Air-Fryer Seafood Recipes That'll Have You Reaching for Seconds

These air-fryer seafood recipes are reel delicious. And because the popular appliance is essentially a pint-sized convection oven, each of these air-fryer recipes—salmon, scallop, shrimp—cook way faster than you might guess. No fresh fish? No problem; frozen fish in the air fryer works well too. Try these with whatever similar style of fish you have stocked in your freezer.

While we prefer making our breading or batter from scratch, you can crisp up frozen fish in the air fryer even if you purchased it already pre-breaded, heat-and-eat style. Simply preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F (see the manual for your appliance), spray the basket with nonstick spray, add the frozen fish, and close the air fryer to begin cooking. Air-fry for about 10 minutes (or until fully cooked), flipping halfway.

If you have the time and ingredients to DIY, try these fast, filling air-fryer seafood recipes.

Southern-Style "Fried" Catfish and Green Beans

This air-fryer seafood recipe transforms an affordable battered catfish filet into something you might expect to find at a restaurant with lines around the block. Plus, it's done in just 25 minutes! The panko bread crumb coating crisps up beautifully in the air fryer ($70, Target), as do the sweet-and-spicy air-fried green beans. Serve with a dill-scented tartar sauce and lemon wedges to round out the surprisingly healthful fish fry.

Crispy Air-Fried Popcorn Shrimp

Air-fryer fish sticks are good. But you know what's even better? Air-fryer popcorn shrimp, especially when you make 'em like we do with a hint of Mexican flair. Start with small shrimp, then coat them in panko, cumin, and garlic powder. Air-fry until crunchy, then dunk in a simple south-of-the-border "cocktail sauce" featuring ketchup, chipotles, cilantro, and lime juice.

Air-Fryer Scallops with Lemon-Herb Sauce

Ooh, la la! This air-fryer seafood recipe looks and tastes like it came straight from the Top Chef challenge table. It'll be our little secret that it only took 25 minutes and 6 ingredients (plus salt, pepper, and oil) to add this showy, low-carb entrée to your dinner spread. Briny capers, tangy lemon, and peppery parsley round out the flavors of this quick and easy seafood dish.

Air-Fryer Greek Salmon Burgers

Bye-bye, beef. You've had your day; it's time for air-fryer salmon burgers to enter the spotlight come burger night. Simply swap the ground turkey we call for in this recipe with salmon that you roughly chop in a food processor ($100, Bed Bath & Beyond), or use canned salmon. The rich fish pairs perfectly with the other Mediterranean diet staples in this healthy air-fryer recipe, including fresh oregano, spinach, garlic, olive oil, red onion, and feta cheese.

Air-Fryer Fish Cakes

These Thai fish cakes make for a speedy date night dinner with less mess and fat than their deep-fried cousins. You're 20 minutes away from digging into two high-protein, wildly tasty fish cakes each. The even better news? This can be an air-fryer cod, grouper, or catfish recipe, depending on whatever is fresh at your market (or already in your fridge).

Air-Fried Salmon with Horseradish Rub

Like your favorite fancy seafood date night spot, this air-fryer salmon has a satisfying seared crust when you cook it via convection. The gluten-free, keto-friendly entrée also has an easy yet enticing flavor-boosting condiment cooked right on, no dunking or drizzling required. Before cooking, top each salmon fillet with horseradish, parsley, capers, and oil for the flavorful "crust."