorb the marinade. However, if you are short on time, you can cook frozen swordfish directly in the air fryer by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marinating swordfish before air frying it is a great way to add extra flavour to the fish. There are many different marinade ingredients you can use, depending on your preferences.
A simple marinade can be made by combining lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, parsley, garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add about half a teaspoon of cracked black pepper to the marinade if you like your food spicy. Place the swordfish steaks in a gallon zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Close the bag and toss the fish to ensure they are coated evenly. Place the bag in the refrigerator for about an hour, turning the bag every 10-15 minutes to ensure the fish absorbs all the flavours.
Alternatively, you can make a marinade with olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Reserve two tablespoons of this marinade to spoon over the fish when it is finished cooking. This marinade also requires refrigeration, but for a longer period of 1-8 hours.
If you are looking for a spicier option, you can coat the swordfish steaks with lemon juice and season them with spicy adobo seasoning or your own blend of spices. This method also requires you to pat the swordfish dry with a paper towel first, to help the fish absorb the flavours.
Once your swordfish has been marinated, it can be placed in the air fryer for 8-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks and the level of doneness you prefer.
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Air fryer settings and cooking time
To cook swordfish in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/204°C. Place the swordfish steaks into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each steak to allow the hot air to circulate properly.
Brush the swordfish with olive oil or avocado oil and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning, or your own choice of seasoning. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish before seasoning.
Air fry for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the swordfish steaks and the desired level of doneness. Thicker steaks will take longer to cook, and you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time if using frozen swordfish.
To check if the swordfish is cooked, insert a fork down the center of the fish. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. According to the FDA, swordfish should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F/63°C.
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How to serve swordfish
To serve swordfish, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare the Swordfish: Start by patting the swordfish steaks dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the fish absorb all the flavours from the seasoning and any other ingredients you use.
- Marinate: Next, you can choose to marinate the swordfish. A simple marinade can be made by combining lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, parsley, garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the swordfish steaks in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated, and then refrigerate for about 1 hour, turning the steaks every 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can marinate the swordfish in a mixture of olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper for 1-8 hours.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F/204°C and preheat it for about 5 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so refer to the manual for specific instructions.
- Cook the Swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each steak to allow for proper air circulation. Brush the steaks with olive oil or avocado oil, or spray the inside of the air fryer with a propellant-free cooking spray before placing the fish inside. Cook for 8-15 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired doneness. For medium-rare swordfish, aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F, while for well-done, the temperature should reach 145°F.
- Rest and Serve: Once the swordfish steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak. Serve the swordfish steaks with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley. You can also serve them with a side of vegetables or a salad.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
When storing leftover swordfish, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature first. Place the leftover fish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Swordfish is best enjoyed fresh, so it is not advisable to freeze it as this can affect the texture and taste.
For reheating, the oven or air fryer is the best option to maintain the swordfish's flavour and moisture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Lightly brush the swordfish with olive oil or butter to prevent it from drying out. Place the fish in the air fryer basket and reheat for 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the swordfish steak. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 5-7 minutes.
You can also use a microwave, but the swordfish may lose some moisture and become dry. Place the leftover swordfish on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes for room-temperature leftovers, and 2-3 minutes for swordfish straight from the fridge.
To retain the swordfish's flavour and texture, avoid reheating it more than once. Ensure you consume the leftovers within 2 days and do not leave the fish at room temperature for longer than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illnesses.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10-15 minutes to cook swordfish in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the steaks.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes before placing the swordfish inside.
The swordfish should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this.
You can marinate the swordfish in a mixture of olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Leave it in the refrigerator for 1-8 hours.
Swordfish goes well with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and a side of vegetables or salad.
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