This Air Fryer Mahi Mahi recipe turns out perfectly flaky and delicious in just 15 minutes total. With only 67 calories per serving and packed with lean protein, it’s a weeknight dinner winner that delivers restaurant-quality results.
The air fryer works its magic to create a moist interior while achieving a beautiful golden exterior – no deep frying needed. Whether you’re following a healthy eating plan or simply love seafood, this foolproof method will become your new favorite way to prepare mahi mahi.
Ingredients Needed
- Mahi Mahi Fillets: 2 pieces (6 ounces each), skin removed, patted dry
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, helps seal in moisture
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon, adds beautiful color and mild flavor
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances overall taste
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, adds savory depth
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, ground fresh for best flavor
Cooking Instructions
- Preparation: Pat the fish fillets thoroughly dry on both sides for better seasoning adhesion
- Oil Coating: Brush the fillets evenly with olive oil to ensure moisture retention
- Seasoning Mix: Combine paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl
- Season Fish: Gently massage the spice mixture onto both sides of the fillets
- Air Frying: Place fillets in air fryer basket, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 137°F
Cooking Tips for Perfect Mahi Mahi
Getting the perfect mahi mahi is super easy! The key is patting the fish dry – this helps the seasoning stick better and creates a nice exterior. When you’re checking if it’s done, the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking fish – the air fryer makes it pretty foolproof!
Quick Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding some lemon pepper instead of regular black pepper, or toss in some dried herbs like oregano or thyme with your spice mix. If you love heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. And if you don’t have paprika, you can use mild chili powder instead.
Serving Ideas
This mahi mahi is amazing with simple sides! Serve it over fluffy rice or with roasted vegetables. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating makes the flavors pop. For a light meal, place it on top of a green salad. Want something fancy but easy? Add a little mango salsa on top – the sweet and tangy flavors are perfect with the seasoned fish.
Storage & Reheating
Keep any leftover mahi mahi in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for just 2-3 minutes at 350°F. Try not to microwave it if you can help it – this can make the fish rubbery. The fish is also great cold on top of salads!
Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 6 ounce mahi mahi fish fillets skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the mahi mahi dry on both sides.
- Cover the mahi mahi with the olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix the paprika, salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper together.
- Then, gently rub the spices onto the mahi mahi filets.
- Place the mahi mahi filets in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry the mahi mahi on 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, or until the mahi mahi reaches an internal temperature of 137F.
