Air Fryer Swordfish Steaks Recipe (2024)

Learn how to cook air fryer swordfish! This easy airfryer swordfish recipe is delicious and cooks in only 10 minutes. Get tips on cooking swordfish, including the safe swordfish internal temp (spoiler: it’s 145F or 63C), and lots more. My air fryer swordfish steak recipe is the best way to cook swordfish. Try it for dinner and you’ll see why!

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⭐ Air Fryer Swordfish Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make my recipe for swordfish steaks:

• 12 oz swordfish steaks (340 grams, 2 steaks, 1-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (you can also use lime juice)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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I tested this recipe with a small air fryer, and I also made Ninja air fryer swordfish. This recipe works well in a Ninja Foodi, Philips, Nuwave, Kalorik air fryer oven, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Instant Pot Vortex, Cosori, Breville, or another air fryer too.

However, cooking times will need to be adjusted depending on the air fryer you use and the thickness of the swordfish fillet. Always check the food early the first time you try any new air fryer recipe. A small air fryer basket tends to cook faster than a large air fryer oven.

Aside from an air fryer, the equipment you need for this recipe includes:

• Pastry brush
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer

Don't use parchment paper, foil, or another air fryer liner for this recipe. They can make it harder for the hot air to properly circulate around the fish.

➕ How Long to Cook Swordfish in Air Fryer

How long should you cook swordfish in the air fryer? What's the swordfish air fryer temp? This swordfish airfryer recipe cooks for 10-16 minutes at 400F (200C).

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to cook swordfish:

1. Put the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk it together.

2. Brush half of this marinade on two swordfish steaks. Then flip the swordfish and brush the rest of the marinade on the tops and sides of the fish.

3. Place swordfish in the air fryer and air fry for 10-16 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200C), flipping the fish halfway through cooking time. My small air fryer takes 10 minutes total to cook the fish, while my air fryer oven takes 16 minutes (using the top rack). There’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.

4. Check the fish with a meat thermometer to ensure it reached the minimum safe internal temperature of 145F (63C). Add cooking time if needed, but don’t overcook it! Let the fish rest for a few minutes after cooking and serve with lemon wedges.

According to the USDA, leftover fish lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. However, I’d play it safe and try to consume it within 1-2 days. Make sure to use a covered container so the aroma of seafood doesn’t transfer to other fridge foods.

What temperature should you cook swordfish at?

I prefer to air fry swordfish quickly at 400F (200C). This temperature allows it to cook through without drying the fish out.

🌡️ How do you know when swordfish is done?

How do you tell if swordfish is cooked all the way? A meat thermometer is the best way to check the doneness of swordfish, not the color of the fish. Properly cooked swordfish should be opaque, flaky, and have reached a minimum safe temp of 145F (63C).

That said, it’s very important not to overcook swordfish. I usually pull it out of the air fryer when it has reached the 140-145F range. Keep in mind the temp of the fish will continue to rise for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer.

🥗 What goes well with swordfish?

I usually serve swordfish with a big salad, and sometimes a carbohydrate such as rice or sweet potatoes. Here are a few of my favorite side dishes for swordfish:

• How to Microwave Vegetables
• Vegan Spinach Salad
• Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
• Costco Cauliflower Rice
• Protein Biscuits
• Potato Rice

Another idea is to cut the fish into air fryer swordfish chunks, and make a bowl meal. Simply add your favorite grains, veggies, and a fresh fruit salsa. Yummy!

FAQs

Do you rinse swordfish before cooking?

No, do not rinse fish, including swordfish, prior to cooking. Doing so may actually spread bad bacteria instead of eliminating it (source).

How do you cook frozen swordfish?

For the best results, frozen swordfish steaks should be thawed before cooking. To thaw frozen swordfish, preheat the air fryer to 375F (190C) for 5 minutes. Place the frozen fish in the air fryer in a single layer, and air fry for 4 minutes to thaw. (This partially cooks the fish, so recipe times will be shortened.)

Are there worms in swordfish meat?

Unfortunately, worms can infect swordfish (and other types of fish as well). Cooking swordfish to a safe temperature is the best way to minimize the risk of these parasites (source). Freezing fish (as you would for ceviche) does a better job killing certain types of parasites than others.

Can you eat the dark part of swordfish?

The dark part of swordfish is safe to eat, though it may taste stronger than other parts of the fish. According to the Food Network, the freshest swordfish will have a reddish streak, not brown. You can cut away the dark area on swordfish if you don’t like the taste.

Can you eat the skin of swordfish?

Yes, according to Epicurious, you can safely eat the skin of swordfish. However, it’s generally thought not to be very tasty.

What’s a good air fryer swordfish marinade?

In this recipe, we’re quickly brushing the marinade on the fish instead of having a long marinating period. If you don’t like the flavors in my marinade, try teriyaki swordfish in air fryer, or make a marinade with lemon and rosemary. Another option is to use seasonings like lemon pepper, or make blackened swordfish in air fryer.

👨🏾‍🍳‍ More Air Fryer Fish Recipes

Here are some more air fryer recipes for fish you may enjoy:

• Air Fryer Catfish
• Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
• Frozen Fish in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Tilapia
• Air Fryer Tuna Steak

👩‍🍳 Other Swordfish Recipes

Here are a few more ways to cook swordfish:

• How to Cook Swordfish in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425F (218C). Brush swordfish steaks with marinade, and place them in a greased baking dish. Bake swordfish for 12-15 minutes, or until a safe internal temp of 165F (63C) is reached.
• How Long to Broil Swordfish: The swordfish broiling time depends on the thickness of the fish and how close it is to the broiler. In general, according to Epicurious, broiled swordfish takes approximately 2 minutes per side in a preheated broiler.
• Grilled Swordfish: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Baste thawed swordfish steaks with marinade and grill for 5 minutes. Then flip the swordfish, and grill for 2-3 more minutes, basting frequently.
• Instant Pot Swordfish: You can make this sous vide swordfish in an Instant Pot with a sous vide function.

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