Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

My air fryer mahi mahi is tender, flaky, and coated in panko for just the right crunch. I use simple spices to bring out the natural flavor of the fish, and it cooks up super fast in the air fryer!

My Easy Recipe for Mahi Mahi in the Air Fryer

On vacation a few years ago, I ordered mahi mahi at a local beachside place and couldn’t stop thinking about how light and crispy the fish was. I wanted to recreate something similar, but deep frying uses too much oil and involves way too much cleanup for me. So I decided to try air fryer mahi mahi!

I’ve tried baking and pan-frying mahi mahi before, but nothing gave me that crispy coating and tender fish quite like those vacation ones. But, making the mahi mahi in the air fryer has completely changed that.

I tossed the fillets in a quick panko mixture with spices and put them in the air fryer. Twenty minutes later, when my family sat down to dinner, my husband Ben actually asked where I’d picked up the fish from. It was so good, he didn’t realize I’d made it right at home!

And if you love a good air fryer seafood recipe, try my recipes for air fryer salmon, air fryer cod, air fryer tilapia, air fryer shrimp, and air fryer crab cakes.

Air Fry Mahi Mahi Ingredients

• Mahi mahi fillets – This fish has a firm, meaty texture that holds up well in the air fryer. I use fresh or thawed fillets that are all about the same thickness for even cooking.
• Olive oil – Helps the breading stick and gives the outside a golden crisp. I’ve also used a different neutral oil, like vegetable oil or avocado oil.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Italian breadcrumbs work too, but I love the extra crunch the panko breadcrumbs get in the air fryer.
• Paprika – Adds a little warmth and depth without overpowering the taste of the fish.
• Garlic powder and onion powder – These give the coating more flavor without needing fresh garlic or onions.
• Salt and pepper – Just the right amount to bring out the natural taste of the fish and balance the other spices.
• Lemon wedges – Optional, but I like to squeeze a little lemon over the top right before serving for brightness.

How To Cook Mahi Mahi in the Air Fryer

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. 

STEP TWO: Place the fillets on a large plate and drizzle them with olive oil.

STEP THREE: In a shallow dish, mix the panko bread crumbs with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

STEP FOUR: One at a time, dip each fillet in the panko mixture, then place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spritz them with cooking oil using an oil sprayer.

STEP FIVE: Cook the fish for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

• Pat the mahi mahi dry if necessary before adding oil and breading. I use a paper towel to get rid of excess moisture so the coating sticks better.
• Use similar-sized fillets for even cooking. I usually cut any larger pieces so they all finish at the same time.
• Coat the fish in oil right before adding the breadcrumbs so they stick. I do this in a small bowl to avoid extra mess.
• Spray the tops of the fillets with a little extra oil before air frying. It helps the panko brown nicely.
• Flip halfway through cooking to get both sides crisp. I use tongs and do it gently so the coating stays on.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. I make sure there’s space between each piece of fish so they cook evenly.

Air Fry Mahi Mahi Variations and Substitutions

• Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the Panko breadcrumbs for a little heat. I do this when I’m craving a spicy kick.
• I sometimes use Cajun seasoning instead of the spice blend for bold Southern flavor that’s amazing for fish tacos!
• Swap olive oil for avocado oil for a milder taste and higher smoke point.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free. I’ve made it this way for a friend that doesn’t eat gluten and couldn’t even tell the difference!
• I season the fish with smoked paprika instead of regular when I want a deeper, smoky taste that’s great in sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

What to Serve with Mahi Mahi

I’ll typically serve mahi mahi with an air fryer baked potato, air fryer asparagus, or air fryer green beans.

If I’m making fish tacos, I’ll whip up some coleslaw and avocado crema or lemon herb tahini to go with all the usual toppings! 

Air Fryer Mahi Mahi FAQs

How do I know when air fried mahi mahi is done cooking?

I know the mahi mahi is ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the outside is golden and crisp. If it doesn’t flake easily, I’ll cook the mahi mahi in the air fryer for another 2 minutes and then check it again.

How to cook frozen mahi mahi in the air fryer

Fish is hard to bread while frozen, but I’ll sometimes bread fresh mahi mahi and then freeze it as a form of meal prep! I bread the fish like usual, store in plastic zipper bags wrapped in foil, and freeze until I’m ready to cook.

To cook frozen mahi mahi in the air fryer, I preheat to 400 degrees F, place the fillets in a single layer, spritz with cooking oil, then cook for 13-14 minutes. I flip the mahi mahi halfway through the cooking time and spray the other side with oil when I do so.

How to reheat mahi mahi in the air fryer

I honestly think the air fryer is the best way to reheat anything breaded! I preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, place the fish in the air fryer basket, then cook for about 4 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.

How to store leftover air fryer mahi mahi

I store any leftover air fryer mahi mahi in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat it within a day. I make sure to let the mahi mahi fully cool first to prevent condensation that can seep into the breading and make it soggy.

More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

• Air fryer fried chicken
• Air fryer meatloaf
• Tri tip in the air fryer
• Air fryer brats
• Pork chops in the air fryer