Key Takeaways:
- Only in 10 minutes, you can cook your swai fish in the air fryer.
- Only with a few ingredients, you can prepare an air fryer swai fish meal.
- Air fry the swai fish at 390 degrees. After proper cooking, serve them with your favorite sides.
There are different cooking methods. But when you want a quick swai meal, then air frying is a smart way. This article will simply guide you about How to cook swai fish in airfryer.
Table of Contents
How to Cook Swai Fish in Airfryer?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Swai is the 6th most popular fish in the United States. Its natural habitat is Asia’s Mekong River.
If you want to enjoy your lunch or dinner with a flavorful meal, you can go with an air fryer swai fish meal. It will offer you a crunchy, even cooked and fast meal.
However, to cook swai fish in air fryer, you can follow the below steps.
Ingredients
- Swai Fish Fillets: 2-4 fillets
- Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons
- Capers: A few tablespoons for garnish
- Lemon: 1, sliced
- Blackened Seasoning or other any your favorite fish seasoning
- Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper
Preparation
- If your swai fillets are frozen, first you need to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.
- Pat the swai fish fillets dry with paper towels. Thus, you can remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Next, you need to brush both sides of the fish fillets with olive oil. You can use the basting brush here.
- Then, you can sprinkle blackened seasoning or your chosen fish seasoning evenly over both sides of the fillets.
Cooking Process
- You can preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Then, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice a lemon and place the slices in the bottom of the air fryer basket. This prevents the fish from sticking and adds a bright, zesty flavor.
- Place the seasoned swai fillets on top of the lemon slices (if using) in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the fillets are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Then, you can air fry the fillets at 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- You can use tongs to flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Flip once more and cook for a final 2 minutes. Thus, the total time will take about 10 minutes. The fish should be tender, juicy, and flaky.
- The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check if necessary.
- The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- You can remove the fish from the air fryer using tongs.
- You can garnish with capers if desired.
- And serve with lemon wedges and your favorite healthy sides, such as sweet potato, fresh vegetables, or a salad.
Tips to Cook Swai Fish in Airfryer
- You need to preheat your air fryer to an optimal temperature of 390°F (200°C).
- Generously season both sides of the swai fillets.
- Cook in batches to get incredible crispy results. Overcrowding may not offer the optimal result.
- Flip fillets halfway through cooking time for even browning.
- For safety, a meat thermometer should be used to ensure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Overcook the fish, as it may become dry and lose its tenderness.
How Long to Cook Swai Fish in Air Fryer
To cook swai fish in an air fryer, set the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. You can start by preheating the air fryer, then place the seasoned swai fillets in a single layer in the basket. You can cook for 5 minutes, flip the fillets, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and crispy.
FAQs
Why is My Fish Not Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Your fish may not be crispy in the air fryer due to:
1. Overcrowding
2. Insufficient preheating
3. Excess moisture on the fish or inadequate seasoning
To avoid it, you can ensure the air fryer is preheated, cook in batches, pat the fish dry, and season generously for optimal crispiness.
Can You Fix Raw Fish in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook raw fish in an air fryer. Simply season the fish fillets, preheat the air fryer, and cook them. The air fryer provides a convenient and efficient way to prepare delicious and healthy fish dishes with minimal hassle.
Can You Eat Undercooked Swai?
No, it’s not safe to eat undercooked swai or any undercooked fish. Consuming undercooked fish poses the risk of bacterial contamination and foodborne illnesses. It’s crucial to cook swai and all seafood to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Is Swai Fish Catfish?
No, swai fish is not catfish. While both are freshwater fish, they belong to different species. Swai is also known as tra or basa, and it is scientifically classified as Pangasius hypophthalmus. On the contrary, catfish belong to the family Ictaluridae, with various species, such as channel catfish and blue catfish.
Is Swai Fish Good for You?
Yes, swai fish can be a part of a healthy diet. While it’s moderate in nutritional value and low in omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. However, it’s essential to consider overall dietary balance and consumption moderation for optimal health benefits.
Final Verdict
With its mild flavor and versatility, air fryer Swai fish can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.
By following the steps and tips provided, you can achieve a perfectly crispy and flavorful meal in just 10-12 minutes. You need to just ensure you cook the fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety.
You can enjoy swai fish as a convenient, tasty, and nutritious option for your meals. Some flavorful sides with it can enrich your meal by taste and flavor.