Air Fryer Rockfish with Golden Mayo Glaze
on Feb 18, 2024
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Air fryer rockfish transformed into a crispy, golden dream with a creamy, flavor-packed mayo glaze? Yes, please!
This quick and easy air fryer fish recipe takes weeknight fish to a whole new level, leaving you wondering what took you so long to join the air fryer revolution. But don’t worry, even air fryer newbies can master this healthy seafood recipe!
Table of Contents
What is Rockfish
This rockfish recipe is all about simple ingredients and big flavors. But what exactly is rockfish? It’s not just one specific fish but rather a term for over 70 different species found in oceans around the world.
They tend to live near rocky habitats, earning their name. The specific type used in this recipe often depends on location and season, but most commonly, you’ll find Pacific rockfish, also known as Pacific perch or rock cod.
These mild-flavored fish have a firm, flaky texture and readily absorb the flavors of spices and sauces, making them ideal for this air fryer recipe.
About this Rockfish Recipe
Creating a delicious and healthy fish dinner has never been easier than with this Air Fryer Rockfish recipe. This simple recipe transforms a mild white fish into a golden brown, crispy air fryer fish delight that the whole family will love. And the best part? It’s an easy low carb fish recipe that guarantees the best results without the hassle of deep-frying.
I get my rockfish and other seafood from Wild Alaskan Company. They deliver it to your door, fresh-frozen and packed in ice. It’s all wild-caught fish without any of the garbage you have to worry about when cooking farm-raised fish like you normally find in the grocery store. They have all sorts of fish that you can buy, including salmon, scallops, and other types of healthy whitefish like cod and halibut (my favorite!)
This recipe is all about simple ingredients and big flavors. Flaky rockfish gets a makeover with a light, crispy air fryer treatment, then gets draped in a luscious mayo glaze that’s bursting with curry powder warmth.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 10 minutes and packed with protein for a satisfying meal.
What’s in it?
- Rockfish: Opt for fresh fillets if possible, but frozen works too! Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry for maximum crispness.
- Mayonnaise: The base of our glaze, choose plain mayo for ultimate control over flavors. Light mayo works too, but the full-fat adds a richer texture.
- Curry powder: The star of the show! Experiment with different blends to find your favorite heat level and flavor profile.
- Kosher salt & Black pepper: Flavor essentials, don’t skip these!
- Paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a touch of smokiness and beautiful color to the finished dish.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the mayo.
Recipe Tip – Make Your Own Curry Powder
Make your own curry powder using the following spices:
- Turmeric
- Corriander
- Cumin
A dash of each of these works well with this recipe. Hint: Go light on the turmeric; a little bit goes a long way!
How to Make this Rockfish Recipe
(See Complete Recipe with Ingredients in the Recipe Card Below.)
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for the best cooking experience. Be sure to prep the fish by patting it dry on both sides with a paper towel.
- Place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the basket, giving them plenty of room for the hot air to circulate. This is the best way to ensure your fish cooks evenly and becomes deliciously crispy. For different sizes of fillets, adjust the cooking time accordingly, but a general guideline is 8-10 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches the safe point, minimizing the risk of food-borne illness from undercooked meats. The FDA recommends an internal temp of 145° for cooked fish.
- Whip up the mayo glaze with curry powder, salt, and pepper. Get creative with your curry blend!
- Air fry the fish for 6 minutes, then brush generously with the mayo glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of paprika.
- Rest for a minute, squeeze on some lemon juice, and dig in!
Top Recipe Tips
- Use a light coating of cooking spray in your air fryer basket for extra insurance against sticking.
- Don’t be shy with the mayo glaze! A generous coating ensures maximum flavor and crispy perfection.
- Let the fish rest before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed for a moist and flavorful bite.
Variations and Substitutions
- Not a curry fan? Swap it for your favorite spice blend, like Cajun seasoning or a simple garlic powder and paprika mix.
- No rockfish? Cod, halibut, or even tilapia would work well in this recipe. ( Pacific rockfish, sea bass, mahi mahi, or any kind of fish of your choice can work as well.)
- Out of mayo? Sour cream or Greek yogurt thinned with a touch of milk can work in a pinch.
What to Serve with This
Once cooked to a golden brown perfection, serve your crispy air fryer fish with a side of French fries or a fresh salad for a healthy fish dinner.
Don’t forget to offer dipping sauce options like tartar sauce, mango salsa, or even a simple beer batter for added flavor.
Enjoy your crispy, delicious air fryer fish with a side of lemon wedges, and for an added touch, sprinkle some fresh parmesan cheese and herbs before serving. This is truly the best way to enjoy a healthy fish dinner that everyone will love.
Common Questions
For best results, I recommend using thawed fish fillets when making air fryer fish. These fillets will thaw in several hours when placed in the fridge.
This Air Fryer Rockfish recipe is not just an easy recipe; it’s a great option for anyone looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious dinner idea. With simple steps and common kitchen gadgets, you can enjoy a crispy and flavorful fish meal in less time and with less risk compared to traditional frying methods.
Explore more air fryer recipes to discover your favorite way to cook a healthy and delicious meal every time. Don’t forget to check out our printable recipe card below for easy share and future reference.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this air fryer rockfish recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed by how simple, quick, and delicious weeknight fish can be!
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Air Fryer Rockfish
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 oz Rockfish, fillets
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1 pinch Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Paprika
- 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F and coat the basket or rack with some non-stick cooking spray.
- Pat the rockfish fillets dry, using some paper towels. Do this on both sides of the fish.
- In a small pinch bowl, combine the mayonnaise and curry powder and stir until it is well combined.
- Place the rockfish fillets in the prepared air fryer basket and use a spoon to apply a generous coating of the mayo mixture to the top of each fillet. You can go heavy on the application. Then, add a small pinch of kosher salt and some fresh ground pepper on top of each piece.
- Place the air fryer inside of the air fryer when it reaches 400°. Allow it to cook for 6 minutes.
- Remove the fish from the air fryer and sprinkle a small amount of smoked paprika on the surface. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the rockfish and allow it to rest for a minute or two before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to pat the fish dry to remove excess moisture.
- Don’t skimp on the mayo!
- Allow the fish to rest for a minute or two before digging in.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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