5 Quick Air Fryer Seafood Recipes You’ll Love

5 Quick Air Fryer Seafood Recipes You’ll Love

Looking to add some excitement to your weekly dinner rotation without feeling guilty about indulging? Enter the air fryer—a modern kitchen marvel that promises golden, crispy perfection with minimal oil. When you pair it with seafood, the result is pure magic. Healthy, fast, and packed with flavor, seafood dishes made in an air fryer are about to be your new go-to meals.

If you have a fondness for seafood or are just beginning to cook it, this post is dedicated to you. We’ll explore five quick and delicious air fryer seafood recipes that are ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these recipes are guaranteed to impress.

Why Seafood + Air Fryers = The Perfect Match

Air fryers have surged in popularity for a good reason. They deliver the same satisfaction as fried food, but without the unnecessary grease. Seafood, with its delicate textures and flavors, cooks beautifully in an air fryer. It’s a winning combo for health-conscious individuals and anyone craving hassle-free meals.

Not to mention, seafood is a dietary powerhouse. It’s loaded with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Air frying locks in these nutrients while adding a delicious crisp. It’s an easy way to enjoy indulgence and nutrition on the same plate.

Now, grab your apron—it’s time to cook!

5 Quick Air Fryer Seafood Recipes You’ll Love

1. Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Bring the beach vibes to your kitchen with these vibrant fish tacos! 

Ingredients: 

• 4 white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia) 
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 
• 1 tsp paprika 
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• 2 eggs, beaten 
• Tortillas 
• For the mango salsa: 1 diced mango, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1 tbsp lime juice, chopped cilantro 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. 
2. Combine breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. 
3. Dip the fish fillets into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. 
4. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. 
5. Assemble tacos by layering the crispy fish on a tortilla and topping with mango salsa. 

Pro Tip: Add a drizzle of spicy crema or hot sauce for extra zest! 

2. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest

Succulent shrimp lightly coated in garlic butter and air fried to perfection. It’s a 15-minute dish you’ll keep coming back to. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 
• 2 tbsp melted butter 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 
• Zest of 1 lemon 

Instructions: 

1. Toss shrimp with melted butter, garlic, and lemon zest. 
2. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. 
3. Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. 

Pro Tip: Serve over pasta or a salad for a complete meal. 

3. Coconut-Crusted Air Fryer Scallops

Sweet, crispy, and oh-so-tender—coconut-crusted scallops are a dinner showstopper. 

Ingredients: 

• 12 large scallops, rinsed and dried 
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut 
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1 egg 

Instructions: 

1. Mix shredded coconut, panko, and salt in a bowl. 
2. Dip scallops into the beaten egg, then coat in the coconut mixture. 
3. Arrange scallops in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 8-10 minutes. 

Pro Tip: Pair them with a spicy mayo for dipping. 

4. Cajun Spiced Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets

Bite-sized, spicy, and irresistibly crunchy. Perfect for game nights or casual dinners. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb catfish, cut into nuggets 
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning 
• 1/2 cup cornmeal 
• 1/4 cup flour 
• Spray oil 

Instructions: 

1. Season catfish nuggets with Cajun seasoning. 
2. Coat them in cornmeal-flour mixture, shaking off any excess. 
3. Lightly spray them with oil before placing them in the air fryer. 
4. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

Pro Tip: Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for an acidic kick. 

5. Teriyaki Glazed Air Fryer Salmon

The perfect blend of savory and sweet, teriyaki salmon is here to upgrade your weeknight dinners. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 salmon fillets 
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce 
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Marinate salmon fillets in teriyaki sauce for 15-20 minutes. 
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and place the fillets, skin-side down, in the basket. 
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes. 
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish before serving. 

Pro Tip: Pair with steamed rice and veggies for a balanced meal. 

Read more: Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe – A Must-Try Seafood Dish

Tips for Selecting the Best Seafood for Air Frying

• Choose Fresh or Frozen: Fresh is always ideal, but frozen seafood works well too. Just remember to thaw it properly! 
• Look for Sustainability Labels: Opt for seafood certified by organizations like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council). 
• Firm Textures Work Best: Varieties like salmon, cod, and shrimp hold up better during air frying. 

Why Air Frying is the Healthiest Way to Cook Seafood

Air frying allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home with fewer calories and less oil. Here’s why it’s better for you: 

• Reduces Oil Consumption: Skip the frying pan and use just a spritz of oil for that crispy perfection. 
• Locks in Nutrients: Cooking at the right temperature ensures the nutrients in seafood stay intact. 
• Enhanced Flavor: The even heat distribution highlights the natural flavors of seafood instead of masking it. 

Your Next Seafood Adventure Awaits

Creating these air fryer seafood dishes is as easy as it is rewarding. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or just experimenting with flavors, these recipes are sure to wow your taste buds. 

Now, it’s your turn—grab your air fryer, choose a recipe, and savor the flavors of the ocean in your own kitchen! If you loved these recipes, share this blog with your fellow foodies. And don’t forget to check out our related articles for more mouthwatering air fryer creations!