Best seafood recipes for the air fryer

If you’re a seafood lover and an air fryer enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ll explore the best seafood recipes specifically tailored for your beloved air fryer. Whether you’re craving crispy shrimp, tender scallops, or perfectly flaky fish fillets, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we dive into the flavorful world of cooking seafood in the air fryer. Say goodbye to greasy, deep-fried dishes and say hello to healthier and equally delicious seafood creations!

Best Seafood Recipes for the Air Fryer

If you’re a seafood lover and want to explore new ways to cook your favorite dishes, then look no further than your air fryer. Air fryers have become increasingly popular due to their ability to cook food with less oil, resulting in healthier and crispier meals. In this article, we will introduce you to the best seafood recipes that you can easily prepare in your air fryer. From fried shrimp to parmesan crusted halibut, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these delicious dishes!

1. Fried Shrimp

Let’s start with a classic seafood favorite – fried shrimp. The air fryer provides the perfect heat distribution to achieve that crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. Here’s how you can prepare this mouthwatering dish:

a. Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each shrimp into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the shrimp are golden and crispy.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

2. Crispy Fish Tacos

Next up, we have a crowd-pleaser – crispy fish tacos. Air frying the fish gives it a delectable crunch while keeping it moist and flavorful. Follow these steps to make this delightful dish:

a. Ingredients:

• 1 pound of white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut)
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small tortillas
• Your favorite taco toppings (such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado)

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat dry the fish fillets and cut them into smaller strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. Dip each piece of fish into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
5. Place the coated fish into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the fish is golden and crispy.
7. Warm the tortillas and assemble your tacos with the crispy fish and desired toppings.
8. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and enjoy the irresistible flavors!

3. Garlic Butter Scallops

If you’re looking for an elegant seafood dish that is sure to impress, try cooking garlic butter scallops in your air fryer. The air fryer perfectly sears the scallops, resulting in a caramelized exterior and a tender, buttery center. Here’s how you can create this restaurant-quality dish at home:

a. Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh scallops
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each scallop into the garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
5. Place the scallops in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
6. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the scallops are lightly golden and cooked through.
7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops before serving to enhance the flavors.
8. Serve as an appetizer or alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

4. Coconut Shrimp

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with the delightful flavors of coconut shrimp. Air frying allows you to achieve that perfect crispy exterior while preserving the sweetness and tenderness of the shrimp. Prepare this exotic dish using the following steps:

a. Ingredients:

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave the tails intact for a visually appealing presentation)
• 1 cup of shredded coconut
• 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sweet chili sauce for dipping

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each shrimp first into the beaten eggs and then into the coconut-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
4. Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve with sweet chili sauce for a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
7. Close your eyes, take a bite, and let the tropical flavors transport you to a sun-soaked beach!

5. Cajun Salmon

For a bold and flavorful seafood dish, try air frying Cajun salmon. The air fryer locks in the moisture and infuses the salmon fillets with the aromatic Cajun spices, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Follow these steps to make this zesty and protein-packed meal:

a. Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of each salmon fillet, pressing it gently to adhere.
5. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon fillets just before serving to enhance the flavors.
8. Serve this Cajun delight alongside a fresh salad or your favorite side dishes.

6. Lemon Pepper Cod

For a simple yet incredibly flavorful seafood dish, look no further than lemon pepper cod cooked in the air fryer. The zesty combination of lemon and pepper perfectly complements the mild and flaky cod fillets, resulting in a light and refreshing meal. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish:

a. Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drizzle the cod fillets with olive oil, making sure they are evenly coated.
3. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning mixture over both sides of each cod fillet, pressing it gently to adhere.
5. Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily.
7. Serve the lemon pepper cod with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of tanginess.
8. Pair this dish with steamed vegetables or a light grain for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

7. Bang Bang Shrimp

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of bang bang shrimp without leaving your kitchen. The air fryer method allows you to enjoy this popular appetizer with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep-frying. Here’s how you can recreate this finger-licking dish at home:

a. Ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the bang bang sauce.
3. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Place the sauced shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through and slightly crisp.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve as an appetizer or as a satisfying protein addition to salads or rice bowls.
7. The combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors in this dish is sure to leave you craving for more!

8. Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Add an Asian twist to your air fryer seafood recipes with teriyaki glazed salmon. The air fryer helps achieve a perfectly caramelized glaze on the salmon, enhancing the flavors of the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Follow these steps to create this mouthwatering dish:

a. Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
4. Brush each salmon fillet generously with the teriyaki glaze, reserving some for serving.
5. Place the glazed salmon fillets in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added visual appeal and nutty flavors.
8. Serve the teriyaki glazed salmon alongside stir-fried vegetables or steamed rice for a delightful fusion meal.

10. Parmesan Crusted Halibut

For a seafood dish that is both elegant and packed with flavor, try making parmesan crusted halibut in your air fryer. The combination of the crispy parmesan crust and the delicate halibut fillets will leave you wanting more. Follow these steps to create this impressive dish:

a. Ingredients:

• 4 halibut fillets
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

b. Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, dried thyme, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat dry the halibut fillets and dip each fillet into the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated halibut fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the halibut is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
6. Serve the parmesan crusted halibut with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of tanginess.
7. This dish is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion, impressing your guests with the flavors and texture.

In conclusion, your air fryer is not only a useful tool for cooking everyday meals, but it can also elevate your seafood cooking game. Whether you prefer fried shrimp, crispy fish tacos, or elegant scallops, these air fryer seafood recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With the ability to achieve crispy exteriors and tender interiors without excessive oil, the air fryer is a versatile and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. So, fire up your air fryer and embark on a seafood culinary adventure in the comfort of your own kitchen.