Air-Fried Swordfish: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Swordfish is a versatile, meaty fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-searing, or turning it into kebabs. One of the easiest and healthiest ways to cook swordfish is by using an air fryer. Air-frying swordfish is a quick and convenient way to prepare a delicious and hearty meal in less than 20 minutes. The key to achieving the perfect swordfish texture is to use fresh swordfish and avoid overcooking it. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making swordfish in an air fryer, along with some expert tips and serving suggestions.

Choosing the right swordfish steak

Swordfish is a mild-tasting, meaty, and versatile white fish with a firm texture. It is a great source of protein, B12, zinc, and Omega 3. Swordfish steaks are thick cuts that typically weigh between 6 oz and 1 lb each. When choosing swordfish steaks, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best-tasting and freshest fish:

• Thickness: Look for swordfish steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Anything thinner may break when flipped.
• Color: The steaks should be pale cream with hints of pink. A few reddish streaks are acceptable, but avoid anything with brown discolouration, as this indicates that the fish is old.
• Texture: Fresh swordfish should have a firm texture and spring back when touched.
• Odour: Swordfish, like any fresh fish, should not have a strong fishy odour. If it smells fishy, it is best to avoid it.
• Appearance: The swordfish steaks should be white and translucent. Darker-coloured steaks will have a stronger flavour.

When purchasing swordfish, it is also important to ensure that it is sustainably sourced.

Marinating the swordfish

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A simple yet effective marinade can be made using olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or garlic powder to enhance the flavour. Play around with different combinations to find your favourite!

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, simply whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined. You can also do this in a ziplock bag, which can be useful for adding the swordfish later.

Now it's time to add the swordfish to your marinade. You can use either fresh or frozen swordfish steaks, but fresh swordfish is recommended for the best flavour and texture. Place the swordfish in your chosen container and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the fish is well coated. You can also use a baking dish for this step. If using a ziplock bag, seal the bag and gently shake or massage the contents to ensure the swordfish is fully covered.

The next step is to place the marinating swordfish in the refrigerator. It's important to let the swordfish absorb the flavours of the marinade. The ideal marinating time is between 30 minutes and 8 hours. Don't leave it for longer than 8 hours, as this can affect the texture of the fish, making it mushy.

While the swordfish is marinating, you can prepare the rest of your meal. Swordfish is a versatile dish that pairs well with many side dishes. You might want to try air fryer sweet potato cubes, toasted coconut cauliflower rice, or slow-roasted tomatoes.

Once the marinating time is complete, take the swordfish out of the refrigerator and you're ready to start cooking! Remember to preheat your air fryer to 400°F/204°C before placing the swordfish inside.

By following these steps and allowing enough time for the swordfish to marinate, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and flavourful air-fried swordfish dish.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your swordfish cooks evenly and efficiently, and it's worth noting that most recipes recommend allowing your air fryer to preheat while you prepare and season the fish.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 400°F/204°C. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting, but if yours does not, you can simply set the temperature and wait for the air fryer to come to temperature. This should take around 3 minutes.

While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare your swordfish steaks by coating them in oil and seasoning. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt and pepper, or lemon pepper seasoning. You can also try a marinade, which will add extra flavour to the fish.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can place the swordfish steaks inside and set the timer.

Cooking the swordfish

Cooking swordfish in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect results:

Preparing the Swordfish:

Before cooking, it is important to start with fresh swordfish to ensure the best flavour and texture. Swordfish has a meaty and firm texture, making it ideal for steaks. You can use frozen swordfish, but it is recommended to defrost it first for the best results.

Marinating the Swordfish:

Swordfish is often marinated to add extra flavour. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, lemon juice or zest, honey, soy sauce, and spices such as parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the swordfish steaks in a ziplock bag or baking dish, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 8 hours. Do not exceed 8 hours, as the fish may become mushy.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 375-400°F (190-204°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and the best results.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the swordfish. Place the marinated swordfish steaks into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each steak to allow for proper air circulation.

For a 6-ounce swordfish steak that is 3/4-1 inch thick, cook for about 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and whether they are fresh or frozen. Frozen swordfish may need an additional 2-5 minutes.

The swordfish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62-63°C). To check the temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.

Serving the Swordfish:

Swordfish pairs well with various side dishes, such as green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or lemon orzo pasta. It can also be served with a bright olive tapenade, mango salsa, or a spicy chimichurri sauce.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked swordfish!

Serving the swordfish

Swordfish is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as an accompaniment to pasta. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and freshly cooked lemon orzo with spinach. It can also be served with Air Fryer Polenta or a bright olive tapenade.

If you're looking for a more hearty meal, swordfish steaks can be served with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes, Toasted Coconut Cauliflower Rice, or Air Fryer Slow-Roasted Tomatoes. For a unique and impressive dish, try serving swordfish with a spicy mango salsa or a red chimichurri sauce. You can also top it with a rich and briny olive tapenade.

Swordfish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 275°F/135°C for about 10 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F/54°C.

Frequently asked questions