Home → Recipes → Air Fryer Swai Fish

Air Fryer Swai Fish

Name: Air Fryer Swai Fish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 Swai (4 to 6 ounces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons Blackened Seasoning (or Cajun Seasoning)

Jump to recipe

Air Fryer Swai Fish — Do you have an air fryer? I got one for Christmas, and I love it! It’s a great way to cook fish. It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. If you’ve never cooked Swai before, it’s a great fish to try. It’s mild in flavor and doesn’t have a lot of bones. Plus, it’s affordable. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think!

Cooking Swai fish in an air fryer is a fantastic way to cook delicate seafood. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and quickly. Swai fish is an excellent choice for air frying; it is mild and slightly sweet. We’ll show you how to make a simple swai dish with blackened or Cajun seasoning. Give it a try today!

What is Swai Fish?

Have you ever cooked Swai fish before? If not, you’re in for a real treat! Swai is a delicious white fish with a mild flavor and delicate texture. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for something new to try in the kitchen.

Swai fish, also known as Basa Fish, is a catfish primarily found in Vietnam.

This is one of my favorite air fryer fish recipes, besides Air Fryer Grouper and my Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Recipe!

Please keep reading to learn more about this fantastic ingredient, and check out my favorite recipe for swai fish!

Is Swai Fish Healthy?

This is such a healthy swai fish recipe. With no oil and adjusting some seasonings for a typical blackened swai, you can have this heart-healthy meal in minutes!

And, of course, since we don’t use a lot of oil, you can easily taste fried Swai without all the calories and fat that come with deep-frying! This will soon be the best way to cook Swai!

Why Cook Swai Fish In Air Fryer?

Cooks looking for an easy and healthy way to prepare fish should try using an air fryer. Swai fish is an excellent option because it’s light and mildly flavored. In just minutes, you can have a crispy and delicious fillet cooked through. Air frying doesn’t use oil, so it’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Please scroll down for our simple air fryer swai recipe.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Swai Fish

Here are all the ingredients you need for this air fryer Swai fish recipe.

Swai Fish: You can use fresh or frozen Swai
Olive Oil: You can also use coconut oil, avocado oil, or even grapeseed oil
Cajun or Blackened Seasoning Mix: Homemade or Store Bought

How To Make Swai Fish In The Air Fryer

he printable recipe card at the bottom of the post provides full directions for making Swai fish in the air fryer. This is a quick walkthrough.

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390 degrees F. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or line the basket with a silicone reusable air fryer liner. Do not use parchment paper when heating your air fryer. Otherwise, it will pose a fire risk.

Brush the olive oil over the fish, and season with the blackened or Cajun seasoning mix. Set the fish into the air fryer basket, and set the cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

How To Make Frozen Swai Fish

You can quickly cook frozen Swai Fish in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 390 degrees F and cook for 12 to 15 minutes.

Other Ways To Cook Swai:

If you don’t have an air fryer and you are looking for the best way to cook Swai, here are some other methods:

Skillet: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily make this in a skillet. Grab your favorite frying pan and pan-fry it in the skillet. This will give you a great fried snack!
Blackstone: Follow the recipe and preheat your Blackstone Griddle to medium-high and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven: Prepare as directed and then place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F, cooking for 12 to 15 minutes.

Variations to Swai Fish Recipe

There are endless ways to season and prepare your fish for the air fryer. Feel free to play around with ingredients to create the perfect flavor blend. Here are a few easy ideas below.

Coated: Add 1/4 cup flour to a bowl and season your fish as directed. Then dredge in flour and an egg wash and dip in panko breadcrumbs. Spritz with cooking oil and flip halfway through cooking. It will take a bit longer to cook since it is breaded.
Seasoning: Feel free to change the spices used—a jerk rub, taco seasoning, Mediterranean vibes, lemon pepper, etc. Or just mix your favorite spices to create the perfect blend of herbs.
Parmesan: Once your fish is done, sprinkle with fresh grated parmesan and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Let the fish sit for a few minutes for the cheese to melt slightly.
Coconut: Dip the fish in an egg wash and coat it in unsalted shredded coconut and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Spray with cooking spray and air fry as directed.
Cooking Whole Swai Fish: You can cook a whole Swai fish. Just adjust the cooking time, as it will take longer for the fish to fully cook. I recommend flipping halfway through.

Tips For Making Swai Fish In The Air Fryer

Before you work with the fish, pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, add seasonings and any other ingredients you choose.
If you want the outside of the fish to be crisper, spraying it with cooking oil in the last few minutes will help.
Do not overlap the fish when you place it in the air fryer, or the areas that touch might be undercooked.
The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. So, use the cooking time as a guide and ensure your fish is fully cooked before serving.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the fish reads at least 145 degrees in the thickest part of the fish.
You can buy parchment paper to put in the air fryer basket to help prevent the fish from sticking to it.

What Side Dishes Can You Serve With Swai Fish?

Swai fish is a light and delicate white fish that is becoming more popular in the United States. Its mild flavor and slightly firm texture make it perfect for many dishes; if you’re looking for some ideas for what side dishes to serve with swai fish, read on for recommendations.

FAQs

Best way to thaw frozen fish?

If you have frozen fish you want to cook, the best way to thaw it is to place it in the fridge overnight. This allows for a slow thaw and is safe. Or, if your fillets are smaller, you can add the fish to a bowl of ice water and let it sit on the counter for an hour to thaw.

Is Swai Fish healthy?

Swai fish is a great protein source and low in calories, which makes it a healthy option to add to your diet.

Can You Add Breading To Swai Fish?

Yes, you can use panko or bread crumbs if you want to bread your fish. Remember to spray your coating with cooking spray so that it will crisp up!

How Long Does It Take To Cook Swai Fish In Air Fryer?

When cooked at 390 degrees F in a preheated air fryer, swai fish takes about 9 to 10 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the filets the cooking time varies.

How Many Calories Per Serving:

This is a healthy fish dinner low in calories and high in protein and omega-3. It is a zero-carb dish, low in fat, Weight Watchers Friendly, low-carb, and Keto Friendly.

Can I cook frozen swai fish fillets in an air fryer?

If you use frozen fillets, you will need to increase the cooking time by around 4-5 minutes. Also, flipping the fish halfway through is key. You won’t want to add seasoning to the fish until about 5-6 minutes into cooking, as it won’t stick to frozen fish.

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes:

If you loved this blackened swai fish recipe, here are some of my other favorites:

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

If you loved this blackened Swai fish recipe, here are some of my other favorites:

Don’t Forget To Pin!