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

Air fryers are a great way to cook mahi mahi, a mild, slightly sweet, dense white fish. It's a quick and easy way to get a healthy, flaky, and tender fish dish on the table in under 15 minutes. You can cook it from frozen, and it's versatile enough to be used in fish tacos, with rice, in a sandwich, or in a bowl. You can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, greens, or a salad.

How to prep the fish

Preparing the mahi-mahi is a quick and simple process. First, pat the fish dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the fish. Next, drizzle or spray the fish with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also brush the oil onto the fish with a pastry brush if you prefer.

Now it's time to season the fish. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. You can also coat the fish with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. If you're using breadcrumbs, mix them with your chosen spices in a shallow dish, then dip each fillet in the mixture.

Once your fish is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer!

How to season the fish

Seasoning your mahi mahi is a crucial step in preparing this delicious dish. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you season your fish to perfection:

Choosing Your Seasonings:

The great thing about seasoning mahi mahi is that you can go as simple or as creative as you like. The most basic option is to stick to sea salt and black pepper. You can also use lemon pepper seasoning, which is a great choice if you want to add a bit of citrusy flavour to your fish. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with various spice blends such as Cajun, taco, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a premade fish seasoning mix. For a spicier kick, include some cayenne pepper or chilli powder in your blend.

Preparing the Fish:

Before you apply the seasoning, it's important to pat the fish dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the fish and ensure an even coating. You can also drizzle or spray the fish with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavoured oil of your choice. This step will add some moisture to the fish and help the seasonings adhere even better.

Applying the Seasoning:

Once your fish is dry and oiled, it's time to apply the seasoning. You can simply sprinkle the seasoning blend over the fish and rub it all over the fillets, making sure to coat them completely. Don't be shy with the seasoning—you want to make sure every bite of your mahi mahi is packed with flavour. You can also try dipping the fillets in the seasoning mix, ensuring an even coating all around.

Air Frying:

After your fish is seasoned, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space between them. You can also line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper, though this is not necessary. Depending on the thickness of your fillets and whether they are frozen or thawed, the cooking time will vary, so keep an eye on your fish to avoid overcooking. As a guide, cook the fish for around 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Serving:

When your mahi mahi is cooked to perfection, you can serve it with a variety of sides. Try roasted potatoes, greens such as asparagus or green beans, or a fresh salad. For a citrusy kick, serve your fish with lemon wedges. If you're feeling creative, you can even turn your mahi mahi into fish tacos by serving the flaked fish inside corn tortillas with your favourite toppings and a zesty salsa.

How to cook the fish

To cook mahi-mahi in an air fryer, start by patting the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, drizzle or spray the fillets with olive oil or avocado oil. Next, season the fillets. You can use a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or you can make a Cajun spice rub with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the fillets, coating them completely.

Once your fillets are prepared, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the air fryer basket with oil and place the fillets inside in a single layer. Spritz the fillets with cooking oil and air fry for 8 to 15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

You can serve the mahi-mahi with lemon wedges, or turn it into fish tacos by serving the fish flakes inside corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, avocado, and mango salsa.

How to tell when the fish is cooked

To tell when your mahi mahi is cooked, there are a few key indicators to look out for. Firstly, the fish should be flaky and easy to pull apart with a fork. This is a good indication that the fish is cooked through and no longer raw. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 137°F to be safe to eat, although some people prefer their fish cooked a little longer until it is nice and flaky. Another indicator is the colour; the fish should have a golden hue when cooked. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, mahi mahi will usually take around 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but it is always a good idea to check on the fish halfway through cooking to ensure it is not overcooked.

What to serve with the fish

There are a variety of side dishes that can be served with mahi-mahi. Here are some ideas:

Salads

Salads are a great option to serve with mahi-mahi, especially during the summer. A Greek salad is a refreshing choice, with its mix of fresh vegetables and tangy vinaigrette. You can also try a quinoa salad, which is delicious, nutritious, and easy to make. For a tropical twist, add some pineapple mango salsa to your quinoa salad.

Rice

Rice is a versatile side dish that goes well with mahi-mahi. You can make a simple jasmine rice in your Instant Pot with just a few ingredients, or try something more flavourful like cilantro lime rice or creamy coconut rice.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a popular choice to serve with mahi-mahi. You can make roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or even air fryer French fries for a fun twist on fish and chips.

Vegetables

There are several vegetables that pair well with mahi-mahi. Steamed broccoli is a healthy and simple option. Green beans, asparagus, and carrots are also great choices and can be prepared in a variety of ways. For something more unique, try zucchini boats, which are hollowed-out zucchini halves filled with a mixture of vegetables, herbs, and sometimes cheese.

Other options

In addition to the above, there are several other side dishes you can consider. Polenta is a rich and creamy option that goes well with the butteriness of mahi-mahi. Black-eyed peas, shrimp scampi, or garlic bread are also tasty choices.

Frequently asked questions