Blackened Mahi Mahi (Air Fryer or Stovetop!)
An easy, elevated fish dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight, but feels like a fancy, dine-out meal! This blackened Mahi Mahi is coated in a homemade Cajun blackened seasoning, and air fried to perfectly tender, buttery fish in no time. From start to finish you’ll have this delicious white fish on your table in under 15 minutes!
What Makes This Recipe Great
I am on an air fryer kick, and basically trying to figure out what it can’t do. And since I really can’t find any flaws, this little kitchen appliance is seriously my BFF! I love this air fryer Mahi Mahi recipe because it tastes like it was ordered at a restaurant, but is surprisingly so quick and easy to make! This is truly the best way to cook fish!
To make “blackened” Mahi Mahi, which adds a delicious crispiness to the outer layer of the fish (while the inside is so tender and buttery), I used a homemade Cajun spice rub that is a simple mix of spices you probably already have on hand. To top it off, I made this Homemade Mango Habanero Salsa for extra flavor and kick!
Serve this air-fried Mahi Mahi with your favorite veggies, and enjoy the most delicious fish, easiest cleanup, and all-around perfect dinner!
And if you fall in love with cooking fish fillets in the air fryer, try this Halibut!
Ingredient Notes
- Mahi Mahi Fillets: You’ll need to get frozen fillets or fresh Mahi Mahi that are about 6 oz each, thawed. I get the frozen Mahi Mahi fillets from Costco!
- Ghee: You can also use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Avocado Oil: You can also use olive oil or your preferred neutral cooking oil.
Cajun Spice Rub
This homemade cajun seasoning blend is super easy to throw together and makes the most delicious blackened fish! Simply combine your spices in a small bowl, rub the mixture on your Mahi Mahi filets, and cook!
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- oregano
- thyme
- cayenne pepper (or chili powder)
- salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the spices into a bowl and mix to combine.
- Make sure the fish is thawed thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over each fillet, coating it completely and pressing down with your fingers to make it stick.
Stove Top / Skillet
- Heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat in a large cast iron skillet. When sizzling hot, add the Mahi Mahi. Cook for 3-4 minutes without touching, then carefully flip and cook for another 3 minutes. The fish should flake easily at that point.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes, then serve with a squeeze of lemon on top. I like to serve this with some fruity mango salsa, potatoes, rice, or veggies!
Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 for 3 minutes.
- Spray the basket with cooking oil, then add the fillets in an even layer (you may need to do this in batches).
- Air fry for 8 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- If you want a spicier blackened seasoning, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a very mild spice, omit or decrease the cayenne pepper.
- Keep in mind, the cooking time for this recipe was for 6oz fillets. If you have thicker or thinner fillets, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Tips
- Serve with your favorite sides and lemon wedges or slice and make fish tacos with corn tortillas and this homemade mango salsa.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover Mahi Mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer or stovetop and serve with the salsa.
Recipe FAQs
It’s dolphinfish, which is a white fish. Not to be confused with dolphins- there is no relation.
This simply means that a fish is cooked in a spice rub that looks very dark, or black when cooked or grilled. It’s not burnt but just takes on that very dark color. It adds delicious flavor and crunch to the fish.
It’s typically a “Cajun” spice blend. In this case, I used a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
It’s mild with a hint of sweetness. It tastes similar to halibut but is a bit more dense. In my opinion, it’s fabulous!
Try These Gluten Free Air Fryer Recipes
Blackened Mahi Mahi (Air Fryer or Stovetop!)
Ingredients
- 4 mahi mahi fillets, about 6 oz each, thawed. I get the frozen fillets from Costco!
- 2 tbsp ghee, or vegan butter for dairy free
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Cajun Spice Rub
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, more if you like heat!
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Equipment
- 1 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet or 10-inch works – you may need to do the fish in batches of 2
- Air Fryer optional if not using stove top
Instructions
- Add the spices into a bowl and mix to combine.
- Make sure the fish is thawed thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over each fillet, coating it completely and pressing down with your fingers to make it stick.
Stove Top / Skillet
- Heat the butter and oil in a large cast iron skillet. When sizzling hot, add the mahi mahi. Cook for 3-4 minutes without touching, then carefully flip and cook for another 3 minutes. The fish should flake easily at that point.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes, then serve with a squeeze of lemon on top. I like to serve this with some fruity salsa, potatoes, rice, or veggies!
Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
- Preheat air fryer to 400 for 3 minutes.
- Spray the basket with cooking oil, then add the fillets in an even layer (you may need to do this in batches).
- Air fry for 8 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy!
Notes
Expert Tips
- If you want a spicier blackened seasoning, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a very mild spice, omit or decrease the cayenne pepper.
Serving Tips
- Serve with your favorite sides and lemon wedges or slice and make fish tacos with corn tortillas and this homemade mango salsa.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover air fryer Mahi Mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer or stovetop and serve with the salsa.
2 Comments on “Blackened Mahi Mahi (Air Fryer or Stovetop!)”
Hands down the best blackened fish around. We threw it in tacos because tacos are life. So good and came together so quickly! Thank you again for amazing recipes.
Woo hoo! Thanks Kelly! So glad you enjoyed them 🙂