This juicy and flaky air fryer mahi mahi for a quick and easy seafood dinner ready in just 10 minutes! Seasoned with an easy homemade spice mix and garlic herb butter, it’s a restaurant-quality seafood dinner turns out perfect every time!
10 Minute Air Fryer Mahi Mahi Fish Filets
When you think of using the air fryer, you might not think to cook fish in it. But let us tell you, it’s one of the best ways to cook fish! And, a great place to start is this Air Fryer Mahi Mahi recipe.
The air fryer does an incredible job of circulating heat around whatever it’s cooking in a way that doesn’t burn it and so that it cooks evenly. That’s exactly what you need when you make delicate fish filets. You don’t want to cook them too much on one side and run the risk of ending up with dry fish.
At any rate, the fish itself is covered with a dried seasoning blend of granulated garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. And then, once it’s done, it’s topped with some of our Homemade Herb Garlic Butter and fresh lemon. It’s just as good (if not better) than if you got it at a restaurant!
Why I Love This Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe
Living in Florida, it’s basically seafood season all year round! Mahi mahi is one of my favorite cuts of fish to eat and cooking it in the air fryer is the easiest way to prepare it. The best part? It always turns out so flaky and tender! I’ve been to countless restaurants up and down the Florida coasts and I must say… this is still the very best mahi mahi I’ve ever had. It’s perfect for serving at dinner parties when you really feel like impressing your guests. It can be our little secret that it’s actually SO easy to toss together!
- The texture is super tender. You won’t believe how light and flaky this fish is – you simply have to try it and see it for yourself!
- It’s an easy recipe for any occasion. You can make it as a simple weeknight meal or make it when you plan on having company. It has all of the fancy flavors that you expect from fine dining, but it’s so easy to make.
- This recipe is fast! Dinner can be on the table in about 10 minutes with this fish recipe. (Also, if you’re looking for another easy 10 minute seafood recipe, try this air fryer shrimp!)
- Clean-up is a breeze. There is minimal clean-up when you cook with the air fryer. No pans and no grease splattered all over the stovetop!
Key Ingredients
Besides the actual fish, I almost always have everything I need to make this recipe already in my kitchen. Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make mahi mahi in the air fryer. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredient list and exact amounts!
- Mahi Mahi: We prefer to buy wild-caught when we can. Also, make sure the filets are about the same size so that they require the same amount of cooking time.
- Olive Oil: You can also use avocado oil if you like.
- Paprika: The paprika provides a little earthy sweetness to the spice rub. You can use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: If possible, try to use flaky sea salt (or kosher salt) and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is going to add a whole lot more fresh, tangy flavor than the bottled alternative.
- Herb Garlic Butter: Regular butter is also fine.
What is Mahi Mahi?
Mahi Mahi, also known as dolphinfish, is a fish that can be found in Hawaii, the Gulf of Mexico, and a few other places as well. It gets its name because it swims sort of like dolphins do – not because it is a dolphin! The fish meat itself has a pretty mild flavor, making it easy to season and the perfect choice for a fish dinner.
How to Make Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
This might just be the easiest mahi mahi dinner you ever make! Below is a quick recipe overview, but please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full instructions.
- First, always preheat the air fryer. This helps the fish to cook evenly and not dry out.
- Then prepare the fish. You’ll want to make sure the fish is rinsed and patted dry before you begin to season the filets.
- Coat the filets with olive oil. And then cover the entire filet with the dried seasonings.
- Next, place them in the air fryer. Then let them cook for 8-10 minutes. It’s best to flip the filets halfway through the cooking process.
- Now your fish is ready to be plated! And don’t forget to add some homemade garlic herb butter and fresh lemon juice.
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Cooking time will depend on the size of the fish. Our fish was cooked in 8 minutes. So depending on the thickness of the fish, it is best to check at 8 minutes for doneness. Or use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the internal temp is 137°F.
- Use blackening seasoning instead. If you have blackening seasoning, you can substitute it for the paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Make sure the fish filets are not touching in the air fryer. There should be space between them in the air fryer basket to ensure all sides are cooked evenly.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
- Homemade Sauce: We suggest trying our tartar sauce. It’s perfect for this dish!
- Potatoes: We love pairing fish with rich and creamy potatoes like our best ever mashed potatoes.
- Green Vegetables: For a healthier option, try our crispy brussels sprouts.
- Rice: A simple side of rice is always a good option. We recommend our cilantro lime rice for an added boost of citrus flavor.
Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- 2 wild caught mahi mahi filets, about 1 pound
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons garlic herb butter, divided
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- While air fryer is preheating, rinse and pat dry fish.
- Coat filets with olive oil. Cover filets (front and back) with seasonings and place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and an internal temperature reaches 137°F.
- Remove cooked fish from the air fryer basket and place on a plate. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fish and top each piece with a tablespoon of butter. Serve immediately!
Notes
- To Store: For the best results, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Use the air fryer again, preheated to 375°F, and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Growing up on the coast, I was raised on fried fish. As an adult, I wanted a healthier choice but ordinary baked fish did not cut it. Then, while traveling I discovered I liked Maui-Mahi. So, I found & made your recipe last week & loved it! Thanks so much for sharing! It was delicious!
i topped mahi mahi with the compound butter and paired with a cesar sales. out of this world delicious! will definitely make this recipe again.
Hi Do you cook the fish thawed? Thanks
Hi Pam, we used thawed mahi mahi. If you use frozen mahi you’ll need to cook it a little longer.
We are fish snobs after 35 years of fishing in the Florida Keys. Usually we grill our dolphin but I decided to try air frying. I marinated the fish in olive oil and our favorite Paul Prudhomme’s Blackened Redfish Magic, then cooked as directed. The fish was flaky and delicious.
So simple, easy, and delicious!
It was great. Will definitely be making this again.