Air Fryer Mahi Mahi is my go-to for a quick, tasty meal ready in just 12 minutes! It’s perfect for tacos or as a main dish and brings big flavor without the hassle. Great for lunch or dinner, it’s a simple meal that everyone will love! 

closeup: air fryer mahi mahi on a plate with rice and lemon wedges
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Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile mahi mahi is. Its mild flavor pairs well with all kinds of spices and toppings. When you air fry mahi mahi, it forms a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly flaky and tender!

This mahi mahi air fryer recipe is also a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it in tacos with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon, or pair it with a colorful salad for a light, wholesome meal.

If you’re looking for more delicious Air Fryer Fish Recipes, check out AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S MAHI MAHI BURGERS, AIR FRYER FISH AND CHIPS, AIR FRYER BLACKENED SALMON FISH TACOS and AIR FRYER SWORDFISH!

Why You’ll Love this Mahi Mahi Air Fryer Recipe

  • Ready in 12 minutes!
  • Minimal ingredients
  • Flaky and tender
  • Mild flavor
  • Wholesome meal
  • So versatile

Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Mahi Mahi

I love how this air fryer mahi mahi comes together with just a few simple ingredients! All you need is mahi mahi, a bit of olive oil, some seasonings, and a tasty lemon garlic butter sauce for a delicious meal.

overhead closeup: uncooked mahi mahi fillets

For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as nutritional information, keep scrolling until you reach the bottom, where you will find a printable recipe card.

  • Mahi Mahi Fillets: Look for high-quality mahi mahi fillets. Fresh or frozen fillets work well.
  • Olive Oil: Brush olive oil onto the fish to enhance flavor and help create a crispy exterior.
  • Salt & Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
  • Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Comes together with unsalted butter, garlic, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

How To Make Mahi Mahi in Air Fryer

This mahi mahi recipe in the air fryer is so simple to make and cooks up perfectly every time with minimal effort. Check out my easy step-by-step instructions below to get started!

closeup: mahi mahi in air fryer basket

Step 1: Prepare the mahi mahi

Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush them lightly with olive oil to help the seasonings stick.  

Step 2: Season your fish

Season the fillets with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.

Step 4: Air fry

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the fish and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish flakes easily. Remove it from the basket when done.

Step 5: Make the sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the chives, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let it simmer until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Serve

 Spoon the sauce over the fish, then plate and enjoy!  

mahi mahi recipe made in air fryer on plate with rice and lemon wedges

Mahi Mahi Recipe in the Air Fryer​ Pro Tips

  • Use Fresh Mahi Mahi: For the best flavor and texture in your mahi mahi air fryer recipe, choose fresh fillets that are firm, and have a mild scent. Frozen fillets work well too.
  • Pat dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture and help the seasonings stick for a crispier exterior.  
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on your mahi mahi.  
  • Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly coat the fillets with olive oil. This adds flavor, helps the seasonings stick, and gives the fish a crispy outer layer.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Try different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite flavor combinations. Sea salt and black pepper are great, or lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, dill, thyme, and rosemary. No need to be shy with the spices or herbs either! Mahi Mahi can handle a variety of flavors.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking. You can air fry in batches if necessary. 
  • Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145 degrees F. Be careful not to overcook it, as mahi mahi can dry out quickly.  
  • Serve Immediately: For the best flavor, serve the air fried mahi mahi straight away. Add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to boost the taste!
closeup: mahi mahi in air fryer on a plate with lemon wedges and rice

Air Fryer Mahi Mahi FAQs

Can I air fry frozen mahi mahi?

Yes, you can air fry frozen mahi mahi, but for the best results, it’s recommended to thaw it first. However, if you cook it from frozen, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What temperature is best for cooking air fryer mahi mahi?

350 degrees F will give you a crispy outside and perfectly tender and moist inside!

How long should mahi mahi cook in the air fryer?

Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness, but generally, air fry mahi mahi for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Remember to check for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a meat thermometer. 

Can I use batter or breading for mahi mahi in the air fryer?

Yes, you can coat mahi mahi in a light batter or breading. Just watch for excess moisture, as it may reduce crispiness. Lightly spray the fillets with cooking oil for a crisp finish.

Can I cook mahi mahi with the skin on in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! Simply score the skin lightly with a knife before cooking to prevent it from curling up.

How do I prevent the mahi mahi from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To prevent sticking, lightly grease the basket, or place parchment paper or a non-stick mat at the bottom. This will also make it easier to remove the fillets when done.

What side dishes go well with this mahi mahi air fryer recipe?

My mahi mahi recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, quinoa, couscous, a fresh salad, or steamed rice — it’s also great in tacos, topped with a light sauce or salsa for added flavor. 

Storage

To store your cooked mahi mahi, let the fillets cool to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for for 3-4 days.

You can reheat air fryer mahi mahi right in the air fryer. Preheat to 350 degrees F, place the fillets in a single layer, and heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. To keep the mahi mahi moist, add a little water, broth, or a splash of lemon or lime juice.

You can reheat in a conventional oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. Or, covered with a damp paper towel in the microwave in 30-second bursts.

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

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Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Mahi Mahi is my go-to for a quick, tasty meal that's ready in just 12 minutes! Perfect for tacos or a simple main, this dish brings big flavor without the fuss. Great for lunch or dinner, this easy meal is one everyone will love!

Ingredients 

  • 2 fillets mahi mahi, about 4 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

  • Start by seasoning your fish with salt and black pepper.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting.
  • Spray your basket with cooking spray, add your fish (either fresh or frozen), spray the mahi-mahi with cooking spray, and air fry for 10-12 minutes. Once the fish flakes easily, remove it from the air fryer basket.
  • To make the lemon sauce, simmer the butter, mix in the chives, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  • To plate, spoon the sauce over the fish. Enjoy!

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 32gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 1985mgPotassium: 746mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 662IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mg

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