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.
The Best Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
This mahi mahi recipe makes some of the tastiest air fryer fish you'll ever have.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
And of course, as always, you can find even more delicious recipes on our YouTube channel as well.
PrintAir Fryer Mahi Mahi | The Best Air Fryer Fish Fillets
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.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients
2 Mahi Mahi fillets
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
2 tbsp. Butter
2 tsp. Garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Fresh thyme
Lemon
Instructions
- Season the fish with salt and pepper.
- Place in the air fryer tray and add olive oil.
- Cook at 375°F ( 190ºC) for 10 minutes. Remove the mahi mahi from the tray.
- 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).
- 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
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Gale
Turned out tender and flakey! Really perfect tbh
★★★★★
Stacey
First time air frying fish and it won't be my last! Loved it.
★★★★★
Nina
Loved it!
★★★★★
Fanny
Absolutely perfect mahi TYFS
★★★★★
Gianna
Super delicious and I very much liked the garlic butter. Cool method to cook mahi mahi!
★★★★★
Timothy
Cooks great, flaky and tender.
★★★★★
Rachael
Have made this almost every Friday since I found the recipe and love it every time.
★★★★★
Nico
Turned out really tender and flakey.
★★★★★
Kara
Loved how this turned out. Thank you.
★★★★★