Air Fryer Mahi Mahi - Air Fryer Eats (2024)

Make perfectly cooked, tasty, and healthy Air Fryer Mahi Mahi in just 15 minutes with this easy air fryer recipe!

What is Mahi Mahi?

Mahi Mahi is a very versatile fish with mild-tasting white flesh that is firm and easy to cook.

This tropical fish is also a sustainable food option as they grow and reproduce quickly and are generally fished in a sustainable way.

Mahi Mahi fish is sometimes called dolphin fish However, This tropical fish is not at all related to dolphins.

It's also confused with Ahi Tuna, since the words sound similar, but note that Mahi Mahi is not a tuna fish either. It's simply a delicious, firm-fleshed white fish found in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Using the air fryer makes fish similar to grilled mahi mahi, but the air fryer is a much easier method.

What You'll Need

• Mahi Mahi Fillets - This flaky white fish is one of my favorites. Two 6-ouch fillets should fit comfortably in most basket-style air fryers. You can also adjust this recipe to make just one mahi mahi fillet.
• Olive Oil - We aren't frying this fish, but a small amount of oil will help adhere the spices to the fillets, add moisture, and allow beautiful browning.
• Salt - I like using kosher salt to make this spice rub.
• Pepper - for really great flavor, use freshly ground black pepper.
• Garlic Powder - This adds tons of flavor. Garlic is good on almost everything!
• Paprika - I love paprika for its ability to add warmth and beautiful color to mahi mahi fillets.

How to Make Mahi Mahi

1. Use paper towels to pat the fish fillets dry on both sides. Then cover the mahi mahi with olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Gently rub the spices onto the oiled mahi mahi fillets. This is easiest if you use your hands.
4. Place the mahi mahi fillets into the air fryer basket - no need to preheat!
5. Air Fry the mahi mahi fillets for 400°F/200°C for 10 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked.
6. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Turn your air fryer mahi-mahi into a healthy meal by serving it with your favorite air fryer side dishes.

Air Fryer Vegetables like Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Eggplant, or Air Fryer Green Beans will all be delicious.

If you like potatoes with dinner, you should definitely try my recipes for Air Fryer Potato Wedges or easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.

On the side, don't forget to make up a delicious homemade Tartar Sauce!

Tips and Tricks

• I don't recommend air-frying still-frozen fish. The fish will cook faster and more evenly if it is fully thawed before air frying.
• If your mahi mahi still has the skin attached, be sure to remove it before cooking. Typically fillets are sold already skinned.
• Use paper towels to pat the fish fillets so that they are dry before you season them. This will help the oil and seasonings stick to the fish and stay that way.
• Watch your food. The time needed to cook Mahi Mahi in the air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. Keep on eye on things so that you can pull them out early or add extra time if needed.
• Adjust the seasonings: The spice blend I'm using here is my favorite to season Mahi Mahi with, but you canuse your own favorites! Try taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper to make things extra simple.

Add Some Crunch With Breading

Looking for a bit of crunch with your fish? Mix the seasonings in this recipe with panko bread crumbs. Spray the fish with oil and then cover with the seasoned breadcrumbs before cooking.

How to Store

Once you've cooked your mahi mahi in the air fryer, you should either eat it right away or store it in the fridge until you are ready to eat it.

Leftovers or meal prep portions can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Speaking of meal prep, air fryer fish is delicious enjoyed for lunch the next day! I usually eat it cold along with a fresh salad.

How to Reheat

Add leftover mahi mahi fillets to the air fryer that you've preheated to 400°F/200°C. Heat for 2-4 minutes or until just warmed through.

Avoid using the microwave to reheat fish. The Air Fryer does a much better job of reheating the fillets gently so that they don't overcook.

More Air Fryer Fish Recipes

We love making all types of Air Fryer Fish! Check out how we make Air Fryer Salmon, Air Fryer Tuna Steaks, and Air Fryer Tilapia too. Looking for a non air fryer recipe that still has seafood? Check out this delicious Shrimp Cobb Salad.