2-Ingredient Air Fryer Mahi Mahi Recipe (10 Minutes!)

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Mahi Mahi Recipe

1. Easy & quick prep. This recipe is a great way to make a healthy dinner in less than 15 minutes with a short prep time and cooking time of just under 10 minutes.
2. High-protein & low-carb. Over 33 grams of protein and 0 grams of carbs per serving.
3. Only 2 simple ingredients!
4. Air fryer mahi mahi is versatile and can be served in fish tacos (topped with mango salsa or red cabbage slaw!), with rice, on a sandwich, or in a bowl.
5. Customizable! Mahi mahi is a mild flavor fish with no fishy taste. You can also use a variety of seasonings like blackened seasoning, a panko breadcrumb mixture, or drizzling teriyaki sauce.
6. Great for a variety of dietary needs. Made with no panko breadcrumbs and no breading, this recipe is keto, low-carb, Whole30, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

Mahi Mahi fish filets: Select mahi mahi or any light white fish of equal sizes. If frozen, defrost the fish before cooking.

Cajun seasoning: I used a homemade cajun spice rub I use in our Instant Pot gumbo recipe. You can use any seasoning of your choice. Spray the filets with avocado oil spray if desired.

Other seasoning options: Different seasonings or sauces like teriyaki, lemon pepper, fajita seasoning, chili powder, cayenne pepper, taco seasoning, blackened seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and even salt and black pepper with a bit of lemon juice work well.

How to Cook Mahi Mahi in the Air Fryer in 4 Simple Steps

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Pat fillets dry with a paper towel. Spray both sides of the mahi mahi with avocado oil cooking spray or your favorite nonstick spray or cooking oil.

Step 2: How to Season Mahi Mahi

Season both sides of the fish fillet with cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Cooking Mahi Mahi in the Air Fryer

Place fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can line the basket with a piece of parchment paper if you'd like, but it is not essential. Air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes.

Large pieces may take 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: How to Tell if Mahi Mahi is Cooked

Test the fillet by using a fork to see how easily the fish flakes. If it does not flake easily, it needs more time. Flip it and air fry it for up to 5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.

What Temperature Should Mahi Mahi Be Cooked at in the Oven?

If you are baking mahi mahi in the oven, set the oven temperature to 400 F. Bake the fillets for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature (measured with a meat thermometer) registers 137F.

What to Serve with Mahi Mahi?

Most times this recipe is used to make mahi mahi fish tacos! You can top them with mango pico de gallo or taco slaw. Serve the tacos alongside a fresh salad like vegetable pasta salad, watermelon salad, spinach quinoa salad, or fresh grilled corn.

You can also serve this fish as a healthy meal alongside a fresh salad or with favorite sides like air fryer broccoli or crispy asparagus, with rice, in a sandwich, or cut up into bites to add to a bowl.

This air fried mahi mahi makes the perfect base for so many yummy recipes like mahi mahi tacos or bowls or you can eat it with rice and a veggie side like a baked potato.

Make Ahead, Storage, Reheating, & Freezing Tips

• Make Ahead: Season air fryer mahi mahi and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before air frying. Be sure to use thawed fish within 24 hours of defrosting.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Reheat by air frying for 3-5 minutes at 350F or until fish is slightly crispy at the edges and heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze seasoned fish and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips for Cooking Success

• For the best results, follow the recipe card as written with no substitutions.
• Quick-defrost fish by removing packaging from fish and placing them in a plastic bag. Add the bag to a bowl of ice water and allow it to defrost for 20-30 minutes.
• To make air-fried mahi mahi with breading, spray fillets with olive oil spray and coat with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with cajun seasoning before air frying.
• Always pat the fish dry with paper towels before air frying. The seasoning and especially the Panko breading will not stick if the fillets are wet.
• Squeeze lemon wedges over the top of the finished dish for added freshness and flavor.
• If you're a seafood lover, also check out our pan-seared shrimp, air fryer halibut with garlic butter, Old Bay salmon, Chilean sea bass, crab cakes, and Air Fryer Argentine shrimp recipe.
• Need another easy air fryer recipe for a busy weeknight dinner? Try our crispy air fryer chicken breast or air fryer chicken taquitos!

Recipe FAQs