Looking to create a healthier version of a traditional fish fry? Look no further than this delicious air fryer mahi mahi with a crispy panko breading! While fried fish is a family favorite, the excessive calories, fat, and oil that come with deep frying can be a downside. That’s why I love making this flavorful mahi mahi recipe in the air fryer!
The air fryer gives the fish fillets a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping them perfectly flaky on the inside. It’s a guilt-free dinner option that never fails to please a crowd. And the best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare!
How to Make Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Step One: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees.
Step Two: Place the mahi mahi fillets on a large plate and drizzle them with a generous amount of olive oil.
Step Three: In a shallow dish, mix together panko bread crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step Four: One at a time, dip each fillet into the panko mixture and coat it thoroughly. Then, place the coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. To prevent them from drying out, spritz the fillets with cooking oil using an oil sprayer (avoid using PAM).
Step Five: Cook the fillets for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Step Six: Serve your air-fried mahi mahi with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor if desired.
How Do You Know When Mahi Mahi is Done Cooking?
To ensure your mahi mahi is cooked to perfection, it should flake easily with a fork. If the fish doesn’t flake easily, let it cook for another 2 minutes and try again. While mahi mahi is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 137 degrees, I personally prefer a nice and flaky texture.
Do I Really Need to Spritz the Fish with Oil While Cooking?
While spritzing the panko breading with oil isn’t absolutely necessary, it does help prevent it from drying out in the air fryer. For the best results, I recommend using the EVO Oil Mister. It allows you to spray just the right amount of oil onto the mahi mahi, keeping the recipe healthier than traditional deep-fried fish.
How to Cook Frozen Mahi Mahi in the Air Fryer
If you have frozen mahi mahi fillets, don’t worry! You can still use your air fryer to cook them. However, breading the fish before freezing it ensures the best results.
- Prepare the fish as usual, including breading the fillets in the panko mixture.
- Instead of placing them in the air fryer, seal the breaded mahi mahi in plastic zipper bags. Wrap the bags in foil and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to cook.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Place the frozen fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spritz them with cooking oil.
- Cook the fillets for 13-14 minutes until they are heated through, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
How to Reheat Mahi Mahi in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is the ultimate tool for reheating breaded leftovers. Say goodbye to soggy leftovers and enjoy the same crispy texture as the original meal!
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Place the mahi mahi fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 4 minutes or until the fillets are heated through.
For even more delicious air fryer seafood recipes and inspiration, don’t forget to check out the collection on Ekilove. With mahi mahi or any other fish, the air fryer is a game-changer for creating healthier, flavorful meals. Give this recipe a try and discover a new way to enjoy a classic fish fry!
