Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we believe will provide value to our readers.
Tired of dry, overcooked seafood that takes forever to make? This swordfish in air fryer recipe is the kitchen shortcut you’ve been looking for. In under 15 minutes, you’ll get perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality swordfish — crisp on the outside, tender and juicy in the center.
⏩ In a rush? Hit “Jump to Recipe” below or use the Table of Contents to skip straight to what you need. As always, we make navigation easy.
With just a few pantry ingredients and a hot air fryer, you can air fry swordfish steaks that taste like they came off a grill — minus the mess, the fuss, or the smoke alarm going off. This is fast seafood done right, whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or showing off to guests.
Ready to learn the easiest way to make air fryer swordfish that delivers flavor and texture? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Swordfish Steaks
Swordfish is known for its thick, meaty texture — it’s basically the steak of the sea. That’s exactly why cooking swordfish in the air fryer works so well. The high-speed heat crisps the outside while locking in moisture, giving you a golden crust with a juicy interior in just minutes.
Here’s why the air fryer swordfish method wins every time:
- Quick Cook Time: An 8-ounce steak takes just 8–10 minutes at 400°F
- Even Cooking: No flipping required in most air fryer models
- Minimal Oil: Just a brush of olive oil delivers golden results
- Crispy Edges, Tender Center: Like searing without the smoke
- No Babysitting: Set it and relax — the air fryer does the work
Fast Fact: Swordfish doesn’t flake like most fish — it slices. That meaty texture makes it perfect for air frying because it holds its shape and resists drying out.
Bonus? Cleanup is a breeze. No greasy pan, no fishy oven smell — just wipe down your air fryer basket and you’re done.
Ingredients for Swordfish in Air Fryer
This swordfish air fryer recipe is all about keeping things simple — you don’t need fancy ingredients to make this fish shine. With just a few kitchen staples, you’ll be serving up flaky, flavor-packed swordfish in no time.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 swordfish steaks (about 6–8 oz each, fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra kick)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, totally optional)
Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen swordfish, make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge, then pat it completely dry before seasoning — moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
How to Air Fry Swordfish (Step-by-Step)
This is where the magic happens. Follow these simple steps and you’ll get air fried swordfish that’s juicy in the middle and perfectly seasoned on the outside — every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully preheat for a few minutes. This ensures even cooking and a nice golden crust.
Step 2: Pat the Swordfish Dry
Use paper towels to pat your swordfish steaks completely dry. This helps the oil and seasoning stick — and gives you that irresistible browning.
Step 3: Season the Fish
Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Then sprinkle on the lemon pepper seasoning (and garlic powder if using).
Make sure it’s coated evenly — swordfish is thick, so it can handle bold flavor.
Step 4: Air Fry
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t crowd them — airflow is key.
Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if your model requires it. Thicker steaks (over 1 inch) may need an extra minute or two.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The internal temp should hit 145°F — use a meat thermometer to be sure. The fish should be opaque and firm, with a slight give when pressed.
Pro Tip: Pull your fish at 140°F and let it rest 5 minutes — carryover heat will finish the job perfectly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the swordfish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps juices redistribute.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Boom — swordfish in the air fryer never looked (or tasted) better.
Variations & Flavor Twists
The beauty of air fryer swordfish is how easily it adapts to bold flavors. Whether you want to keep it clean or go wild with seasoning, these ideas will help you shake things up.
Blackened Swordfish
Craving a spicy, smoky crust? Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and brown sugar — then press it onto your oiled fish before air frying. Instant Cajun vibes.
Garlic-Herb Butter Finish
After cooking, top your steak with a pat of garlic butter and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. It melts over the hot fish like a dream.
Asian-Inspired Glaze
Brush with a mix of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil halfway through cooking. Serve with rice and a side of stir-fried veggies.
Crispy Panko Crust
Brush the fish with mayo or egg wash, then press into seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Air fry for the same time. Think air-fried swordfish schnitzel — yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
Swordfish Skewers
Cube the swordfish and thread it onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers. Same seasoning, same timing — killer party food.
Did You Know? Swordfish holds together better than flaky fish, which makes it ideal for air fryer kabobs and crusted styles.
What to Serve with Air Fried Swordfish
You’ve just nailed a perfectly cooked swordfish in the air fryer — now let’s plate it like a pro. Swordfish is rich and meaty, so it pairs beautifully with both light and hearty sides.
Fresh & Vibrant Sides
- Grilled asparagus or steamed green beans with lemon zest
- Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette
- Tomato-cucumber salad with red onion and fresh herbs
- Air fryer zucchini fries for a crispy contrast
Comfort-Style Classics
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Herbed couscous or quinoa
- Jasmine or wild rice pilaf
- Roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary and olive oil
Sauces That Pop
- Lemon butter sauce — simple, classic, and unbeatable
- Spicy aioli or sriracha mayo for a modern twist
- Chimichurri for an herb-packed punch
- Mango salsa if you’re feeling tropical
Wine Pairing?
A crisp Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a chilled dry rosé makes the richness of swordfish sing. (Just don’t forget the lemon wedge — it’s non-negotiable.)
“Swordfish is basically the ribeye of the sea — bold, juicy, and born to be paired.”
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips for Perfect Swordfish
Even simple recipes can go sideways without a few smart moves. Let’s fix the most common problems people run into when cooking swordfish in the air fryer, and make sure your results are consistently great.
❌ Problem: My Swordfish Came Out Dry
Fix:
- You likely overcooked it or didn’t add enough oil.
- Next time, remove it at 140°F and let it rest — carryover heat will bring it to the safe 145°F.
- Brushing with olive oil before cooking also helps retain moisture.
❌ Problem: It’s Mushy or Falling Apart
Fix:
- Too much marinade time can break down the fish’s texture. Keep marinades under 1 hour.
- Always pat the swordfish dry before seasoning and cooking. Moisture = mush.
❌ Problem: The Fish Stuck to the Basket
Fix:
- Lightly oil the basket (or the fish itself) with a high-smoke point oil like avocado or olive oil.
- Avoid using propellant sprays — they damage nonstick coatings.
✅ Expert Pro Tips for Air Fryer Swordfish
- Use a meat thermometer — it’s the difference between juicy and “meh.”
- Leave space between steaks so air can circulate properly.
- No need to flip if your air fryer circulates evenly, but do it halfway if unsure.
- Frozen swordfish? Add 3–5 minutes to the cook time.
- Final touch: A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of flaky salt right before serving? Chef’s kiss.
Pro Tip: The best swordfish has a center that’s just barely pink. That means it’s tender, not dry.
Final Thoughts
That’s it — fast, flavorful, and unbelievably easy. Once you try swordfish in the air fryer, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way.
With just a few ingredients, a hot air fryer, and less than 15 minutes of your time, you get tender, juicy swordfish steaks that are weeknight-friendly and dinner-party ready.
You may also like:
– Air Fryer Tuna Steak Recipe
– Easy Cod Air Fryer Recipe
– Air Fryer Flounder Recipe
– Air Fryer Trout Recipe
Whether you keep it classic with lemon pepper or try one of the flavor twists, this air fryer swordfish recipe is guaranteed to land a spot in your regular rotation.
Now it’s your turn:
Tried it? Snap a pic, tag @MyFishRecipes, and use #myfishrecipes — we’d love to see your air fried masterpiece!
Swordfish in Air Fryer
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This swordfish in air fryer recipe delivers crispy edges, juicy center, and bold flavor in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or just short on time, this foolproof method gives you restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or an elevated seafood dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 2 swordfish steaks (6–8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Pat the swordfish dry using paper towels — moisture prevents browning.
- Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil.
- Season with lemon pepper (and garlic powder, if using).
- Place steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer — you want an internal temp of 145°F.
- Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, and serve hot.
Notes
- For frozen swordfish, add 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.
- Let the fish rest for better texture — it finishes cooking off the heat.
- A meat thermometer is your best friend for juicy swordfish.
- Great with lemon butter sauce or chimichurri on top.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
