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Say goodbye to the greasy mess and hello to a crispy, golden Mahi Mahi that will elevate your dinner game. Air fryer Mahi Mahi takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish and makes a delicious, crispy, and flaky entrée. Pair it with your favorite side dish to make a perfect healthy meal!
Making dinner for your family can be simple and enjoyable with the right recipe. Choosing something like Air Fryer Mahi Mahi means giving your family a quick, healthy, delicious meal that doesn’t take a lot of extra time on those busy weeknights. Win-win for everyone! If you love fish and you want a Gluten-Free option, try my Gluten Free Fish and Chips.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s heart-healthy. Mahi mahi is a healthy source of lean protein and is rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Crisy air fried. Air frying reduces the need for excess oil and achieve a golden crunch without deep frying.
- It’s easy. This air fryer mahi mahi recipe requires minimal prep while the air fryer makes for mess-free cooking. It’s an effortless weeknight meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mahi Mahi: This fish has a firm, white flesh with an almost chicken flavor (according to my kids). You could use any white fish in its place.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are used in baking or frying to create a light and crispy texture in a wide range of dishes. We will be using them for breading our mahi mahi.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan is often used as a topping for pasta, salads, and many other dishes, adding a burst of umami flavor. In our case, it will be used to enhance the breading flavor and texture.
- Spices: Paprika, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper all combine to create the perfect seasoning for the breading. Feel free to use any of your favorite seasonings instead.
- Garnishes: Parsley and lemon slices are served on the side as a garnish for the air-fried mahi mahi. These brighten up the flavor and appearance of the dish.
How To Make Mahi Mahi in The Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the equipment. Preheat the Air Fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Gather mixing bowls.
Step 2: Prepare the mahi mahi. Use a kitchen towel to pat dry the mahi-mahi filets, then massage the filets with olive oil and set them aside.
Step 3: Mix the breading. In a wide bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Dredge the fish. Place the mahi-mahi filets in the panko mixture and coat the filets evenly on both sides.
Step 5: Air fry the mahi mahi. Grease the air fryer basket and place the panko-coated filets inside the basket. Air fry the filets for 10-12 minutes in total, or until they are golden and crispy (flip the filets halfway through).
Step 6: Garnish and serve. Once the filets are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips To Make This Recipe
- Pat Dry Fillets: Ensure mahi mahi fillets are dry before seasoning for crispiness. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and a better texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange fillets in a single layer and make sure there is some space between each filet to allow the hot air to circulate for even cooking.
- Don’t Over Cook: Mahi Mahi is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and the filets are flaky.
What to Serve with Air Fried Mahi Mahi
There are so many ways to serve Air Fryer Mahi Mahi! White, brown rice or Mexican Fried Rice works great, and you can choose your favorite legume to go with it! Fish Tacos would also be an excellent use of this recipe. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and either Salsa With Jalapeno or a Mango Avocado Salsa/Salad. Our favorite sides also include Easy Mixed Vegetables, Parmesan Roasted Glazed Carrots, Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus and Crispy Parmesan Potatoes.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use in 3 days.
To reheat: Reheat in the air fryer on 350 F until warmed through and crispy again on the outside.
Freezing: To freeze, cool completely and store in an air tight container to prevent freezer burn. Use within 2 months. Keep in mind, freezing cooked fish can slightly change the texture and the crumbs may become less crispy. Best warmed through in the oven on air fryer to crisp up the outside texture.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Bake: Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes until crispy, golden and becomes flaky.
Stove Top: Pan fry the Mahi Mahi in oil on the stovetop on medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s recommended to thaw them first completely first for even cooking. Pat them dry before prepping. Ensure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and the filets are flaky. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Depending on the size, typically a normal postion takes 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The larger and thicker the cut, the more time it may take. Usually just a few minutes extra.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
- Air Fryer Keto Shrimp
- Stuffed Air Fryer Bell Peppers
- Air Fryer Fish and Chips
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Crispy Air Fryer Cod
Crispy and delicious Mahi Mahi fillets are ready in under 30 minutes. Embrace the simplicity, enjoy the crunch, and savor the delectable flavors of this Air Fryer Mahi Mahi recipe.
If you try this recipe and liked it, please leave a star rating and comment below. Use my hashtag to share it with me on Instagram so I can see your delicious recreations! Also, follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb mahi mahi fillets, 4 pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a kitchen towel to pat dry the mahi-mahi fillets, then massage the fillets with olive oil and set them aside.
- In a wide bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the mahi-mahi fillets in the panko mixture and coat the fillets evenly on both sides.
- Grease the air fryer basket and place the panko-coated fillets inside the basket. Air fry the fillets for 10-12 minutes in total, or until they are golden and crispy (flip the fillets halfway through).
- Once the fillets are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
-
- Pat Dry Fillets: Ensure mahi mahi fillets are dry before seasoning for crispiness. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and a better texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange fillets in a single layer and make sure there is some space between each filet to allow the hot air to circulate for even cooking.
- Don’t Over Cook: Mahi Mahi is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and the filets are flaky.
