Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
This Air Fryer Mahi Mahi requires only three ingredients – mahi mahi, lemon pepper seasoning, and a touch of olive oil for a delicious, light, and flaky fish dish that’s ready in less than 15 minutes. It’s perfect for adding to fish tacos or sandwiches!
Jump to:
Our air fryer mahi mahi recipe is a hit, but if you’re looking for more, we’ve got you covered. Try our air fryer tilapia for a simple, tasty dish, or our air fryer teriyaki salmon for a sweet and savory twist. And don’t forget about our air fryer salmon bites, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Mahi Mahi is a white fish with a firm, yet tender texture that just melts in your mouth. It has a mild sweetness with a hint of earthiness, a perfect canvas for flavors to shine. When cooked right, especially in the air fryer, the outside gets a beautiful golden crust that’s slightly crispy, while the inside remains incredibly moist and flaky.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this air fryer mahi mahi recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Tasty: The combination of mahi mahi fillets with lemon pepper seasoning and a hint of black pepper creates a tasty dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
- Convenient: This easy recipe requires just your air fryer, making it a one-pot wonder that’s easy to clean up after.
- Healthy Dinner: Mahi Mahi is a good source of lean protein and with no breading, this is a healthy way to enjoy seafood recipes.
Ingredients
*Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.
- Mahi Mahi fillets: Fresh or frozen fish fillets can be used.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: This will give the fish a tangy, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of the Mahi Mahi.
- Oil: This will help to keep the fish moist during the cooking process and also help the seasonings stick to the fillets.
- Toppings: lemon wedges, melted butter
Substitutions & Variations
Seasoning: Instead of lemon pepper seasoning, substitute with your favorite mix. You can use taco seasoning, blackened seasoning or a mix of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral oil will work.
Breading: This air fryer mahi mahi with no breading is perfect for gluten free, keto, or low carb diets. If you prefer it breaded you can coat the fish with regular, seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs and air fry.
How to Cook Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Who knew you could make fish taste this good in under 15 minutes? This recipe is a keeper! Here’s how to make it:
*Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.
Prepare the Mahi Mahi Fillets: Start by patting the mahi mahi fillet dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it helps the seasoning stick to the fish and guarantees a crispy finish.
Brush Oil: Next, brush olive oil or use a cooking spray on all sides of the fillets.
Season the Fillets: Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning evenly, ensuring it’s seasoned all around. If you’re a fan of a little heat, feel free to add some black pepper or chili powder.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Now, place the seasoned mahi mahi fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook the Fillets: Set your air fryer to 390 degrees F and cook mahi mahi for 7 to 8 minutes. The fish is done when the internal temperature reaches around 130 -135 degrees F. Drizzle the cooked fillets with melted butter and serve with lemon wedges and a side of vegetables.
How To Cook Frozen Mahi Mahi In The Air Fryer
Fresh mahi mahi fillets are hard to come by and if you’re left with only frozen mahi mahi, no worries! Here’s how to cook them in the air fryer.
- For best results, thaw mahi mahi fillets in the fridge overnight.
- If not, place the mahi mahi fillets in a large bowl of lukewarm water until it’s thawed. Drain the fish thoroughly.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- Spray oil and season mahi mahi fillets.
- Air fry mahi mahi at 390˚F for 7 to 8 minutes until cooked.
Expert Tips
- Skip Preheating: No need to preheat the air fryer as fish cook fast.
- Properly Dry the Fillets: Before cooking, pat the mahi mahi fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This will ensure the olive oil and seasonings stick well to the fish.
- Use the Correct Temperature: Air fry the fillets at 390 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish is around 135 degrees F. Overcooking can make the fish rubbery, so keep an eye on the temperature.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Larger Fillets: The cooking time provided is for fillets close to 6 oz each. If you’re cooking larger fillets, increase the cooking time accordingly to make sure that they’re cooked through without becoming rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer mahi mahi is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few suggestions on how you could serve it:
- With a Dipping Sauce: Air fryer mahi mahi is perfect with a tangy dipping sauce. Try serving it with a homemade tartar sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a refreshing cucumber dill yogurt sauce for a unique twist.
- Together with Sides: Pair your air fryer mahi mahi with some nutritious sides for a balanced meal. A fresh green salad, broccoli or asparagus, or a hearty portion of rice would compliment the delicate flavor of the mahi mahi perfectly.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: For a more substantial meal, try adding your air fryer mahi mahi to a wrap or a sandwich. Add some fresh veggies, a squeeze of lemon, and a dollop of your favorite sauce in a tortilla for mahi mahi tacos.
Storing and Reheating
Storage – Simply store leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat – When you’re ready to enjoy your mahi mahi again, just reheat it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350˚F and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly crispy and the fish is heated through.
FAQs
Mahi Mahi should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. You can check this by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size of the fillets. Larger pieces may require additional minutes, and if you prefer a crispy exterior, consider increasing the temperature towards the end.
Aside from checking the internal temperature, another way to tell if mahi mahi is done is by its texture. When fully cooked, the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake mahi mahi in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135˚F.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below. We love to hear from you!
Recipe
Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Mahi Mahi fillets (5 to 6 ounces each)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- black pepper optional
To serve
- melted butter optional
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pat the mahi mahi fillet dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Brush in olive oil on all sides. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning on the fillets, ensuring it's seasoned all around. Add black pepper if you want a bit of an extra kick.
- Place the mahi mahi fillets in the air fryer.
- Air fry the fillets at 390 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes until cooked. Or until the internal temperature of the fish is around 135 degrees F.
- Drizzle with melted butter and serve with lemon wedges and a side of vegetables.
Notes
- For frozen mahi mahi fillets, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can submerge the frozen fillets in a bowl of warm water until thawed.
- Make sure to pat dry before cooking.
- Mahi mahi fillets I used are close to 6oz each. For bigger fillets, increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure not to overcook as they end up rubbery.
