• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I'm Hungry For That
  • Home
  • Breakfast Recipes
  • Casserole Recipes
  • Copycat Recipes
  • About Us
  • Social
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Breakfast Recipes
  • Casserole Recipes
  • Copycat Recipes
  • About Us
  • Social
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Air Fryer Mahi Mahi | The Best Air Fryer Fish Fillets

    Published: Mar 15, 2022 · Modified: Jan 7, 2025 · By: Brendan Cunningham

    Jump to Recipe

    This mouthwateringly rich, flavorful, and beautifully cooked air fryer mahi mahi is the perfect light and fresh dinner recipe! Plus, it's super quick and easy to whip up, and it's made with just a handful of ingredients. Seriously, if you've never made mahi mahi in the air fryer before, you're in for a real treat. 

    A cup of garlic butter being poured on top of two mahi mahi fillets

    The Best Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

    This mahi mahi recipe makes some of the tastiest air fryer fish you'll ever have. 

    Table of Contents
    • The Best Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
      • Ingredients
      • How to Cook Mahi Mahi 
        • Step 1: Prep
        • Step 2: Cooking the Fish
      • HOW TO STORE MAHI MAHI
      • FAQS ABOUT THIS AIR FRYER MAHI MAHI RECIPE
        • Is it bad to air fry fish?
        • How do you know when mahi mahi is done?
        • How is mahi mahi supposed to be cooked?
      • Wrapping It All Up
    • Seafood Recipes

     

    The mahi mahi is coated in rich, savory garlic butter, then the air fryer crisps up the outside of the fish while keeping it tender and flaky inside. I know it's not a traditional air fryer recipes, but it's seriously incredible.

    Even if you aren't a huge fan of fish - or are trying it for the first time - this recipe is the perfect place to start. And since mahi mahi has a mild and subtly sweet flavor, it really takes on the taste of the delicious garlic butter seasoning it's coated in.

    Plus, the best part about this recipe is that it takes under 20 minutes to prepare - and with minimal effort. Just like some more of our air fryer recipes such as this air fryer catfish.

    Also, while the fish is cooking, you can make this Instant Pot Sushi Rice or Low Carb Coleslaw to go with it for a complete healthy dinner.

    Two fillets of mahi mahi that are on part of a white plate with a fork on it next to the fish.

    Ingredients

    As I mentioned earlier, this recipe requires just a handful of ingredients to prepare. And besides the fish, I can almost guarantee you'll have everything you need at home already!

    Here's what you'll need: 

    • 2 Mahi Mahi fillets
    • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
    • 2 tbsp. Butter
    • 2 tsp. Garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper
    • Fresh thyme
    • Lemon

    It's crazy that a few simple ingredients can create so much flavor. And if you like how much garlic and butter can elevate the flavor of a dish, you have to give this Ramen Hack Recipe a try next.

    Two raw mahi mahi fillets with olive oil drizzled on them on a white plate.

    How to Cook Mahi Mahi 

    Just a few simple steps are all you need to follow to make this air fryer mahi mahi.

    And the entire recipe requires pretty much hands-off cooking! How could you not like that?!

    Now, get out your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

    A hand holding an air fryer that is filled with garlic, thyme, and melted butter,

    Step 1: Prep

    First, pat the mahi mahi dry with paper towels. Then, season it with some salt and pepper and drizzle olive oil on top.

    Next, take out the air fryer basket and place the fillets directly on the bottom of the air fryer. Make sure the fillets are lying flat in the air fryer basket. I was able to fit two in mine, but the number you cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer basket.

    Two raw mahi mahi fillets in an air fryer.

    Step 2: Cooking the Fish

    Now, cook at 375°F (190ºC) for 10 minutes. Then, take the mahi mahi out, and set it aside.

    Next, immediately add the butter, garlic, and thyme to the bottom of the air fryer, then put the mahi mahi back in and make sure to flip it. Now turn the temperature down to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 5 minutes. 

    Once the time is up - and the mahi mahi is slightly golden on the edges and crispy - transfer it to a plate, and pour the garlic herb butter from the air fryer on top of it. Then, just squeeze a little fresh lime juice  or lemon juice on top of it and enjoy. 

    Two mahi mahi fillets on a white plate with a fork on it,

    HOW TO STORE MAHI MAHI

    So, this recipe calls for two fish fillets, but you can make as many as you'd like! If you're making it for a family dinner, grab a few more fillets and just add in some extra butter, garlic, and thyme. 

    Then if you have leftovers, you can store them in a shallow airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge for up to 3-4 days. 

    And to reheat, you can put it back in the air fryer covered with tin foil at 275°F for about 5-10 minutes or until the filets reach your desired warmth.

    Two mahi mahi fillets, a fork, and a lemon wedge on top of a white plate on a white tablecloth on a grey counter. Behind it is a small white cup filled with garlic butter.

    FAQS ABOUT THIS AIR FRYER MAHI MAHI RECIPE

    Is it bad to air fry fish?

    Air frying fish is totally safe. Also, compared to deep frying, it reduces the amount of fat and calories in the dish, yet doesn't sacrifice any taste! Plus, air frying fish is also a much quicker alternative to using the stove.

    How do you know when mahi mahi is done?

    You'll know the mahi mahi is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 137°F (58°C). With that said, I like to remove the fish from the heat when it just goes over 130°F, and then let it come up to 137°F while it's resting. Following that method ensures that you never overcook the fish.

    How is mahi mahi supposed to be cooked?

    There is no one way for how to cook mahi mahi. You can air fry it like in this recipe, make Fried Mahi Mahi, cook it on the stove, or even grill it.

    A white plate with two mahi mahi fillets, a lemon wedge, and a fork on it.

    Wrapping It All Up

    Well, that is how to cook mahi mahi in the air fryer That's what we call it in our house anyway.

    The mahi mahi turns out so buttery, flavorful, crispy on the outside, yet tender and flaky inside - it is mm mmm good.

    This is about as quick and easy as a mahi mahi recipe gets, and everyone who tries it will love it! Even if they aren't a big fan of seafood, I think they'll enjoy this recipe. 

    Anyway, I hope you like this air fryer mahi mahi as much as I do. If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it!

    Seafood Recipes

    If you liked how simple and easy this recipe was, you'd love our other seafood recipes as well! 

    Here are a few of our favorites on the blog to try next:

    • Instant Pot Paella
    • Blackened Shrimp
    • General Tso Shrimp
    • Popcorn Shrimp
    • Firecracker Shrimp
    • Pan seared mahi mahi

    And of course, as always, you can find even more delicious recipes on our YouTube channel as well.

    Print

    Air Fryer Mahi Mahi | The Best Air Fryer Fish Fillets

    A white plate with two mahi mahi fillets, a lemon wedge, and a fork on it.
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 9 reviews

    This mouthwateringly rich, flavorful, and beautifully cooked air fryer mahi mahi is the perfect light and fresh dinner recipe! Plus, it's super quick and easy to whip up, and it's made with just a handful of ingredients. Seriously, if you've never made mahi mahi in the air fryer before, you're in for a real treat.

    • Author: Brendan Cunningham
    • Prep Time: 0 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 2 servings 1x
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Air Fryer
    • Cuisine: Seafood

    Ingredients

    Scale

    2 Mahi Mahi fillets

    1 tbsp. Olive Oil

    2 tbsp. Butter

    2 tsp. Garlic, minced

    Salt and pepper

    Fresh thyme

    Lemon

    Instructions

    1. Season the fish with salt and pepper.
    2. Place in the air fryer tray and add olive oil.
    3. Cook at 375°F ( 190ºC) for 10 minutes. Remove the mahi mahi from the tray.
    4. In the same tray add the butter, garlic and thyme. Put the fillets back in, making sure to flip them, and cook in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
    5. Serve the mahi mahi with the herb and garlic butter from the air fryer and lemon on top.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 261
    • Fat: 19
    • Carbohydrates: 0
    • Protein: 21

    Keywords: how to cook mahi mahi, air fryer mahi mahi, mahi mahi air fryer, mahi mahi recipe, air fryer fish fillets, air fryer mahi mahi recipe, air fryer mahi mahi fish, air fryer mahi mahi no breading, how long to cook mahi in air fryer, mahi mahi recipe easy, mahi mahi recipe garlic butter, garlic butter mahi mahi

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us @ImHungryForThat — we can't wait to see what you've made!

    « Fricase De Pollo | One of The Best Easy Chicken Recipes For Dinner
    Crack Grapes Made With Jolly Ranchers »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gale

      January 29, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      Turned out tender and flakey! Really perfect tbh

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Stacey

      January 31, 2022 at 9:31 am

      First time air frying fish and it won't be my last! Loved it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Nina

      February 01, 2022 at 7:10 pm

      Loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Fanny

      February 02, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      Absolutely perfect mahi TYFS

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Gianna

      February 16, 2022 at 10:19 am

      Super delicious and I very much liked the garlic butter. Cool method to cook mahi mahi!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Timothy

      March 15, 2022 at 7:48 pm

      Cooks great, flaky and tender.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Rachael

      March 18, 2022 at 9:45 am

      Have made this almost every Friday since I found the recipe and love it every time.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Nico

      March 18, 2022 at 10:11 am

      Turned out really tender and flakey.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Kara

      March 27, 2022 at 2:10 pm

      Loved how this turned out. Thank you.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Two men in a kitchen smiling.

    Hey, we're Brendan & Joe! We love making delicious quick and easy recipes. Most of them take under 30 minutes to whip up and require less than 10 ingredients and 5 steps as well.

    More about us →

    Latest Recipes

    • A square glass baking dish with Tennessee onions garnished with fresh parsley. There is a fork in the onions. The dish is on a white counter with a bowl of sour cream, garnishes, and brick of cheese.
      Tennessee Onions Recipe: A Southern Classic
    • A white plate filled with mini pancakes. The plate is on a white counter with a cup of coffee and additional plate of pancakes.
      Easy Mini Pancakes Recipe
    • A white bowl of strawberry fluff salad with a sliced strawberry on top. The bowl is on a white counter with strawberries.
      Easy Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe
    • A pancake taco on a white plate. The pancake is layered with scrambled egg and a sausage link drizzled with syrup. The plate is on a white counter with an additional pancake.
      Pancake Tacos Recipe (Quick, Easy, And Delicious)

    Popular Recipes

    • A plate with egg fried rice on it.
      Uncle Roger's Fried Rice Recipe
    • A sausage, meat, and cheese McGriddle on a wire rack on a white tablecloth on a wooden board on top of a counter. There is a knife through the top center of the McGriddle.
      Homemade McGriddle In Under 30 Minutes (Sausage, Egg, And Cheese)
    • A plate with a slice of taco casserole on it.
      Taco Casserole With Tortillas
    • Two lamb breasts and a few slices of lamb breast to the right of them all on a rectangular white plate on a wooden counter.
      Lamb Breast Recipe | Just 15 Minutes To Prepare
    • A chicken breast sliced in half stuffed with filling. The chicken is on a white plate and behind it is part of a white bowl with cheddar cheese in it.
      Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken Recipe
    • A piece of fried dough with a bite out of it on pieces of fried dough.
      Fried Dough Made In 15 Minutes | Tastes Like The One From The Fair

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Us

    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    YouTube

    • Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Privacy Policy Copyright © 2024 Terms & Conditions