Last Tuesday, I came home after a long day and wanted something light, fast, and satisfying without turning on the oven. I remembered a lonely package of orange roughy in the fridge—delicate, mild, and easy to overcook if I wasn’t careful. After months of experimenting with different air fryer settings, I finally found the perfect balance of time and temperature that keeps this fish tender inside and lightly crisp outside. This Air Fryer Orange Roughy is ready in just 10 minutes, and it’s the healthy seafood dinner that made me ditch the skillet for good.
Why This Air Fryer Orange Roughy Recipe Works
The secret to perfectly cooked orange roughy lies in its gentle handling and even heat circulation. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the fish a slightly crisp edge with almost no oil. By lightly misting the fillets and cooking them at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, the result is flaky, tender fish that feels indulgent yet fits into any healthy dinner plan. This method avoids the dryness common in baked versions and eliminates the need for breading or heavy sauces.
Air Fryer Orange Roughy – Flaky & Healthy in 10 Minutes
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Oil spray bottle
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
4 orange roughy fillets (about 4–6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil or olive oil spray
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Pat orange roughy fillets dry with paper towels.
Lightly coat both sides with olive oil or spray, then season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
Place fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer—avoid overlapping.
Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
Drizzle with lemon juice and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Air fryer models vary—adjust timing by 1–2 minutes as needed.
- Internal temperature should always reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- For best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave.
- Store leftovers up to 2 days in the fridge; reheat in air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or blackened seasoning.
Nutrition
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Orange Roughy recipe delivers perfectly flaky, healthy seafood in just 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate weeknight solution—quick to make, light on cleanup, and consistently delicious every time.
