Swordfish offers a delightful change from typical seafood options, especially when prepared in your air fryer.
You’ll discover that this hearty fish holds up beautifully to high-heat cooking, developing a satisfying exterior crunch while maintaining its moist, steak-like texture inside.
These eight recipes combine nutrient-dense ingredients with balanced flavors—from bright Mediterranean herbs to rich Asian-inspired glazes—all without the excess oil of traditional frying methods.
Ready to transform this omega-3 rich protein into impressive meals that take less than 15 minutes to cook?
Classic Lemon-Herb Air Fryer Swordfish Steaks
This bright, zesty swordfish recipe delivers perfectly cooked steaks with minimal effort. The lemon-herb marinade infuses the fish with Mediterranean flavors while the air fryer creates a delicious golden crust.
Ingredients:
- 2 swordfish steaks (6 oz each), about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place swordfish steaks in the marinade, coating both sides. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
Step 3: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 4: Remove swordfish from marinade and place in air fryer basket, ensuring steaks don’t overlap.
Step 5: Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Remove from air fryer, let rest for 2 minutes, then serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 240 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Spicy Cajun Swordfish Bites With Remoulade Dipping Sauce
These zesty Cajun-spiced swordfish bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly complemented by a creamy remoulade sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb swordfish steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tbsp capers, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, toss swordfish cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.
Step 3: Place swordfish bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
Step 4: Cook for 6-7 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until fish is opaque and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the remoulade by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, pickle relish, capers, and parsley in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve hot swordfish bites immediately with remoulade dipping sauce on the side.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 310 per serving
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Serving size: ¼ pound (4 oz) of fish with 2 tbsp sauce
Mediterranean Swordfish Skewers With Olive Tapenade
These air-fried swordfish skewers showcase Mediterranean flavors with a savory olive tapenade. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds swordfish, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tapenade:
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add swordfish cubes and marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2: For the tapenade, pulse olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Set aside.
Step 3: Thread marinated swordfish, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion onto soaked skewers, alternating ingredients.
Step 4: Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Place skewers in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
Step 5: Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until fish is opaque and vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Serve hot with olive tapenade spooned over the skewers.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
Coconut-Crusted Swordfish With Mango Salsa
This tropical-inspired air fryer swordfish combines crispy coconut coating with fresh mango salsa for a light yet satisfying meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat swordfish steaks dry with paper towels.
Mix coconut, panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Step 2: Dip each swordfish steak in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
Spray basket with olive oil spray, place coated swordfish inside, and spray tops lightly.
Step 4: Cook for 10-12 minutes until fish flakes easily and crust is golden brown.
Step 5: While fish cooks, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve swordfish topped with mango salsa.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
Honey-Garlic Glazed Swordfish Fillets
This honey-garlic swordfish combines sweet and savory flavors with the perfect texture from air frying. Ready in minutes, it’s an impressive yet simple weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 2 swordfish steaks (6-8 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Pat swordfish steaks dry with paper towels. Place in a shallow dish and pour half the glaze over the fish, reserving the remainder. Marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
Step 4: Place marinated swordfish in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the steaks, brush with some of the reserved glaze, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 6: Transfer to serving plates, drizzle with remaining glaze, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 298 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Sugar: 16g
Crispy Parmesan and Herb Panko-Crusted Swordfish
This air fryer swordfish recipe creates a deliciously crispy crust while keeping the fish tender and juicy. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 swordfish steaks (6-8 oz each)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat swordfish steaks dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, lemon zest, and black pepper.
Step 3: Dip each swordfish steak into beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place crusted swordfish in the basket without overcrowding.
Step 5: Drizzle or spray the tops with olive oil and air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving with fresh lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
Teriyaki Swordfish With Pineapple and Bell Peppers
This air fryer swordfish dish combines sweet and savory teriyaki flavors with juicy pineapple and colorful bell peppers for a quick, healthy meal ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 swordfish steaks (6 oz each)
- ¼ cup store-bought teriyaki sauce (halal certified)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate swordfish steaks in 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
Step 3: In a bowl, toss pineapple chunks, bell peppers, olive oil, garlic, and ginger with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Place swordfish steaks in air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Open air fryer, add the pineapple and pepper mixture around the fish, and continue cooking for 6-7 minutes until fish reaches internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 6: Remove from air fryer and drizzle with remaining teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 480mg
Moroccan-Spiced Swordfish With Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
This air fryer swordfish brings North African flavors to your table with warm Moroccan spices and cooling cucumber yogurt sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb swordfish steaks, cut into 2 portions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
Coat swordfish with marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare yogurt sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (liquid squeezed out), minced garlic, mint, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 4: Place marinated swordfish in air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until fish reaches 145°F internal temperature and flakes easily.
Step 5: Serve immediately with cucumber yogurt sauce on the side and lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 310 per serving
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
Final Thoughts
You’ve now sailed through the Aegean of air fryer swordfish recipes, discovering how this ancient mariner’s catch can be transformed into nutrient-packed, omega-rich meals.
Like Poseidon’s feast, these dishes balance bold flavors with heart-healthy benefits.
You’ll find yourself reaching for your air fryer whenever swordfish is on the menu, creating crispy, succulent dishes that don’t sacrifice nutrition for taste.
Your seafood journey will never be the same.
