Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook seafood, offering a healthier, faster, and more convenient alternative to traditional frying. With rapid hot air circulation, air fryers deliver a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy—all with minimal oil. Whether you’re craving breaded scallops, flaky fish, spicy Cajun salmon, or creative crab cakes, the air fryer brings out the best in every type of seafood. This collection of the 12 best air fryer seafood recipes covers everything from classic favorites like fish sticks and shrimp to innovative dishes like salmon nuggets and crab rangoon. Each recipe is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Dive into these mouthwatering recipes and discover how your air fryer can make seafood night both effortless and delicious.
Air Fryer Breaded Sea Scallops
Air fryer breaded sea scallops are a restaurant-quality appetizer or main that you can easily make at home. Large, juicy scallops are dipped in melted butter, then coated in a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and seafood seasoning. After a quick spritz of oil, the scallops are air-fried at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, resulting in a perfectly crisp, golden crust with a tender, succulent center. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley add brightness, making these scallops irresistible. Serve them as a show-stopping starter or pair with a simple salad for a light meal. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a beautiful sear without the mess of deep frying, making this dish both easy and impressive. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Sea Scallops
Air-Fried Crumbed Fish
Air-fried crumbed fish delivers all the crunch and flavor of classic fried fish with a fraction of the oil. Start by cutting your favorite white fish into nuggets or strips, then marinate with salt and pepper. Dip the fish in a light egg batter, coat with seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket. After 10–12 minutes at 200°C, the fish emerges crispy and golden on the outside, flaky and moist inside. Serve with a tangy dill mayonnaise or your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal that’s kid-friendly and perfect for busy nights. The air fryer’s high heat ensures a beautiful crust without the greasiness of traditional frying, making this a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Get the recipe: Air-Fried Crumbed Fish
Cajun Air Fryer Salmon
Cajun air fryer salmon is a bold, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Fresh salmon fillets are brushed with olive oil and generously coated in a homemade Cajun spice blend featuring smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and thyme. The fillets are air-fried at 400°F for about 8 minutes, resulting in a flaky, juicy interior with a perfectly seasoned, slightly crispy exterior. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a vibrant finish. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, offering a healthy dose of omega-3s and protein with minimal prep and cleanup. The air fryer locks in moisture and intensifies the Cajun flavors, making every bite a spicy, satisfying delight. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cajun Salmon
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air fryer crab cakes are a lighter, crispier take on a seafood classic, packed with sweet lump crab meat and minimal filler. The mixture combines crab, keto cracker crumbs or almond flour, fresh herbs, green onion, egg, and a touch of Old Bay seasoning for that signature flavor. After chilling to help them hold their shape, the crab cakes are brushed with melted butter and air-fried at 350°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. The result: golden, crunchy crab cakes that are tender and flavorful inside. Serve with lemon wedges and a spicy mayo or remoulade for dipping. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a special appetizer or light meal, with all the flavor and none of the grease. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Air fryer lemon pepper shrimp is a zesty, protein-packed dish ready in just 10 minutes. Fresh shrimp are peeled, tossed with lemon pepper seasoning, and arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket. After cooking at 390°F for about 9–10 minutes, the shrimp are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. Finish with a drizzle of melted butter, a splash of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor. These shrimp are perfect for salads, tacos, or as a quick appetizer. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a crisp texture without overcooking, making this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Air Fryer Shrimp and Polenta
Air fryer shrimp and polenta is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that pairs plump, garlicky shrimp with creamy baked polenta. The shrimp are quickly sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then finished in the air fryer for a perfectly tender texture. Serve the shrimp over a bed of oven-baked polenta, enriched with butter for extra creaminess. A splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley brighten the flavors, while the polenta provides a hearty, satisfying base. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings together the best of land and sea in every bite. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp and Polenta
Air Fryer Cajun Crab Cakes
Air fryer Cajun crab cakes are bursting with bold flavors, combining sweet lump crab meat with Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, onions, and a touch of hot sauce. The mixture is shaped into patties, chilled, and then air-fried at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy. The air fryer creates a perfect crust while keeping the inside moist and packed with crab flavor. Serve these crab cakes with a homemade remoulade sauce or a squeeze of lemon for a spicy, satisfying appetizer or main course. They’re easy to prep ahead and cook quickly, making them ideal for entertaining or a special family meal. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Air fryer crab rangoon is a lighter, crunchier version of the beloved takeout appetizer. Wonton wrappers are filled with a creamy mixture of reduced-fat cream cheese, lump crab meat, green onions, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Each wonton is sealed, spritzed with oil, and air-fried at 370°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crisp. The result is a batch of irresistible, crunchy crab rangoon with a gooey, flavorful center—perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties or game nights. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Crab Rangoon
Air Fryer Shrimp a la Bang Bang
Air fryer Bang Bang shrimp is a crispy, spicy-sweet sensation that’s both fun and easy to make. Shrimp are lightly breaded with panko and air-fried at 400°F for about 8 minutes, then tossed in a bold Bang Bang sauce made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. The result is shrimp that’s crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a creamy, tangy glaze. Serve with extra sauce for dipping and enjoy as an appetizer or a main with rice or salad. This dish is a healthier, just-as-delicious alternative to the restaurant favorite, ready in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Air Fryer Salmon Nuggets
Air fryer salmon nuggets are a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy salmon with a sweet and savory twist. Salmon is cut into cubes, marinated in a mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then air-fried at 380°F for about 6 minutes. The nuggets are brushed with a thickened glaze for extra flavor and shine. These salmon bites are perfect for kids, parties, or as an easy weeknight dinner. Serve with steamed rice, veggies, or as a protein-packed snack. The air fryer ensures the nuggets are crispy outside and tender inside, making them a hit with all ages. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Air fryer fish sticks deliver all the nostalgia and crunch of the childhood favorite, but in a healthier, homemade way. Cod fillets are sliced into sticks, dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in egg, and coated with panko breadcrumbs. Air-fried at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, the fish sticks come out golden and crispy, with a flaky interior. Serve with tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dip for a family-friendly meal that’s quick, easy, and far better than anything from the freezer aisle. Get the recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Panko-crusted air fryer mahi mahi is a show-stopping seafood dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. Mahi mahi fillets are brushed with olive oil, then coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Air-fried at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, the fish develops a crisp, golden crust while staying moist and flaky inside. Serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. This recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you want to serve something special without a lot of fuss. The air fryer’s even heat ensures perfect results every time, making this a must-try for seafood lovers. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Air fryers make it easy to enjoy your favorite seafood dishes with less oil, less mess, and all the flavor. From crispy scallops and flaky fish to spicy shrimp and creative crab cakes, these 12 air fryer seafood recipes are sure to become regulars in your meal rotation. Each dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Try them all and discover just how versatile and delicious air-fried seafood can be.
