Looking for a new and delicious way to cook halibut? Try using your air fryer! Air frying is a great healthy cooking method that gives you all the crispy, golden texture of deep frying without the extra fat and calories.
In this post, I’ll share my easy recipe for perfect air fryer halibut. With just a few simple ingredients like smoked paprika and chili powder, you can make tasty halibut steaks right at home in your air fryer.
This dish comes together quickly and easily and is full of flavor. Keep reading to learn the simple preparation steps as well as cooking times and temperatures.
I’ll also provide useful tips to ensure tender, flaky halibut every time. With this recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality halibut from the comfort of your own kitchen!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Healthier Choice: Halibut, a lean fish, is packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Air frying uses minimal oil, making this dish a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
You get to enjoy the crispy texture and rich flavor without the guilt of consuming excessive fats. This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
Simple and Quick Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook can be a challenge. That’s where this recipe shines! The preparation is straightforward, and the cooking time is just around 6-7 minutes.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone with a tight schedule, this recipe fits perfectly into your hectic life. It’s a practical solution for those moments when you need a quick yet delicious meal, proving that good food doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this air fryer halibut recipe you will need:
- 2 Halibut Filets (5-6oz each)
- 3/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily make the perfect halibut in the air fryer! Follow this simple recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 350F (180C) and patting the fish with paper towels to make sure it’s dry (otherwise you won’t get the crispy texture you’re looking for).
Step 2
Add these ingredients to a small bowl: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, and black pepper. Mix them together.
Step 3
Brush the fish with olive oil (on both sides of the fish). Then, coat them with the mixed seasonings.
Step 4
Place the halibut fish in the air fryer basket. Air fry them for about 6-7 minutes (or until the fish is golden brown).
After removing the fish from the air fryer, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving (it will be much more tender and juicy).
That’s it! Enjoy this amazing air fried halibut! This dish is super easy, but it tastes so good!
💡Tips
Here are some important tips for making the perfect air fryer halibut:
1. Make Sure It’s Dry Before Air Frying
Before coating the halibut fish in the seasonings, make sure it’s compltely dry.
Pat the fillets down with a paper towel and let them sit for a few minutes to ensure all of the excess moisture is absorbed.
When I made halibut in the air fryer for the first time, it wasn’t as crispy and juicy because I just cooked it straight from the fridge.
Now I avoid that mistake- and my air fry halibut fish turns out perfectly every time!
2. Keep An Eye On The Fish As It Cooks
When air frying halibut, it’s important to not over-cook the fish. Halibut can become dry if it is overcooked, so it is important to pay attention to the cooking time.
I recommend checking the fish after 4-5 minutes. There are some fish that are more forgiving if overcooked, but halibut is not one of them and will become dry and tough if it is cooked too long.
3. Internal Temperature
The fish is ready when the internal temperature reaches 135F. So, if you have a meat thermometer, use it to check the internal temperature.
4. Smoked Paprika
I added smoked paprika to this air fried halibut because it adds a nice smoky flavor. In my opinion- smoked paprika takes this dish to the next level!
I use smoked paprika in so many of my recipes- it’s my secret ingredient! Make sure you buy and use naturally smoked paprika and not the smoked-flavored stuff.
Real smoked paprika is cheap if you buy it in bulk. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use smoked salt instead.
5. Different Seasonings
You can try adding other seasonings (for example- onion powder can work wonders!) to the air fryer halibut.
Make this dish your own by experimenting with different herbs and spices.
Just make sure you don’t overpower the delicate flavor of the fish. Too much seasoning can easily ruin a good piece of halibut.
Variations
1. Cajun Blackened Air Fryer Halibut– The spicy, robust blend of paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, cayenne pepper, and lemon coats the tender white fish with big bold flavors before it crisps to perfection.
The kick of heat and herby aroma are sure to wake up your senses. Pass around dirty rice, buttery corn, and cool beverages to balance out the heat.
2. Air Fryer Halibut Tacos with Avocado Pico de Gallo– Ole! Take your Taco Tuesday to new heights with these crowd-pleasing halibut tacos.
The light and flaky fish gets a quick crisping in the air fryer then is layered into warm corn tortillas along with chunks of avocado, juicy tomato pico de gallo, queso fresco, shredded lettuce, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing.
3. Mediterranean Baked Halibut Wraps with Tzatziki- This Mediterranean-inspired spin on halibut turns the baked fish fillets into craveable wraps filled with vibrant flavors.
The halibut gets a flavor boost from lemon, garlic and herbs before baking. Thin slices of the flaky fish get stuffed into warm flatbread along with tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, tomato, red onion, cucumber, and lettuce.
4. Crispy Air Fried Halibut & Chips with Malt Vinegar Aioli- This air fryer version turns out hot and crispy baked halibut that’s delicately flavored with malt vinegar paired up with crunchy, golden fries.
The quick malt vinegar aioli adds a tangy, creamy punch. Sprinkle everything with salt and malt vinegar for an authentic touch.
5. Honey-Glazed Paradise- For a touch of sticky-sweet perfection, whip up a quick honey-mustard glaze with Dijon mustard, a drizzle of honey, and a squeeze of lemon. Brush your halibut with this nectar of the gods before air frying for 6-7 minutes. Top with toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of nutty delight.
Storage
You can store the cooked halibut fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place the halibut in the container while still warm or completely cooled.
For longer term storage of up to 2 months, you can freeze the cooked halibut. Allow the fish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer bag removing as much air as possible. Be sure to label the bag with the name and freeze date.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen halibut in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat the refrigerated halibut using the air fryer or oven until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Enjoy your halibut! Proper storage will keep it fresh and delicious.
Side Dishe Ideas
1. Air Fryer Eggplant Fries– Crispy eggplant fries are the ultimate side to go with fish! The light and crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the soft and tender halibut.
Plus, the subtle flavor of eggplant won’t overpower the fish. Fry up these eggplant fries in the air fryer until golden brown and serve alongside the halibut for a tasty meal.
2. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges– For a healthy and colorful side, make these sweet potato wedges in the air fryer. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances well with the savory halibut.
And the crispness of the wedges adds some fun texture to the plate. Simply toss potato wedges with oil, spices, and air fry until fork-tender. Delicious!
3. Air Fryer Carrot Fries – If you want something lighter, air fried carrot fries are just the thing. Shredded carrots tossed in oil and spices transform into a slightly sweet, crispy fry when air fried.
They make a nutritious side to the fish that adds some veggie goodness. Kids and adults alike will love these tasty matchstick fries.
4. Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes -For an easy, no-fuss side, fingerling potatoes are perfect. Simply toss the small potatoes with oil, garlic, and herbs and pop them into the air fryer.
In just 15 minutes, you’ll have the best roasted potatoes to serve alongside the juicy halibut fillets. The combo of crispy, garlicky potatoes and flaky fish is so good.
5. Air Fryer Curly Fries – When you want to kick things up a notch, curly fries are just the ticket. For maximum crispiness, air fry store-bought frozen curly fries per package instructions.
These salty, crispy fries pair fabulously with the mild flavor of the fish. The fun spirals catch all the lemon and tartar sauce drippings for finger-licking goodness. A tasty indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should the fish be completely thawed before cooking in the air fryer?
Yes, the fish should be fully thawed before air frying to ensure it cooks evenly throughout. Air frying frozen fish may result in the outside cooking too quickly while leaving the inside underdone.
2. What oil is best to brush on the fish for air frying?
Light olive oil and avocado oil work well for air frying fish. The oil helps the air fryer’s hot air circulate around the fish for crispy edges. Avoid thicker, heavier oils that can get gummy.
3. How can I tell when the fish is fully cooked in the air fryer?
Check for an internal temperature of 145°F using a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The fish should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.
4. Is it necessary to let the fish rest after air frying before serving?
Letting it rest 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you cut into it. The cooler internal temperature also brings out more flavor.
Thank you for reading! I hope you liked my airfryer halibut recipe! This dish, in my opinion- is one of the best ways to prepare halibut.
Air frying is a great way to get the crispiness of deep frying without all the extra fat and calories. Make sure to check out other great air fryer recipes on my website!
Air Fryer Halibut
- 2 Halibut Filets (5-6oz each)
- 3/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 350F (180C) and patting the fish with paper towels to make sure it’s dry (otherwise you won’t get the crispy texture).
- Add these ingredients to a small bowl: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, and black pepper. Mix them together.
- Brush the fish with olive oil (on both sides of the fish). Then, coat them with seasonings.
- Place the halibut fish in the air fryer basket. Air fry them for about 6-7 minutes (or until the fish is golden brown).After removing the fish from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving (it will be much more tender and juicy).