Finding a way to cook fish that’s both easy and tasty can feel like an uphill battle. Between worrying about overcooking it, dealing with strong fishy smells in the kitchen, or trying to achieve that perfect texture, making fish at home often seems more stressful than it’s worth – especially on busy weeknights when time isn’t on your side.
That’s where this air fryer swordfish recipe comes to the rescue: it’s quick and straightforward, produces minimal cooking odors, and turns out perfectly cooked every time. Plus, it’s a great option for anyone looking to add more healthy protein to their dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Swordfish
- Quick cooking time – This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Healthy protein option – Swordfish is packed with lean protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the air fryer method keeps the dish light by using minimal oil.
- Simple ingredients – You only need a handful of basic seasonings and spices that you probably already have in your pantry to make this flavorful fish dish.
- No mess cooking – The air fryer contains all the cooking in one place, meaning you won’t have to deal with oil splatters or multiple pans to clean up afterward.
What Kind of Swordfish Should I Use?
When shopping for swordfish, look for steaks that are firm and have a pinkish-beige color with reddish-brown areas – avoid any that appear brown or have dark spots. Fresh swordfish should be moist but not wet, with no strong fishy smell. The steaks should be about 1-inch thick, which is perfect for air frying since they’ll cook evenly without drying out. If you can’t find fresh swordfish, frozen is totally fine – just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking. Keep in mind that smaller steaks (around 6 ounces each) tend to work better in the air fryer than larger cuts.
Options for Substitutions
Need to make some swaps? Here are some helpful substitutions for this air fryer fish recipe:
- Swordfish steaks: If swordfish isn’t available, you can use other firm, meaty fish like mahi-mahi, tuna steaks, or halibut. Just keep the thickness similar (about 1-inch) and adjust cooking time – thinner fish will cook faster.
- Olive oil: Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works here – try avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Melted butter is also an option, though it might brown faster.
- Fresh garlic: In a pinch, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh garlic cloves. While not quite the same, it’ll still add good flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice works if needed, or try lime juice for a different citrus kick. Use the same amount.
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika plus a tiny pinch of cumin can work instead. Or try chipotle powder for a similar smoky taste – just use half the amount as it’s spicier.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying
The biggest challenge when cooking swordfish in an air fryer is avoiding overcooking, which can turn this meaty fish dry and tough – aim for an internal temperature of 145°F and remember that the fish will continue cooking slightly after you remove it. A common error is not preheating your air fryer, so make sure to run it empty for 3-5 minutes at 400°F before adding your seasoned fish. To get the most flavor from your swordfish, don’t skip the marinating time – even 15-30 minutes makes a difference, allowing the garlic, lemon, and spices to penetrate the flesh. For the juiciest results, let the swordfish rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, and if you’re using frozen swordfish, ensure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cooking process.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Swordfish?
Since swordfish is such a meaty fish, it pairs really well with fresh, light sides that balance out its rich texture. A simple lemon-dressed arugula salad or roasted asparagus would work great alongside these Mediterranean-flavored steaks. For a more filling meal, try serving it with fluffy couscous or quinoa to soak up all those tasty garlic and lemon juices. You could also go the summer route and serve it with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or some grilled zucchini seasoned with the same spices used on the fish.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Got leftover swordfish? Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sooner you eat it, the better it’ll taste – fish is always best when it’s fresh!
Make Ahead: While you can marinate the swordfish for up to 30 minutes before cooking, I don’t recommend preparing it too far in advance. Fish is one of those ingredients that really shines when it’s cooked right after seasoning.
Enjoy Later: To enjoy your leftover swordfish, gently warm it in the air fryer at 300°F for just 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overheat it, as fish can dry out quickly. You can also eat it cold, flaked over a fresh salad – it’s actually pretty good this way!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-16 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-31 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 50-60 g
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10 g
Ingredients
- 12 ounces swordfish steaks (340 grams, typically 2 steaks about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, according to preference
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Use a whisk to blend these ingredients together until they are well combined, forming a flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Swordfish Steaks
Take two swordfish steaks and place them on a clean surface or dish.
Use a brush to coat the steaks with half of the prepared marinade.
Flip the steaks over and brush the remaining marinade on the tops and sides, ensuring the fish is thoroughly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Swordfish
Place the marinated swordfish steaks in an air fryer.
Set the air fryer to 400℉ (200°C) and cook the fish for 10-16 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Note that cooking times can vary: a small air fryer might take around 10 minutes, while an air fryer oven using the top rack could take up to 16 minutes.
There’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
Step 4: Check and Serve
After cooking, check the internal temperature of the swordfish using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 145°F (63°C) for safety.
If the temperature is lower, add a bit more cooking time, but avoid overcooking.
Once done, allow the fish to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the swordfish steaks with fresh lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.