This bright and buttery Air-Fryer Mahi-Mahi With Lime Butter is the perfect summer dinner. Mouthwateringly rich and zesty!
We’ve all been told to include more fish in our diets, and mahi-mahi is one of those varieties that comes with an impressive list of health benefits—not to mention that it’s incredibly delicious, versatile, and even sustainable.
With its brilliant, emerald-green and bright-yellow skin, this large, robust fish thrives in tropical and subtropical waters. If you’re lucky enough to find fresh mahi-mahi, it probably came from either California or Hawaii, where it is often found on restaurant menus prepared in many myriad tempting ways. American wild-caught mahi-mahi is a sustainable choice, but bear in mind that this may not apply to fish imported from Asia or Latin America. Mahi-mahi is also relatively low in mercury, compared to other popular varieties, such as sea bass or tilapia.
But what about the taste? Mahi-mahi has a mild, subtly sweet flavor and a firm pale-pink flesh, making it perfect for everything from healthy grilling to pan-frying with plenty of butter. It can also be prepared in the air fryer, as in the following recipe, which I’m sure you will love. Boasting bright and zesty flavors that merge with buttery goodness, this recipe is not only great for a simple midweek meal, but it can also do a pretty good job at impressing guests at your next dinner party.
Is Air-Fryer Mahi-Mahi With Lime Butter Healthy?
Absolutely! Mahi-mahi is a fabulous source of lean protein and rich in niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. It also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids and is low in calories. The fish is prepared in the air fryer with a minimal amount of oil, but it does call for butter, which can be replaced with a good-quality plant-based variety if you’re lactose-intolerant.
To create a truly healthy meal, you can serve the fish with just about any kind of vegetable. I especially love it with grilled eggplant, plus a side of whole-wheat couscous sprinkled with flaked almonds and pomegranate seeds.
What’s In A Name?
Did you know that the word mahi actually translates to “strong” in Hawaiian? And judging from the fish’s impressive appearance, it’s certainly a fitting term! Mahi-mahi can grow as big as 55 inches in length and weigh as much as 40 pounds. Though it’s also known as “dolphinfish,” rest assured it has nothing to do with actual dolphins.
How To Make Ahead and Store
Once cooked, store the fish in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic to prevent freezer burn, then store it in a Ziploc bag.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve cooked up some delicious mahi-mahi in the air fryer, it’s time to add some side dishes to make it a meal. A serving of Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice with Steamed Zucchini would complement the fish really well and keep the meal low in carbs and fat. If serving it as part of an outdoor summer feast, pair it with a colorful Fresh Corn Feta Salad, and round off the meal with Grilled Peaches and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mahi-mahi fillets about 4 fillets
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt to taste
For the lime butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest packed
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice plus additional for garnish
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rub the fish with the oil and then season with the Old Bay seasoning and salt.
- Place into the mesh basket of an air fryer and cook at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. The internal temperature should be about 140°F. Remove from air fryer, cover and let rest 10 minutes to finish cooking (the fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F before eating, and cooking it like this prevents it from getting dry.)
- While the fish sits, mix the butter with the lime zest and a pinch of salt. Stir in the lime juice.
- Serve the fish with lime butter and an extra squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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