Air-Fried Mahi Mahi: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer mahi mahi is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 15 minutes. The dish is versatile and can be served in fish tacos, with rice, on a sandwich, or in a bowl. The mild-flavoured fish is seasoned and cooked in an air fryer for 8-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The result is a tender, flaky, and buttery fish with a hint of sweetness.

Choosing your mahi mahi fillets

• Freshness: Look for mahi mahi fillets that are fresh and have a bright, moist appearance. Check the packaging or ask your fishmonger to ensure the fish is recently caught and has been stored properly.
• Colour: The flesh of the mahi mahi should be a pale pink to white colour. Avoid any fillets with discolouration or brown spots, as this may indicate that the fish is not fresh.
• Texture: The fillets should feel firm to the touch and bounce back when pressed gently. Avoid fillets that feel mushy or have a slimy surface.
• Smell: Fresh mahi mahi should have a mild, seawater scent. Avoid any fillets with a strong, fishy odour, as this may indicate that the fish is not fresh.
• Size: Choose fillets that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking for a group, you may need to purchase a larger quantity of mahi mahi or look for larger fillets.
• Source: If possible, ask about the source of the mahi mahi. Wild-caught mahi mahi is generally considered to have better flavour and texture than farm-raised fish. Look for fish that has been sustainably caught to ensure the long-term viability of mahi mahi populations.
• Sustainability: Speaking of sustainability, it's important to consider the environmental impact of your seafood choices. Look for mahi mahi that has been certified by a reputable sustainability organisation, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This will ensure that the fish has been caught in a way that minimises harm to the ocean and other marine life.

By following these tips, you can choose mahi mahi fillets that are fresh, high-quality, and ethically sourced, ensuring the best possible outcome for your air fryer mahi mahi dish.

Seasoning the fish

Firstly, ensure you have the right ingredients to hand. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some parmesan cheese for extra flavour. It is recommended to have your chosen seasonings mixed and ready to use.

Next, pat the Mahi Mahi fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it ensures the seasonings will stick to the fish. Once dry, brush or spray each fillet with oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or a cooking spray.

Now it's time to apply the seasoning. Rub the spice mixture onto each fillet, coating it completely and pressing down with your fingers to ensure it sticks. Make sure to season both sides of the fish.

If you want to add a bit of extra flavour, you can also sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top of the seasoned fillets.

Once the fish is seasoned, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer. You can cook it at a temperature of between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

And that's it! You now know how to season Mahi Mahi for your air fryer. By following these steps, you'll end up with delicious, flavourful fish that your family and friends will love.

Cooking the mahi mahi

The first step in cooking mahi mahi in an air fryer is to prep the fish. This involves patting the fillets dry with a paper towel. You can then brush or spray the fillets with oil, such as avocado or olive oil, and season them. For seasoning, you can use salt and pepper, or a Cajun spice rub. You can also coat the fillets in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and spices.

Once the fillets are prepared, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. You can line the basket with parchment paper, but this is not essential. Spritz the fillets with cooking oil and cook for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If it is not flaking easily, continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Mahi mahi is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 137°F. However, you may prefer to cook it longer if you want the fish to be flakier.

How to know when the mahi mahi is cooked

Mahi Mahi is a light and flaky fish with a slightly sweet flavor and a firm yet tender texture. It is considered fully cooked at 137°F, which can be measured with a meat thermometer. However, there are several other ways to know when your Mahi Mahi is cooked.

The first way is to use a fork to see how easily the fish flakes. If the fish does not flake easily, it needs more time. You can also try flipping the fillet and air frying for another 2-5 minutes, checking again to see if the fish flakes easily. This method is used in several recipes and is a good indicator of doneness.

Another way to check is to look at the color and texture of the fish. Mahi Mahi should have a nice golden brown color and be crispy on the outside when fully cooked. This method is especially useful if you are cooking breaded Mahi Mahi, as the breading should be golden brown and crispy.

Finally, you can also check the internal temperature of the fish with an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish and make sure it reaches 137°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

By using one or a combination of these methods, you can ensure that your Mahi Mahi is cooked perfectly and avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Reheating and storing leftovers

Storing leftovers

Leftover mahi mahi should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Reheating

The best way to reheat mahi mahi is in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the fish for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is heated through and slightly crispy at the edges.

Alternatively, you can reheat mahi mahi in the oven or on the stovetop. However, these methods may result in a soggy texture.

Frequently asked questions