Seafood is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Cooking seafood in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy its natural flavors while minimizing added fats. With the convenience and versatility of air fryers, you can achieve perfectly cooked seafood dishes with crispy exteriors and tender interiors. In this article, we’ll explore 27 mouthwatering air fryer seafood recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds and elevate your culinary skills.
Top 27 Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
1. Crispy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
- Ingredients:
- Tilapia fillets
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- Combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Coat tilapia fillets with olive oil and dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
3. Cajun-Style Catfish Nuggets
- Ingredients:
- Catfish fillets, cut into nuggets
- Cajun seasoning
- Cornmeal
- Egg
- Instructions:
- Season catfish nuggets with Cajun seasoning.
- Dip each nugget in beaten egg, then coat with cornmeal.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange catfish nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
4. Coconut Shrimp
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Coconut flakes
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp in beaten egg, then coat with a mixture of coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until the coconut coating is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through.
5. Garlic Butter Scallops
- Ingredients:
- Fresh scallops
- Minced garlic
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic.
- Sear scallops in the garlic butter for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Transfer scallops to the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until opaque and slightly crispy on the edges.
6. Sesame Ginger Salmon
- Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Minced ginger
- Sesame seeds
- Instructions:
- Marinate salmon fillets in soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced ginger for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.
7. Lemon Herb Cod
- Ingredients:
- Cod fillets
- Lemon zest
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and dill)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Rub cod fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and chopped herbs.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place cod fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 390°F for 10-12 minutes until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
8. Bang Bang Shrimp
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
- Cornstarch
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
- Toss shrimp in cornstarch until coated.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
- Drizzle with bang bang sauce before serving.
9. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
- Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar to make the glaze.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket and brush with the glaze.
- Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
10. Crispy Coconut Cod
- Ingredients:
- Cod fillets
- Coconut milk
- Flour
- Shredded coconut
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Dip cod fillets in coconut milk, then dredge in a mixture of flour and shredded coconut seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place cod fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 370°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
11. Teriyaki Glazed Mahi Mahi
- Ingredients:
- Mahi Mahi fillets
- Teriyaki sauce
- Brown sugar
- Minced ginger
- Green onions, chopped
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and chopped green onions to make the glaze.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place Mahi Mahi fillets in the air fryer basket and brush with the glaze.
- Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
12. Lemon Herb Butter Lobster Tails
- Ingredients:
- Lobster tails
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and thyme)
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Split lobster tails lengthwise and loosen the meat from the shell.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Brush lobster tails with the herb butter mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place lobster tails in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through.
13. Crispy Lemon Pepper Calamari Rings
- Ingredients:
- Calamari rings
- Lemon zest
- Black pepper
- Flour
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Instructions:
- Season calamari rings with lemon zest and black pepper.
- Dredge calamari rings in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 6-8 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
14. Honey Sriracha Glazed Shrimp
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Honey
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and minced garlic to make the glaze.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Toss shrimp in the glaze until coated.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
15. Old Bay Seasoned Crab Cakes
- Ingredients:
- Lump crab meat
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Old Bay seasoning
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Form the mixture into crab cakes.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place crab cakes in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
16. Soy Ginger Glazed Tuna Steaks
- Ingredients:
- Tuna steaks
- Soy sauce
- Minced ginger
- Honey
- Sesame oil
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil to make the glaze.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Brush tuna steaks with the glaze.
- Place tuna steaks in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 390°F for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare or longer if desired.
17. Buffalo Shrimp
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Buffalo sauce
- Butter
- Hot sauce
- Garlic powder
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add buffalo sauce, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
- Toss shrimp in the buffalo sauce mixture until coated.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
18. Garlic Herb Butter Scallops
- Ingredients:
- Fresh scallops
- Butter
- Minced garlic
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and thyme)
- Lemon juice
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic and chopped herbs.
- Sear scallops in the garlic herb butter for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Drizzle with lemon juice.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Transfer scallops to the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until opaque and slightly crispy on the edges.
19. Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna
- Ingredients:
- Ahi tuna steaks
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
- Wasabi paste (optional)
- Instructions:
- Marinate tuna steaks in soy sauce and sesame oil for 30 minutes.
- Coat tuna steaks with sesame seeds.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place tuna steaks in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 4-5 minutes for rare or longer for desired doneness.
- Serve with wasabi paste if desired.
20. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Minced garlic
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
21. Lemon Dill Salmon Patties
- Ingredients:
- Canned salmon
- Bread crumbs
- Chopped fresh dill
- Lemon zest
- Egg
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix canned salmon, bread crumbs, chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and beaten egg.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place salmon patties in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
22. Cajun Shrimp And Sausage
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Andouille sausage, sliced
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp and sliced Andouille sausage with Cajun seasoning and olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange shrimp and sausage in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
23. Coconut Curry Shrimp
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Coconut milk
- Red curry paste
- Fish sauce
- Brown sugar
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, simmer coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar until slightly thickened.
- Toss shrimp in the coconut curry sauce until coated.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
24. Lemon Garlic Butter Crab Legs
- Ingredients:
- Crab legs
- Butter
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Old Bay seasoning
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Brush crab legs with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place crab legs in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
25. Bang Bang Cauliflower
- Ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets
- Bang bang sauce (mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice)
- Cornstarch
- Instructions:
- Toss cauliflower florets in cornstarch until coated.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Drizzle with bang bang sauce before serving.
26. Blackened Red Snapper
- Ingredients:
- Red snapper fillets
- Blackening seasoning
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- Rub red snapper fillets with blackening seasoning and olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Place red snapper fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through and blackened.
27. Sriracha Lime Shrimp Tacos
- Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Sriracha
- Lime juice
- Cilantro, chopped
- Tortillas
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix shrimp with sriracha, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Arrange shrimp in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F for 6-8 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Cooking seafood in an air fryer opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes with less oil and hassle. From crispy coconut shrimp to flavorful salmon fillets, these 27 air fryer seafood recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize these recipes to your taste preferences. With the convenience and versatility of air fryers, you can indulge in delicious seafood creations anytime, anywhere.
Top 10 Global Flavors
Seafood lovers rejoice! With the advent of air fryer technology, cooking seafood has never been easier or more delicious. Air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, using hot air to crisp up your favorite dishes without the need for excessive oil.
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Asian-inspired Sesame Salmon: Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, this salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Coat the salmon fillets with sesame seeds for an extra crunchy texture before air frying.
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Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Tilapia: Infused with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, thyme, and basil, this herb-crusted tilapia is both light and flavorful. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing touch.
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Cajun Shrimp: Spice up your air fryer repertoire with some Cajun-inspired shrimp. Tossed in a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme, these shrimp pack a punch of flavor with every bite.
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Garlic Butter Lobster Tails: Indulge in the decadent flavors of garlic butter lobster tails, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Brushed with a generous amount of garlic-infused butter, these lobster tails are sure to impress.
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Coconut Shrimp: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these crispy coconut shrimp. Coated in a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, they offer a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch.
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Italian Parmesan Crusted Cod: Elevate your cod fillets with a savory Parmesan crust. Seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, then coated in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
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Spicy Korean BBQ Salmon: Infused with the bold flavors of Korean barbecue sauce, this spicy salmon recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Serve it with a side of steamed rice and kimchi for a complete meal.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops: Treat yourself to the delicate flavors of lemon garlic butter scallops, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Serve them as an appetizer or pair them with pasta for a light and satisfying dinner.
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Soy Ginger Glazed Mahi Mahi: Enjoy the subtle sweetness of soy ginger glazed mahi mahi, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The tangy glaze complements the mild flavor of the fish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Tandoori Shrimp Skewers: Transport your taste buds to India with these flavorful tandoori shrimp skewers. Marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, these skewers are bursting with aromatic flavors.
My Favorite Air Fryer Recipe
One of my all-time favorite air fryer seafood recipes is the Crispy Lemon Garlic Shrimp. This dish combines succulent shrimp with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, resulting in a flavor-packed appetizer or main course. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish the crispy lemon garlic shrimp with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or main course, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
This recipe never fails to impress guests and is always a hit at dinner parties. The shrimp come out perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, while the lemon and garlic add a burst of fresh flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking
Cooking seafood in an air fryer can be a breeze with the right techniques. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve perfect results every time:
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Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like with traditional ovens, preheating your air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy seafood.
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Use the Right Oil: While air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods, using the right type of oil can enhance the flavor of your seafood. Opt for heart-healthy oils such as olive oil or avocado oil for best results.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure that your seafood cooks evenly, arrange it in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents steaming.
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Invest in Quality Seafood: The key to delicious seafood dishes is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. When shopping for seafood, look for firm flesh and a pleasant oceanic aroma to ensure freshness.
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with seasonings and marinades to enhance the flavor of your seafood. From classic herbs and spices to exotic sauces and marinades, the possibilities are endless.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Seafood cooks relatively quickly in the air fryer, so it’s important to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. Use a kitchen timer or the timer feature on your air fryer to avoid burning or drying out your seafood.
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Add Moisture if Needed: Some seafood, such as shrimp and scallops, can dry out easily in the air fryer. To prevent this, you can brush them with a bit of oil or marinade before cooking to help retain moisture.
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Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly: To maintain optimal performance and prevent any lingering flavors from previous cooking sessions, be sure to clean your air fryer regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
By following these tips and tricks, you can unlock the full potential of your air fryer and create delicious seafood dishes that are sure to impress.
Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks
For busy cooks, meal prep and time-saving strategies are essential for getting dinner on the table quickly. Here are some time-saving tips specifically tailored for cooking seafood in the air fryer:
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Batch Cooking: Save time by cooking larger batches of seafood and freezing the leftovers for later use. Simply reheat the frozen seafood in the air fryer for a quick and convenient meal.
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Prep Ahead: Prepare your seafood ahead of time by marinating it or seasoning it the night before. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the cooking process even quicker when it’s time to air fry.
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Use Frozen Seafood: Take advantage of frozen seafood options, such as shrimp, fish fillets, or scallops, which require no thawing and can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer.
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Utilize Pre-made Sauces: Save time on sauce preparation by using pre-made sauces or marinades to flavor your seafood. Simply toss the seafood in the sauce before air frying for a hassle-free cooking experience.
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Multi-task: While your seafood is cooking in the air fryer, use that time to prepare side dishes or salads to complete the meal. This allows you to make the most of your time in the kitchen and ensures everything is ready to serve simultaneously.
By incorporating these time-saving strategies into your meal prep routine, you can enjoy delicious seafood meals without the stress of spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air fryers offer a convenient and healthy way to prepare a wide variety of seafood dishes that are both delicious and satisfying. From crispy shrimp to succulent salmon, the possibilities are endless when it comes to air fryer seafood recipes. By following the tips and recipes outlined in this guide, you can elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and friends with restaurant-quality seafood meals right in your own kitchen. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s sure to delight your taste buds!