Quick and Easy Fried Mahi Mahi Recipe With THE BEST Aioli

This fried mahi mahi has a crispy golden coating on the outside while still keeping the fish tender and flaky on the inside. Every bite is simply a little taste of fried fish perfection - yes, it really is that good. Plus, this mahi mahi recipe also comes with a creamy, slightly spicy aioli that takes it over the top, and it's so easy to make too. If you've got 20 minutes, then you've got enough time to make it.

MY TAKE ON FRIED MAHI MAHI

If you've been looking for the most delicious - and easiest - way to cook mahi mahi, this recipe is it!

This pan-fried mahi mahi recipe has a crispy and crunchy breadcrumb crust that surrounds each tender fish fillet to create a beautiful contrast of texture and flavors. Then, all of that yumminess gets paired with a creamy lemony sriracha aioli that's next-level good.

Honestly, even my 2 year old likes this fried mahi mahi. In fact, she likes it even better than the fish sticks we buy her from the store.

Yumminess aside, maybe the best thing about this recipe is the fact that it takes under 20 minutes from start to finish to make! And all you have to follow are 4 simple steps. It's seriously one of the quickest easiest fried fish recipes you'll ever make. Atleast I think it is.

By the way, if you're looking for a couple of tasty side dishes to go along with it I've got a few favorites. I like pairing this garlic bread, this buttery rice, these honey glazed carrots, and these crack green beans.

Ingredients 

Although it may seem like it, there are no fancy ingredients needed to make this recipe!

Instead, everything used is pretty common cooking ingredients, some of which you may already have in your kitchen. 

Here's what you'll need to make this fried mahi mahi:

• 1 Cup Bread Crumbs
• 1 Tbsp. Mexican Seasoning
• Salt and Pepper
• 1-2 Eggs
• 1 Cup Flour
• 2 Mahi Mahi Fillets, Cut In Long Strips
• Lemon Wedges To Serve
• Vegetable Oil, To Fry

And for the dipping sauce:

• ¼ Cup Mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp. Sriracha sauce
• 2 Tsp. Lemon Juice
• 2 Tsp. Soy Sauce

Now, you don't have to make the sauce, but I think any crispy fried food needs a little something for dipping.

And this sauce is the perfect match - it's moderately spicy from the sriracha, super creamy from the mayo, and has a super refreshing flavor from the lemon.  It also goes really well with these fried jalapeños!

By the way, you can use many of these same ingredients to make these fried pork chops, so you'll definitely want to check that recipe out next.

How to Make Fried Mahi Mahi

As I mentioned, the process of making this recipe is very simple. 

All you have to do is a standard three-step breading technique, fry the mahi mahi, and mix the sauce ingredients. 

Pretty simple, right?

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

Step 1: Prep Work 

Depending on the size of your mahi mahi fillets, you can either leave them how they are or cut them length-wise for thinner strips. 

After that, put the breadcrumbs, Mexican seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix them to combine. 

Then, crack the egg in a second bowl, and whisk until the yolk combines with the white. By the way, you may have to use a second egg if you run out. 

Lastly, add the flour to a third bowl and line it up with the other two bowls to create a breading station.

Step 2: Breading 

Now, pat the mahi mahi strips with a paper towel to make sure they're dry. 

Then you will do the three-step breading technique for each fillet strip.

First, coat each strip with flour on both sides, then dip it in the egg to cover it, and finish up by putting it in the bowl of breadcrumbs, making sure it's fully covered on each side.

Repeat the process above for the rest of the fillets and set them on a plate.

Step 3: Frying 

Once the mahi mahi is breaded, it's time to crisp them up!

First, heat enough oil over medium-high heat to cover the fillets in a deep frying pan. And you'll want to heat the oil until it reaches 350°F (180ºC). 

Then, when the oil reaches that temperature, add one mahi mahi to the pan - you can add more if the pan is big enough, just make sure they're not touching.

Next, fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they're nicely golden brown. Transfer the fried mahi mahi onto a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain the excess oil. 

Step 4: Making the Sauce & Serving 

After you fry the fillets, you can make the dipping sauce.

To do that, add all of the sauce ingredients to a bowl and mix them until they combine and a smooth sauce forms.

Then serve the crispy golden pan-fried mahi mahi with the dipping sauce and enjoy! 

How I Recommend Storing This Fried Mahi Mahi

This fried mahi mahi is best eaten fresh right after it's cooked. And if you're serving it for a family dinner or to guests, it's hard to believe you'll have any leftovers.

But if you do, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. And you can store the sauce the same way. It makes a great lunch or dinner the next day! 

The leftovers are actually really tasty eaten cold. But if you want to reheat the mahi mahi, the best way is to heat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until the internal temperature reaches 137°F (58°C).

FAQS ABOUT THIS FRIED MAHI MAHI RECIPE

How is mahi mahi supposed to be cooked?

Mahi mahi can actually be cooked several ways - you can deep fry it like in this recipe, cook it in a skillet on the stovetop, make baked mahi mahi, and even air fry it!

What does mahi mahi taste like?

Mahi mahi is a very mild-tasting fish with a subtle sweet flavor. For this reason, it's a great fish to make if you don't love seafood or have never tried fish before! 

How do you know when mahi mahi is done?

You'll know that the mahi mahi is done for this recipe when the breading crips up to a golden brown color. You can also check the internal temperature and ensure it's at 137°F (58°C). 

Wrapping It All Up 

Well, that's how to make fried mahi mahi!

The crunchy breading and flavorful dipping sauce will make this recipe quickly become one of your favorites. At least it has amongst my family.

And since the fish is so mild tasting, this recipe is a big hit with kids - as I said, my daughter especially loves it - so it makes an excellent family dinner

Well, I hope you enjoy this mahi mahi recipe as much as my family and I do.

Make sure to leave a comment below if you try it.

I'd love to hear what you think!

MORE OF MY FAVORITE SEAFOOD RECIPES

If you liked this fried mahi mahi recipe, here are a few more of my favorite seafood recipes to try next:

• Fried tilapia
• Seafood boil
• Baked haddock
• Deep fried salmon
• General tso shrimp
• Sweet and sour shrimp 
• Lobster pasta
• Whole roasted branzino
• Fried catfish nuggets

Print