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Air Fryer Mahi Mahi is a 3-ingredient healthy dinner in under 15 minutes! This easy recipe will show you how to make juicy Cajun seasoned white fish in your air fryer. Gluten-free, low carb, and keto.
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Check out my Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Caesar Wraps and my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites for more air fryer recipes.
In the air fryer, of course. Preparing a restaurant quality Mahi dish with only 3 ingredients in 15 minutes may seem too good to be true, but this recipe is here to prove it.
With fresh, wholesome ingredients and an air fryer, you'll bring out the best of Mahi Mahi - a delicate and delicious fish!
Is Mahi Mahi good eating?
Before diving into the recipe, here are just a few of the reasons Mahi Mahi is indeed good eating:
Sustainable - Mahi Mahi is typically commercially fished in abundance off the coast of Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Indian Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. That said, the Mahi Mahi population is of very little concern when it comes to over harvesting and is a responsible fish option.
Lean & clean - Mahi Mahi is a great extra lean and low-calorie protein source. Not to mention, it's inherently gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly.
Fresh & flavorful - One bite of this mild fish, and you'll understand the hype. The flesh has a distinctive rich, buttery, and subtly sweet flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a healthy fish fry! There's no breading and very little oil.
- It's quick. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner option using fresh ingredients, this is it.
- Customizable - you can season your fish with cajun spices or any seasonings you like.
- The serving possibilities are endless.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Mahi Mahi: You can cook most white fish from fresh or frozen in the air fryer, but I recommend thawing first. If you can source fresh, never frozen Mahi, even better!
- Cajun Seasoning: A blend of salty, spicy, and smokey spices that pair perfectly with mild-tasting white fish.
- Olive Oil: Coating the fish in oil will help achieve lightly crisped surfaces and juicy, tender centers. You can also use avocado oil or melted butter/ghee.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon is optional but certainly recommended to enhance the flavors. Lime juice works too.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep fish.
Coat both sides of the Mahi with olive oil and then rub both sides with the Cajun seasoning.
Step 2: Cook in the air fryer.
Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and place the fish in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece—Cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Step 3: Serve.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve hot. Enjoy!
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Pat your fish filets dry with a paper towel before coating them in oil.
- Don't forget to spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep the fish from sticking to the bottom of the basket.
- The ideal temperature for a firm yet tender piece of Mahi is 137 - 145 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer or eyeball it. The flesh should flake effortlessly when pierced with a fork and be no longer be opaque.
- Begin checking for doneness around 10 minutes. Overcooked Mahi Mahi can be very dry and chewy.
- Mahi Mahi is best served immediately, so have the rest of the meal ready to go when the fish is finished.
Variations
Seasonings - Switch things up with different blends like fajita seasoning, taco seasoning, Old Bay, and garlic & herb. Spices like paprika, cayenne, cumin, oregano, chili pepper, and red pepper go great with Mahi Mahi.
Using a different fish - You can follow this recipe using any white fish (cod, halibut, or tilapia are good options). You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of your fish.
Serving
Seasoned and air-fried Mahi Mahi goes with just about everything and can be served in a variety of different ways. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Fish tacos - Serve flaked pieces of Mahi in corn or flour tortillas with lettuce, tomato, onion, salsa, etc.
- Cajun fish sandwich - Serve in a toasted hoagie roll with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
- Serve with healthy sides - Prepare a couple of nutritious dishes to serve on the side like a simple green salad, mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes, and mashed potatoes.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Keep your cooked and cooled Mahi Mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to two months—Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe FAQ‘s
Frozen Mahi Mahi takes about 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer between 375 and 400 degrees. Coat the frozen fish in olive oil for the best results, cook for 5 to 6 minutes, and then coat in seasoning. Cook for 6 to 7 more minutes.
The most efficient way to defrost fish is by submerging the frozen fish in a bowl of cool water and leaving it be for about 20 minutes. Do not use warm or hot water because it will start cooking the fish.
Reheating fish in the air fryer is a good way to warm it without drying it out. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees and cook until heated through (3 to 4 minutes).
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Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound of Mahi Mahi about 3 fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Coat both sides of the Mahi with olive oil and then rub both sides with the Cajun seasoning.
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and place the fish in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on food.
- Pat your fish filets dry with a paper towel before coating them in oil.
- Don’t forget to spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep the fish from sticking to the bottom of the basket.
- The ideal temperature for a firm yet tender piece of Mahi is 137 – 145 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer or eyeball it. The flesh should flake effortlessly when pierced with a fork and be no longer be opaque.
- Begin checking for doneness around 10 minutes. Overcooked Mahi Mahi can be very dry and chewy.
- Mahi Mahi is best served immediately, so have the rest of the meal ready to go when the fish is finished.
- Storing: Keep your cooked and cooled Mahi Mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to two months—Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Toni
I love how quick and easy this recipe is! Thanks for sharing!
Lindsay
I don't know if I've ever tried cajun seasoning on mahi mahi - but I'm going to now because it sounds delicious! I love how easy it is to cook fish in the air fryer.
Beth Sachs
The fish is so tender cooked in an air fryer. Delicious with veggies.
Gwynn Galvin
My air fryer is my new best friend in the kitchen and I cannot wait to try this recipe. Sounds so delicious and so easy to make too!
Cynthia
Sounds delicious. Is it necessary to flip the Mahi halfway through the cook time?
Erika
Hi Cynthia, I like to flip to make sure the fish is evenly cooked on both sides, but I think it would be ok as well if you didn't flip.