Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Mahi Mahi: A Crispy Delight

Panko-crusted mahi mahi cooked in the air fryer is a quick and delicious way to prepare fish that’s perfectly flaky on the inside with a satisfying crunchy exterior. This recipe is incredibly simple, yet full of flavor, thanks to the addition of everything bagel seasoning, garlic salt, and turmeric. Serve it with a side of rice or use the fillets to create delicious fish tacos—either way, this dish is sure to impress.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and cooks in just 15 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Healthy: Air frying requires significantly less oil than deep frying, making this dish a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish.
• High in Protein: With 27 grams of protein per serving, this mahi mahi dish is great for muscle repair and overall health.
• Versatile: It can be served with a variety of sides or used in tacos for a fun twist.

Essential Ingredients

To make these crispy panko-crusted mahi mahi fillets, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 (4 ounce) mahi mahi fillets
• 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 medium lemon, cut into 4 wedges

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, crispy crust and a tender fish fillet.

Preparation Steps

This air fryer mahi mahi recipe is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs, everything bagel seasoning, garlic salt, turmeric, and black pepper.
3. Prepare the mahi mahi: Drizzle the mahi mahi fillets with grapeseed oil. Then, dip each fillet into the panko mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
4. Air fry the fish: Place the coated fillets in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the fillets with nonstick spray. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove the fish from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your crispy and flavorful mahi mahi!

Health Benefits

This dish is a healthy option for anyone looking for a low-fat, high-protein meal:

• Low in Calories: At 304 calories per serving, this dish is light but filling, especially when served with a healthy side like steamed vegetables or quinoa.
• Rich in Protein: Mahi mahi is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Good for Heart Health: The use of grapeseed oil, which is rich in polyunsaturated fats, helps support healthy cholesterol levels and heart function.
• High in Vitamin C: The lemon wedges not only add a refreshing touch but also provide a good dose of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

Serving Suggestions

This panko-crusted mahi mahi is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides and garnishes:

• With rice: Serve the fish alongside white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
• As fish tacos: Shred the fish and serve it in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and tasty taco filling.
• With roasted vegetables: Pair the fish with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes for a nutritious meal.
• On a salad: Flake the fish over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing for a healthy salad option.

Creative Variations

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the panko mixture for a spicy kick.
• Use different fish: While mahi mahi is perfect for this recipe, you can also use other firm white fish like tilapia or cod.
• Herb variations: Instead of parsley, try using fresh cilantro or dill as a garnish for a different flavor profile.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle some grated parmesan over the panko breading before air frying for a cheesy twist.

Storage Tips

Leftover panko-crusted mahi mahi can be stored for later:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooked fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispy texture.
• Freezing: If you want to keep leftovers for longer, freeze the cooked fillets. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer until hot and crispy.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure the fish fillets are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Flip halfway through: Be sure to flip the fillets halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crisp, golden crust on both sides.
• Check for doneness: The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Adjust the breading: If you prefer a thicker crust, you can double-dip the fillets in the panko mixture for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different oil instead of grapeseed oil?
Yes, you can substitute grapeseed oil with other neutral oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

2. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the breaded mahi mahi fillets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through.

3. Can I use frozen mahi mahi fillets?
You can use frozen mahi mahi, but be sure to thaw them fully before preparing and breading to ensure the crust adheres properly.

4. What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, you can substitute with a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion powder to recreate the flavor.

This panko-crusted air fryer mahi mahi recipe is a simple and healthy way to enjoy a flavorful fish dish. Whether served with a side of rice, in tacos, or on a salad, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!

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