This air fryer monkfish recipe is ready in under 20 minutes! Learn how to cook a delicious monkfish dinner with a few simple ingredients using your air fryer. In this recipe, monkfish fillets are covered with a flavorful garlic butter sauce and then served with fresh thyme and lemon wedges.

Monkfish are a bit odd-looking, but trust me it is delicious! This fish has a sweet and mild flavor and it's very easy to prepare, even for the beginner cook. It tastes similar to lobster but it has a much more affordable price tag. Also try my pan fried monkfish recipe.

My favorite way to prepare seafood is in the air fryer. It's a convenient choice for weeknight meals and because monkfish has firm fillets it doesn't fall apart easily when air fried.

Cooking in 10 minutes, monkfish fillets are made without a breading but are instead seasoned simply with minced garlic, butter, and fresh thyme. This easy air fryer monkfish recipe is tender and juicy with wonderful flavor!

Recipe ingredients

2 Monkfish fillets. Sometimes labeled as American Angler, the fillets are large with dark pink coloring. I like to cut them into even sections so they are easier to work with. If using frozen fish thaw completely before using.

Olive oil and butter. Creates the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Salt and black pepper. Just a bit for seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper has a stronger and fresher flavor than preground.

Fresh thyme. Gives a nice fresh flavor to this air-fried monkfish recipe.

Garlic. Minced and added to the butter sauce. It pairs well with seafood and fresh lemon juice.

Lemon. Lemon wedges are used for serving and give a bright citrus flavor to this dish.

How to make air fryer monkfish

Prepare you monkfish fillets. If the fish is frozen pull it out of the freezer and place in the fridge overnight to thaw. Or just leave it on the kitchen counter for couple hours if you are short in time.

Cut each fillet in two even pieces (or cut on quarters like i did). It doesnt really matter, just make sure that the pieces are even. Melt butter in the small bowl using a microwave. If using olive oil instead of butter, just pour it in the small bowl.

Add minced or finely chopped garlic, more olive oil, salt and pepper, stir. Dip each piece in seasoned butter and then place in the air fryer. Use air fryer liner if needed. It will prevent fish from sticking to the bottom of the basket.

Baste monkfish with more butter oil mixture on top. Cook at 360 degrees for 10 minutes. It may take a little less or more time to fully cook the fish, depending on how thick it is.

The internal temperature of fully cooked fish should be at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dip.

What type of fish is it

Monkfish are bottom-dwelling fish that live deep in the North Atlantic ocean. It is an interesting-looking fish that has a very large head, mouth, and thick skin. While not the most beautiful fish in the sea, it is a delicious treat!

A common choice on restaurant menus and in French cuisine, monkfish is very easy to prepare. This deep-sea fish actually has a similar taste and texture to lobster. It is a budget-friendly option oftentimes referred to as "the poor man's lobster".

The light and sweet flavor of this fish isn't fishy-tasting at all and appeals to seafood lovers and picky eaters alike!

Monkfish is also prized for its dense and meaty texture which allows it to be cooked in the air fryer without you having to worry about it falling apart like more delicate fish.

Substitutions

Monkfish. If you can't find monkfish you can substitute it for other firm white fish such as halibut, cod, haddock, or red snapper.

Oil. I like the flavor of olive oil and butter together, but feel free to use all olive oil or butter if you prefer.

Herbs. Use your favorite fresh herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or parsley.

Garlic. If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead of freshly minced.

Variations

Sprinkle monkfish fillets with cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper for a hint of spice, ground paprika for color and a subtle smoky flavor, or Old Bay seasoning.

If you don't have an air fryer, pan-fry the fillets with butter or olive oil until cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

Side dishes

There is a large variety of side dishes that go so well with white fish! Start with something crunchy and healthy like Turkish red cabbage salad, so vibrant! Roasted vegetables are a great idea, like zucchinis, corn on the cob, mushrooms or grilled asparagus.

For a more filling meal make white or brown rice and serve it with the fish. I love how well mashed potatoes go with the seafood too.

Make a fresh spring salad with romaine lettuce or arugula, kale, cherry tomatoes, onion and cucumbers. Drizzle olive oil and a little bit of balsamic vinegar and enjoy your healthy dinner!

Leftovers

Leftovers. Store air fryer monkfish in the air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer. You can freeze cooked fish. Place fish bites in the freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat. Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute or in the air fryer at 400 degrees for couple minutes or until nice and hot.

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Hope you will like this air fryer monkfish recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.