Air Fryer Halibut Recipe

Whether you prefer to follow a healthy diet, you’re a pescatarian, or you simply enjoy a nice piece of fish – this air fryer halibut is quick, easy, delicious, and nutritious!

Better yet, it only requires a few ingredients and takes less than 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Complete with traditional flavors like garlic, onion, paprika, and lemon, this recipe produces juicy, decadent fish filets that pair well with everything from brown rice to fresh vegetables.

Using basic herbs and spices found in the everyday pantry, you can elevate this humble protein into a flaky, tender, and succulent dish that boasts as much flavor as it does nutritional value.

Low in calories and carbohydrates, this halibut is a perfect option for anyone looking to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. Before you know it, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Here’s Everything You’ll Need

• 2 Fresh 6-ounce halibut fillets 
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or olive oil spray
• 1 Tsp paprika
• 1 Tsp kosher salt
• ½ Tsp lemon pepper
• ½ Tsp oregano
• 1 Tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tsp onion powder 

Optional

• 2-3 Lemon wedges for serving
• 1 Tsp fresh chives
• 1 Tsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp orange juice

Here’s How to Make Air Fryer Halibut

Step 1: Start with Fresh or Thawed Halibut Fillets

In the interest of keeping this recipe quick, you’ll want to start with two fresh or thoroughly thawed 6-ounce halibut fillets.

While you can use frozen fillets in a pinch, you can expect the cooking time to double.

Step 2: Ensure Halibut is Dry Prior to Seasoning

Take your halibut fillets and rinse them lightly with cold or room temperature water. 

Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel, removing all excess moisture before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Combine Spices in a Small Bowl

Once you’ve removed as much moisture as possible, we can focus on flavor.

Because the flavors of this fish rely solely on seasoning rather than breading, taking the time to properly measure your seasonings is key to the recipe’s success.

Take your salt, lemon pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, and oregano, and measure them carefully into a small bowl. Mix the seasonings thoroughly using a whisk or fork until well combined.

Step 4: Brush Each Fillet with Olive Oil

Pour your olive oil into a bowl and use a marinade brush to evenly coat both sides of each halibut fillet. 

Alternatively, olive oil cooking spray can also be used, spraying each side from about 6 inches away until lightly coated.

Step 5: Coat Fillets Evenly with Seasoning Mix

Lay your fish on a plate and coat each side with your seasoning blend until they are evenly covered.

Should you choose to use lemon or orange juice, you would also add that now using your marinade brush or squeezing it onto the fillets directly from fresh wedges.

Step 6: Position Fish in Air Fryer Basket

If you are concerned with your fish sticking to the air fryer basket, you might consider first inserting an air-fryer-safe nonstick mat.

Don’t have a mat? No worries. You can simply spray your air fryer rack with olive oil.

Next, arrange your halibut fillets in an even layer inside the air fryer basket. You can cook up to 4 6-ounce fillets in the average air fryer, leaving an inch of space between each.

Step 7: Cook Fillets

Once your fish is inside your air fryer, you’ll want to cook the fillets according to the make of your air fryer.

Typically, that means cooking the halibut at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes.

For more information regarding cook time according to the model of your air fryer, check out the handy chart below.

Optional:

Serve with sliced lemon wedges and top with fresh chives.

Optional Modifications and Substitutions

Like the majority of white fish, halibut is a versatile protein that serves as a highly nutritional protein that can be served with practically any side from quinoa and pasta to rice, fresh vegetables, and everything in-between.

Depending on how you plan to serve your halibut, there’s a wide variety of herbs, spices, and sauces that can be used in place of the ingredients in this recipe. 

For example, rather than using olive oil on the fish itself, you could opt for sesame oil and ginger. For more flavor ideas, check out the suggestions below.

Herbs and Spices

• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Basil
• Chili powder
• Thyme
• Dill
• Rosemary
• Ginger
• Black pepper

Sauces and Marinades

• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Lime
• Chimmichurri
• Brown butter sauce
• Curry
• Coconut water

Alternative Recipe Ideas

Whether you’ve tried this recipe and are looking to switch it up or you’re simply curious about other ways to prepare this modest yet delicious protein – we’ve got you covered with several options.

Since we’re aiming to keep things healthy, each of the following alternative recipe ideas maintains its low-carb, low-calorie status.

So, whether you’re keto or would like to experiment with a light, healthy breaded option, the possibilities are practically endless.

Panko Crusted Air Fryer Halibut

For this version, you would mix your seasonings with ⅓ C of panko breadcrumbs. With a larger, crispier texture than typical breading and a more nutritious makeup, panko is an excellent option for breading halibut. 

Additionally, it can easily be paired with any of the spices mentioned earlier.

Should you choose to bread your halibut, you’ll want to add 2-3 minutes to your cooking time.

Keto Air Fryer Halibut

Interested in keto halibut? If so, simply take this recipe and add ½ C of parmesan to your spice blend prior to coating your fillets.

In the end, you’ll have a light, crispy protein that helps you maintain ketosis while enjoying the flavors you love.

Asian Air Fryer Halibut

For a sweet mild flavor with a light and flaky texture, take things up a notch with Thai-inspired flavors.

Using brown sugar, oyster sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, fish sauce, and soy sauce, you’ve got yourself a lovely, perfectly caramelized dish that can be served with rice or steamed veggies.

Teriyaki Air Fryer Halibut

Sometimes nothing beats the classically sweet and tangy flavors of teriyaki sauce. Perfect for marinating ahead of time, this recipe calls for keto teriyaki sauce, xantham gum, and toasted white sesame seeds for a sweet glaze and crunch texture.

Air Fryer Cooking Times

Can You Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?

The majority of proteins out there benefit greatly from preparation ahead of cooking. And this halibut is no different. 

Should you choose to prep your halibut ahead of time, you can quickly follow steps 1-5 above, storing it in a covered dish for up to 2 days prior to cooking.

The early application of the oil and spices will actually promote a stronger flavor.

Can You Use Frozen Halibut Fillets?

While it is recommended that you use fresh halibut, you can use frozen fillets should you prefer.

Keep in mind, however, that you will have to cook the fillets for twice as long, flipping your fish halfway through.

Proper Storage

Whether you’re cooking this recipe for consumption throughout the week or looking to preserve leftovers, you’ll want to start with a shallow, airtight container. 

Place your halibut inside your container either alone or wrapped in foil/saran wrap. Cover the container and place it inside the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can This Dish Be Frozen and Eaten in The Future?

Absolutely! Simply prepare your fillets according to the recipe above then allow them to cool. Next, place your halibut inside an airtight, freezer-safe container, and place it inside the freezer.

When stored properly, this dish can be frozen safely for up to 3 months.

Other Tips and Tricks

If you’re unsure about your cooking time, once finished, your halibut should reach a temperature of 130-135 degrees.

For a firm yet flaky fish, you want the center of your fillet to appear opaque but not glossy or pink. 

Air Fryer Halibut

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

As it turns out, halibut is an excellent protein to prepare in the air fryer. Using fresh, ready-to-use fillets from your grocery store, this juicy, decadent fish can be prepared in under 15 minutes from start to finish in the average air fryer.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 Fresh 6-ounce halibut fillets
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or olive oil spray
• 1 Tsp paprika
• 1 Tsp kosher salt
• ½ Tsp lemon pepper
• ½ Tsp oregano
• 1 Tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tsp onion powder
• Optional
• 2-3 Lemon wedges for serving
• 1 Tsp fresh chives
• 1 Tsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp orange juice

Instructions

1. Start with 2 fresh 6-ounce halibut fillets
2. Lightly rinse the fillets then pat them dry with a paper towel
3. Measure spices into a small bowl and mix them until thoroughly combined
4. Brush each side of your halibut with olive oil
5. Sprinkle your seasoning mix on each side of the halibut until it is evenly coated
6. Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil then arrange your fish in an even layer

Cook fillets according to your air fryer - typically at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes

Notes

If you’d prefer larger fillets, simply add a minute per every 4-ounces to your cook time.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 353Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 1078mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 40g

Keren Tayler

My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms.  Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.