This foolproof air fryer halibut recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It delivers an unbelievably delicious fish dinner—perfectly flaky and moist on the inside with a gorgeous, lightly crisped golden-brown exterior—in just about 10 minutes. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked fish forever. This method is simple, healthy, and incredibly fast.
We’ve all been there: you invest in beautiful halibut fillets, only to have them turn out dry or stick to the pan. The air fryer completely changes the game. The circulating hot air cooks the fish quickly and evenly, locking in moisture while creating a delicate crust that’s simply irresistible. This recipe uses a simple lemon and garlic seasoning blend that enhances the mild, sweet flavor of the halibut without overpowering it.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Halibut Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in about 10 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
- Perfectly Cooked, Every Time: The air fryer provides consistent heat, giving you flaky, tender, and moist fish without any guesswork.
- Healthy & Light: This recipe uses just a touch of oil, making it a lean, protein-packed meal that’s low in carbs and high in flavor.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in the air fryer basket means less mess and fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to let the quality of the halibut shine.
- Halibut Fillets: You’ll need two 6-ounce fillets, about 1-inch thick. You can use fresh or frozen (see notes below on cooking from frozen).
- Olive Oil: A light coating helps the seasonings adhere and prevents the fish from drying out. Avocado oil also works well.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic base flavor.
- Paprika: Provides beautiful color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish after cooking. Serve with extra wedges on the side.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a little chopped parsley adds a touch of fresh, vibrant flavor and color.
How to Make Halibut in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
Cooking halibut in the air fryer is as easy as 1-2-3. Just season, cook, and serve!
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This is a crucial step for getting a nice sear.
- Prepare the Halibut: While the air fryer preheats, pat the halibut fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This helps them get crispy. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it evenly over all sides of the fish.
- Season the Fish: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the halibut fillets.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Place the seasoned halibut fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. There’s no need to flip them.
- Check for Doneness: The halibut is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The most accurate way to check is with an instant-read thermometer—it should register 135°F to 140°F in the thickest part.
- Serve: Carefully remove the halibut from the air fryer. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Halibut
Follow these simple tips to guarantee your fish comes out perfectly flaky and delicious every single time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Leave space between the fillets to allow the hot air to circulate freely. This is key to ensuring the fish cooks evenly and gets a slightly crispy exterior. Cook in batches if necessary.
Pat the Fish Dry
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use a paper towel to pat your halibut fillets very dry before adding oil and seasonings. This simple step makes a huge difference.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Don’t skip the preheat! A hot basket helps sear the outside of the fish as soon as it goes in, preventing it from sticking and helping it cook more evenly.
The Perfect Internal Temperature
The number one mistake when cooking halibut is overcooking it. Lean fish like halibut cooks very quickly. The safest bet is to use an instant-read thermometer. Pull the fish out when it reaches 135°F; it will continue to cook for a minute after you remove it from the heat, reaching a perfect final temperature of around 140-145°F.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
While the simple seasoning is fantastic, feel free to customize this recipe to your liking.
- Spice It Up: For a bit of a kick, try using a different spice blend. A Cajun or blackened halibut seasoning (coming soon) adds a wonderful smoky heat.
- Add a Crispy Panko Crust: For extra crunch, press some panko breadcrumbs onto the top of the oiled fillets after seasoning. If you love a crunchy coating, you might also enjoy this easy oven-baked breaded halibut.
- Simple Lemon Dill Sauce: Whisk together 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a quick, creamy sauce.
Cooking Frozen Halibut in the Air Fryer
Forgot to thaw your fish? No problem! You can cook halibut from frozen in the air fryer. Simply preheat your air fryer to 390°F (195°C). Rinse the frozen fillets under cold water to remove any ice crystals and pat them dry. Season as directed and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the fillets.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Halibut
This versatile dish pairs well with almost anything. For a complete, healthy meal, serve it with roasted asparagus, a fresh green salad, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. The quick cooking time means you can easily prepare your side dishes while the fish is in the air fryer.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out quickly.
Air Fryer Halibut Recipe (Crispy, Flaky & Ready in 10 Minutes!)
This foolproof air fryer halibut recipe delivers perfectly flaky, tender fish with a crispy golden crust. Made with lemon, garlic, and simple spices in just 10 minutes, it's the ultimate healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the halibut fillets completely dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat all sides.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the halibut.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the seasoned fillets in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- The halibut is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C). Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For Frozen Halibut: Cook at 390°F (195°C) for 12-15 minutes. No need to thaw first.
Doneness: Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to avoid overcooking the fish. Remove it from the air fryer at 135°F for perfectly moist results.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Air Fryer Halibut Recipe (Crispy, Flaky & Ready in 10 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the halibut fillets completely dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat all sides.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the halibut.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the seasoned fillets in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- The halibut is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C). Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Doneness: Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to avoid overcooking the fish. Remove it from the air fryer at 135°F for perfectly moist results.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Halibut Recipe
Yes, absolutely! There’s no need to thaw it first. Cook frozen halibut fillets at 390°F (195°C) for about 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
There are two key steps. First, always preheat your air fryer before adding the fish. Second, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of oil just before placing the fillets inside. A light coating of oil on the fish itself also helps.
The halibut is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For the most accurate result, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature in the thickest part of the fillet should be between 135°F and 140°F (57-60°C).
For fresh, unfrozen halibut fillets that are about 1-inch thick, the ideal temperature is 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps to quickly crisp the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender.
A simple blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is fantastic as it complements the mild flavor of halibut. However, you can also use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite fish seasoning blend.
More Delicious Fish Recipes To Try
If you loved how easy and delicious this recipe was, you’ll be thrilled to explore other simple cooking methods. For a classic oven-cooked meal, this simple easy baked halibut recipe (coming soon) is a must-try. And if you want to achieve a perfect restaurant-quality crust, you can’t go wrong with this easy pan seared halibut recipe.
I hope you love this simple and delicious air fryer halibut recipe! It’s proof that a healthy, elegant dinner can be on the table in minutes. If you try it, please leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! For more easy recipe ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
