Swordfish is a great choice when it comes to fish, as it’s full of nutrients while still being a lean protein. I love to include at least one seafood night in my weekly dinner plans, and this swordfish steak air fryer recipe always hits the spot.
Swordfish is a great choice, even if you’re not typically a fish lover. It’s got a mild fish flavor, and a firm texture similar to a tuna or even a steak.
Of course, you’re not going to fool anyone into thinking it’s beef, but it will feel hearty nonetheless. Swordfish is also loaded with protein and vitamins, making it a good choice nutritionally as well!
It also lends itself well to a variety of preparation methods and presentations, so you won’t get bored of it. I love to coat it in blackening seasoning and serve it with a vibrant salsa, but there are other great choices as well.
Your air fryer is the perfect option for cooking swordfish steak, delivering moist, flaky fish that’s perfectly cooked in only about 10 minutes! That’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, and there’s no sacrificing of flavor required.
Salt and pepper to taste (I use ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp pepper)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You may use fresh or frozen swordfish. I recommend thawing and patting dry if you use frozen for best results. The best way to do this is to place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, but you can also Defrost Fish in the Microwave in a pinch!
Any other seasoning may be substituted for the blackened seasoning. Other great choices include lemon pepper, garlic & herb seasoning, seafood or fish seasoning, or even steak seasoning!
Alternatively, you can always marinate yourswordfish overnight, in teriyaki sauce, Mediterranean style dressing, or something similar
For the mango salsa, you can swap the lime juice for lemon juice, and the jalapeno can be swapped for ½ a red bell pepper for less heat. All proportions are adjustable to taste as well
How to Cook Swordfish in the Air Fryer: Step By Step
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Pat your swordfish steaks dry with a paper towel, and remove skin if desired (optional)
Season the top and bottom (and the sides as well) of each swordfish steak with the blackened seasoning (or another seasoning of your choice)
Place the seasoned fish into the preheated air fryer basket, allowing air space between them
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes, pausing halfway to flip the steaks over, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F
(Optional) While the swordfish is cooking, combine the salsa ingredients in a small bowl and mix to evenly combine
Serve swordfish hot, topped with mango salsa and a side of rice, or your other favorite sides!
Can I Use Frozen Swordfish Steak in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen swordfish steak in the air fryer. However, it’s recommended to thaw the steak before cooking for better results. Thawing allows for more even cooking and seasoning absorption.
If you still need to use frozen swordfish steaks, add 3-5 minutes to the indicated cooking time to account for the colder starting temperature.
What Are Some Suitable Seasonings For Swordfish Steak in the Air Fryer?
There are several delicious seasonings and marinades that pair perfectly with swordfish steak in the air fryer. Try classics like lemon and garlic for a zesty kick, teriyaki for a sweet and savory flavor, or Mediterranean-style with olive oil, herbs, and olives for a robust taste.
Feel free to get creative with your favorite herbs and spices.
How Do I Prevent Swordfish From Drying Out in the Air Fryer?
To prevent swordfish from drying out in the air fryer, make sure to cook the fish at an appropriate temperature, and start with the minimum time. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer and add extra time in small increments to prevent overcooking.
Additionally, you may always baste your steaks with some marinade or melted butter during cooking to add flavor and moisture.
Are There Any Safety Precautions When Air Frying Swordfish Steak?
Yes, you should always follow food safety precautions when air frying swordfish steak. Per the USDA, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F before consumption.
Additionally, you should use tongs or similar to remove the cooked swordfish from the hot basket. Always make sure to follow your air fryer’s safety guidelines and instructions.
Can I Cook Other Types of Fish in the Air Fryer Using the Same Methods?
Yes, you can adapt similar air frying methods for various types of fish, including salmon, tilapia, or cod. Adjust cooking times and seasonings according to the thickness and characteristics of the fish.
The air fryer is versatile and suitable for many seafood options.
What Temperature is Swordfish Steak Cooked At?
Generally, swordfish steak is cooked in the air fryer at a temperature between 375°F and 400°F, depending on your air fryer’s available settings.
The average cooking time will vary based on the air fryer, temperature, and thickness of the steaks. Expect it to range from 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Pro Tips
Cooking times will vary slightly based on the thickness of your fish (mine was about 1” thick) and your specific air fryer. My swordfish steak was made in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer for reference
If you absolutely need to use frozen swordfish, plan to add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time to account for the frozen state. About 14 minutes at 400°F worked for me when tested
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover swordfish steak in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I usually store the salsa separately from the fish, as it doesn’t require reheating
Reheat swordfish steak in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through
Make swordfish steak in the air fryer for an easy, delicious, and healthy meal option! It’s low carb, gluten free, and packed with protein and vitamins to make you feel great about your choices.
Swordfish is a great choice as it’s not overly fishy, not filled with tiny bones, and feels dense and hearty unlike delicate, flaky fish.
Not only that, this recipe is so easy to put together, and the fish cooks up juicy and perfect in only about 10 minutes thanks to the air fryer. That’s easy enough for lunch or a weeknight dinner!
Whether you use the seasonings and salsa I did here, or use your own spin, you’re sure to love this simple and tasty air fryer swordfish steak recipe.
Blackened Air Fryer Swordfish Steak With Mango Salsa
This easy swordfish steak air fryer recipe cooks up beautifully in only about 10 minutes. With blackened seasoning and mango salsa it’s bold, fresh, and delicious!
26-ounceswordfish steaks(fresh or defrosted if frozen)
1Tbspblackened seasoning (such as Zatarain's)
For the Mango Salsa
1Fresh mango(peeled, pitted, and diced)
1Jalapeno pepper(seeded and diced)
3Tbspdiced red onion
1Tbspfresh cilantro(roughly chopped)
2Tbspfresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste(approximately ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp black pepper)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Pat your swordfish steaks dry with a paper towel
2 6-ounce swordfish steaks
Season the top and bottom (and the sides as well) of each swordfish steak with the blackened seasoning (or another seasoning of your choice)
1 Tbsp blackened seasoning
Place the seasoned fish into the preheated air fryer basket, allowing air space between them
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes, pausing halfway to flip the steaks over, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F
While the swordfish is cooking, combine the salsa ingredients in a small bowl and mix to evenly combine
1 Fresh mango, 1 Jalapeno pepper, 3 Tbsp diced red onion, 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, Salt and pepper to taste
Serve swordfish hot, topped with mango salsa and a side of rice, or your other favorite sides!
Notes
You may use fresh or frozen swordfish. I recommend thawing overnight and patting dry if you use frozen for best results
If you absolutely need to use frozen swordfish, plan to add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time to account for the frozen state. About 14 minutes at 400°F worked for me when tested
Any other seasoning may be substituted for the blackened seasoning. Other great choices include lemon pepper, garlic & herb seasoning, seafood or fish seasoning, or even steak seasoning!
Alternatively, you can always marinate yourswordfish overnight, in teriyaki sauce, Mediterranean style dressing, or something similar
For the mango salsa, you can swap the lime juice for lemon juice, mango for pineapple or peaches, and the jalapeno can be swapped for ½ a red bell pepper for less heat. All proportions are adjustable to taste as well
Cooking times will vary slightly based on the thickness of your fish (mine was about 1” thick) and your specific air fryer. My swordfish steak was made in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer for reference
Store leftover swordfish steak in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I usually store the salsa separately from the fish, as it doesn’t require reheating
Reheat swordfish steak in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
