Air Fryer Orange Roughy

Light, flaky, and delicately flavored, this Air Fryer Orange Roughy Recipe is a quick and healthy seafood option perfect for busy weeknights. The mild white fish is seasoned simply—with lemon, garlic, paprika, and herbs—then air-fried to golden perfection in under 10 minutes. It comes out tender inside with a lightly crisped exterior, making it a great low-carb, gluten-free dish that pairs beautifully with veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.

If you’re looking for a light, healthy, and flavorful seafood dish, this Air Fryer Orange Roughy is a must-try!

With its delicate texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, orange roughy cooks beautifully in the air fryer—crispy on the outside and perfectly flaky inside.

It’s a no-fuss recipe that comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with your favorite veggies, rice, or salad for a simple, satisfying dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Option: Low in fat and calories, this light fish is ideal for clean eating or low-carb diets.
• Mild & Flaky: Orange roughy has a delicate flavor and flaky texture that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few simple pantry staples to season and cook this dish.
• Versatile Pairings: Pairs beautifully with salads, veggies, rice, or even in fish tacos for a fresh twist!

If you love easy air fryer seafood recipes try my recipe for Air Fryer Lobster Bisque Pasta, Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon, or Longhorn Steakhouse Redrock Grilled Shrimp Recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• Orange Roughy Fillets – Mild, flaky white fish perfect for air frying
• Olive Oil – Helps crisp up the fish and adds flavor
• Garlic Powder – Adds a savory depth to the seasoning blend
• Paprika – Gives color and a subtle smoky flavor
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the fish with fresh citrus notes
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the fish
• Black Pepper – Adds a mild kick and balances seasoning
• Fresh Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a fresh herbal touch
• Lemon Wedges (for serving) – Perfect finishing touch for brightness

How To Make Air Fryer Orange Roughy

Step One: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Pat the orange roughy fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step Two: Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil on both sides. Season the fillets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

Step Three: Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).

Step Four: Set air fryer cook time for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step Five: Remove from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, salad, or steamed veggies.

Air Fryer Orange Roughy Recipe Tips

• Pat the fillets dry: Drying the fish with paper towels before seasoning helps it crisp up better in the air fryer.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Place the fillets in a single layer with space around them so the hot air can circulate evenly.
• Adjust cooking time for thickness: Thicker fillets may need an extra minute or two—check for doneness by flaking with a fork or using a meat thermometer (145°F internal temp).
• Add lemon after cooking: For the freshest flavor, squeeze lemon juice over the fish after air frying rather than before.
• Use parchment liners if needed: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, use parchment paper liners made for air fryers.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftover air fryer orange roughy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the fillets are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery and lose its flaky texture.

What To Serve With Orange Roughby Air Fryer Recipe

Air Fryer Orange Roughy pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its light, flaky texture and mild flavor. For a fresh and balanced meal, serve it with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.

A lemony rice pilaf, garlic mashed potatoes, or quinoa salad also make great choices to round out the plate. If you’re keeping things low-carb, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. And don’t forget a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of herb butter to tie everything together!

Orange Roughby Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I cook frozen orange roughy in the air fryer? Yes! You can cook it straight from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time and check for doneness with a fork or thermometer (145°F internal temp).

What temperature should I air fry orange roughy? Set your air fryer to 375°F for the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, flaky fish.

How do I know when orange roughy is done? The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque. An internal temperature of 145°F means it’s ready.

Can I use other seasonings? Absolutely! Try Cajun, lemon pepper, Italian herbs, or even a dash of Old Bay for variety.

Is orange roughy a good fish for picky eaters? Yes! It has a very mild, non-fishy flavor that many people enjoy—even those who aren’t big seafood fans.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER TACO BELL COPYCAT NACHO FRIES
• AIR FRYER LOADED BBQ CHICKEN NACHOS
• EASY AIR FRYER PARMESAN DILL PICKLE CHIPS
• AIR FRYER FRIED OKRA

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