Air Fryer Mahi Mahi Recipe

Air fryer mahi mahi comes out perfectly flaky inside with a bit of a crisp on the outside. Buttery and fork tender it’s faster than how long to bake mahi mahi and you don’t have to heat up your house either.

Mahi Mahi Air Fryer

We have made all sorts of air fryer fish recipes here on The Typical Mom blog. It’s a food all of us love and is great for us too so it’s a win win. I mean anything out of the sea is super healthy for you and your heart to eat. Starting your kids out young serving this and they will become lovers of all swimmers too.

We started with fresh air fryer tilapia and that was amazing. Figured any type would work just as well so whenever I happened upon a sale I tried something new. Mahi is one of my faves since I lived in Hawaii throughout my childhood and it was served often so here it is.

Air Fryer White Fish

If you found another type of white fish at the store you wanted to make, the timing would most likely work for that too. The biggest difference would be the thickness of course. Typically the middle is thick and ends are thinner.

To fit inside your air fryer basket you’ll likely need to slice a large piece in half as we did with our air fryer catfish. Do this at the thickest spot so it cooks evenly. For a much quicker cook time you could follow our air fryer fish nuggets recipe.

Those 2 are lightly breaded and this is not though. Each one is quite wonderful, you should really try them all. We will share how to air fry mahi mahi below. Faster than the oven with a bit of crisp on the edges which is really nice.

How long to Cook Frozen Mahi Mahi in Air Fryer

SO I figured out how to make frozen fish in air fryer and shared that with y’all too. Really, you couldn’t tell the difference which was great because nobody knew I hadn’t defrosted it beforehand. If yours is still rock hard you’d want to use that timing and those instructions.

How to Cook Mahi Mahi

If you have only made this in the oven you’re in for a great surprise. Not only is it faster as it only takes 5 minutes to preheat, but it also doesn’t heat up your whole house in the summertime. I love how you get a bit of crisp on the outside too in your Foodi or other Cosori.

The biggest variation on the flavor of this fish would be what you add to the outside. Butter is a must when it comes to cooking white fish in general, then comes your favorite seasonings.

Salt and black pepper is basic to season mahi mahi fillets but Old Bay is one of my favorites to add too.

How Long to Cook Mahi Mahi

Using this method it only takes about 12 minutes! When it comes to cooking seafood there is a range of how done you want it. Unlike salmon where some (like my husband) prefer it a bit more rare, this variety should be cooked all the way through.

Always spray the basket with non stick olive oil cooking spray to avoid sticking, and for an easier cleanup later. This is for fresh or defrosted, if you need to cook frozen fish in air fryer refer to these directions instead.

Melted butter will get the outside golden brown and there’s really no need to flip it halfway through. I actually recommend you don’t because it will likely start to break apart and become a mess.

Air Fry Mahi Mahi

How do you know when mahi mahi is done?

No matter how you cook or grill it you should check the temperature or just use a fork and ensure the middle is tender. 137 degrees F is the internal temperature recommended. I typically don’t use a thermometer for fish.

If you just take a fork and try to cut it with the side and it goes through smoothly and easily it is likely done. Look in the center to see if it is white too vs. still a bit transluscent. From there you can enjoy it as is, with white rice or with some tartar sauce for dipping. It is a light dish for dinnertime that even kids love.

• We used 2 fillets fresh (or defrosted, 6 oz. each)
• Butter that has been melted
• Shred some parmesan cheese on a paper towel, creates great flavor
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pinch of pepper

Ninja Foodi Mahi Mahi

If you love mahi mahi this will likely become your favorite delicious air fryer recipe for the month. 😉 You can jump to recipe that is printable below or peek at our quick step by steps below: Spray basket with non stick cooking oil and place fillets inside without overlapping the pieces.

1. In a bowl mix your melted butter, parmesan cheese (optional), salt and pepper together.
2. Brush this on top of your fish filets.
3. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 12 to 14 until they are lightly brown on top and is inside is fork tender.

Keep in mind that the larger the piece(s) the longer it will take. May take up to 15 minutes if they’re quite thick. With preheating you’d need 20 minutes total to make these. Make air fryer tater tots as a side dish with this!

Love all things swimming in the sea and want other ideas after this one?? Try our air fryer fried shrimp and/or a few air fryer fish tacos on Tuesdays!