Air Fryer Mediterranean Seafood Paella

Name: Air Fryer Mediterranean Seafood Paella
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice or short grain rice; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 1 medium tomato, diced; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 8 mussels, cleaned and debearded; 6 oz firm white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

By AirFryFeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 19, 2026 | Updated Jun 17, 2026

A Mediterranean seafood paella made effortlessly in the air fryer. This, one-pot dish features shrimp, mussels, white fish, saffron-infused rice, and vibrant vegetables, delivering crispy textures savory Mediterranean flavors—perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Air fryerMediterraneanMediumAir Fryer Friendly

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings4

Temperature360°F / 182°C, then 350°F / 175°C

Ingredients

Servings4

1 cup Arborio rice or short grain rice
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 mussels, cleaned and debearded
6 oz firm white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Soak the saffron threads in warm water and set aside to release their color and aroma.
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
In a heatproof, air fryer-safe shallow pan or dish (approx. 8 inches in diameter), heat the olive oil over medium heat on the stovetop or use your air fryer’s 'preheat with oil' feature if available.
Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add the diced red and green bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in the diced tomato, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
Add the rice to the pan and stir well, ensuring it’s coated with the oils and spices.
Pour in the broth and the saffron with its soaking water. Stir gently to combine evenly but do not overmix.
Top the rice mixture evenly with the shrimp, mussels, and white fish pieces.
Cover the pan loosely with foil or an air fryer-compatible lid to prevent excessive drying and allow steam to build during cooking.
Place the pan inside the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F (182°C) for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil carefully and scatter the peas over the top. Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the seafood to cook through and the rice to develop a slight crispy crust on the bottom.
Check that the seafood is opaque and cooked through and the rice is tender. If needed, cook 2-3 minutes longer uncovered.
Remove from the air fryer and let the paella rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
To freeze: Allow paella to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and rewarm in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Recipe guidance

Crispiness Control

Pat the arborio rice or short grain rice dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.