Quick & Juicy Air Fryer Swordfish Fillet
Nutritional value per serving
Calories280kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat12gram
Protein34gram
Ingredients
- Swordfish fillet (fresh or thawed) - look for firm, moist, and fresh-smelling fish2 pieces (about 150 g each)
- Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for flavor)1 tbsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best taste)1 tbsp
- Garlic powder0.5 tsp
- Paprika (smoked paprika optional for depth)0.5 tsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground preferred)to taste n/a
This quick and easy air fryer swordfish fillet recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a flavorful, moist, and healthy seafood dish in no time. Using the air fryer ensures a crisp outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy, with minimal oil and fuss. The recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any supermarket and is beginner-friendly, with clear safety tips and cooking temperature guidance to ensure your fish is cooked to perfection and safe to eat. The entire cooking process takes about 15 minutes plus a few minutes prepping. Total cost for all ingredients is approximately $10 / €9 / £8 / ₹800. Each serving contains roughly 280 kcal. This dish suits a pescatarian or low-carb diet and is easy to prepare, requiring only basic kitchen equipment.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
1Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a nice sear.
Prepare the Swordfish
2Pat the swordfish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better crust.
Season the Fish
3Brush both sides of the swordfish fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on both sides. Then drizzle with lemon juice.
Arrange in Air Fryer Basket
4Place the swordfish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping so the hot air can circulate and cook the fish evenly.
Cook the Swordfish
5Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 8-10 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time (around 4-5 minutes) using tongs carefully.
Check for Doneness and Rest
6Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F), which is safe to eat as per food safety guidelines. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Let the swordfish rest for 2 minutes before serving; this will help juices redistribute for a moist bite.
Cooking Tips
-Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for swordfish to prevent undercooking.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw fish and cooked fish.
-If swordfish is frozen, thaw it fully in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for best texture.
-If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use finely minced fresh garlic but reduce the amount to 1/4 tsp to avoid burning.
-To add freshness, serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a wedge of lemon.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Brush or spoon for oil and lemon juice
- Paper towels
- Plate for resting cooked fish
Shopping List
[ ] Swordfish fillets (2 pieces, about 150g each) (~$8) - Choose fresh, firm fillets with no fishy odor. [ ] Olive oil (~$0.5 for 1 tbsp) - Extra virgin for best flavor. [ ] Lemon (~$0.5 for 1 lemon) - Fresh lemons provide the best juice. [ ] Garlic powder (~$0.3 for small amount) - Check the spice aisle. [ ] Paprika (~$0.3 for small amount) - Smoked paprika adds great flavor. [ ] Salt and black pepper (likely in your pantry) - Freshly ground black pepper is best.
Estimated Total Cost: $10
FAQ
Can I use frozen swordfish directly in the air fryer?
It's best to fully thaw frozen swordfish in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
How do I know when the swordfish is cooked safely?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 63°C (145°F). Also, the flesh should appear opaque and flake easily.
Can I substitute swordfish with another type of fish?
Yes, thick and firm fish like tuna, halibut, or mahi-mahi work well with this air fryer method.
What if I don't have a meat thermometer?
Cook the fillets for the full recommended time; the fish should be opaque and flake easily when done. However, investing in a thermometer improves safety.