Seafood Lovers: 9 Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

If you're a seafood lover, you're in for a reel treat!

We've curated a list of fin-tastic air fryer seafood recipes that are quick, easy, and completely delicious. From crispy fish to juicy shrimp, these recipes are sure to make a splash at your dinner table.

Let's dive in!

Table of Contents

• Fish (No Breading)
• Breaded Fish
• Fish Sticks
• Salmon
• Salmon Bites
• Shrimp
• Oysters
• Scallops
• Crab Cakes
• Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Seafood
• Recipe Exporation

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1. Air Fryer Fish (No Breading)

Ingredients:

• 2 fish fillets (cod, tilapia, mahi mahi, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and sliced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika (optional for color and flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
4. Rub the olive oil mixture over both sides of each fish fillet, making sure they are well-coated.
5. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place a few lemon slices in the air fryer basket, then lay the fish fillets on top of them. This helps to infuse the fish with more lemon flavor.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. No need to flip.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and additional lemon slices before serving, if desired.

Ingredient Spotlight:

• Olive Oil: This healthy fat enhances the natural flavors of the fish and helps the seasonings adhere better.

Serving Suggestions:

• Sides: Consider serving this dish with a fresh salad to keep the meal light and healthy.

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2. Air Fryer Breaded Fish

Ingredients:

• 2 fish fillets (cod, tilapia, mahi mahi, or your choice)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Coat the fish fillets in beaten egg, then breadcrumbs.
3. Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Fish Fillets: Opt for a firm white fish like cod or haddock for best results. You can also use salmon for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish pairs well with a side of coleslaw or a light tartar sauce.

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3. Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish, cut into sticks
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. Coat the fish sticks in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat them with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Place the coated fish sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving your fish sticks a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions:

These fish sticks go well with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad.

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4. Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
2. Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 7-9 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
5. Garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Salmon: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a healthy and flavorful option.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish pairs well with steamed asparagus or a quinoa salad.

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5. Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Place the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
4. Cook for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Salmon is not only delicious but also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health.

Serving Suggestion:

These salmon bites make a great appetizer or can be served over a bed of greens for a light meal.

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6. Air Fryer Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Shrimp: Low in fat and high in protein, shrimp is a quick-cooking seafood option.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a side of cocktail sauce or over a bed of rice.

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7. Air Fryer Oysters

Ingredients:

• 12 fresh oysters, shucked
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Place a spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture on top of each oyster.
4. Place the oysters in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Oysters: Rich in zinc and other minerals, oysters are a delicacy that cooks quickly in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions:

These oysters are perfect as an appetizer or served with a side of garlic bread.

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8. Air Fryer Scallops

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Toss the scallops with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the seasoned scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Scallops: A lean source of protein that's rich in vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Serving Suggestions:

These scallops pair well with a light salad or a side of garlic butter pasta.

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9. Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, breadcrumbs, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley in a bowl.
2. Form the mixture into small patties.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
4. Place the crab cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Crab Meat: Low in fat and high in protein, crab meat adds a luxurious touch to your meal.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these crab cakes with a side of coleslaw or a light garden salad.

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Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Seafood

Cooking seafood in an air fryer can be a quick and healthy way to enjoy your favorite dishes. However, there are some tips you should keep in mind to ensure the best results:

Thawing Frozen Seafood

If you're using frozen seafood, make sure to properly thaw it before cooking. Place the frozen seafood in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight for best results. Avoid thawing seafood at room temperature, as it can lead to bacterial growth.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures that the seafood will cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Seasoning

Seafood often has a delicate flavor, so you don't need to go overboard with seasoning. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice can go a long way.

Cooking Time

Be mindful of the cooking time, as seafood can cook quickly and become rubbery if overcooked. Always refer to the specific cooking times in your recipe, and consider doing a test piece first.

Checking Doneness

For fish, the flesh should flake easily with a fork when it's done. For shellfish like shrimp and scallops, look for a firm, opaque appearance.

Internal Temperature

If you want to be extra sure, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F, while shrimp and scallops should reach 120°F.

Post-Cooking Tips

Once your seafood is cooked, serve it immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you have to wait, keep it warm in an oven set at a low temperature.

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Recipe Exploration

• Experience the crispy delight of Air Fryer Fried Shrimp, a recipe presented by Food Network.
• Explore the variety in our 10 Must-Try Air Fryer Pork Recipes.
• Find a meaty delight in our collection of 11 Air Fryer Beef Recipes.
• Experience chicken in a new light with 12 Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes.
• Serve quick and delightful snacks using 7 Air Fryer Snacks and Sides.

Further Reading

Experience the magic of frying in your oven with the assistance of the Best Air Fryer Basket for Convection Ovens.