If you love tender, flaky fish with a crisp edge and minimal effort, this air fryer halibut is a game changer. It cooks fast, tastes fresh, and doesn’t require a pile of dishes or a deep fryer. The coating is light and seasoned just right, so the halibut shines without being greasy.
Whether you’re feeding the family or making a solo weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy results in minutes.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Fast and foolproof: Halibut cooks in about 8–10 minutes in the air fryer, and the method is simple enough for beginners.
- Delicate and crispy: A thin, seasoned coating keeps the outside crisp while the fish stays moist and flaky.
- Clean flavors: Lemon, garlic, and a touch of paprika highlight halibut’s mild sweetness without overpowering it.
- Light yet satisfying: No heavy breading or deep-frying—just a crisp crust and juicy fish.
- Weeknight-friendly: Minimal prep, pantry spices, and easy cleanup make this a go-to dish.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.25 pounds halibut fillets, skin removed, cut into 2–4 portions (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus a little extra for the basket)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fine breadcrumbs or panko, lightly crushed (optional for extra crispness)
- Cooking spray or a thin film of oil for the air fryer basket
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley, for serving
How to Make It
- Pat the fish dry: Use paper towels to remove surface moisture from the halibut. Dry fish browns better and won’t steam in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps create a crisp crust.
- Season the fillets: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Brush or rub this mixture all over the halibut.
- Add optional crunch: If you’d like extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed panko lightly over the tops. Press gently so they stick, but don’t overcoat.
- Prepare the basket: Lightly oil or spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the halibut in a single layer with some space between pieces.
- Air fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Thinner pieces may be done around 7–8 minutes; thicker fillets may need up to 11–12 minutes. The fish should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of 130–135°F for moist, medium doneness (or up to 140°F if you prefer fully firm).
- Rest and finish: Let the halibut rest for 2 minutes in the basket. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or warm gently in a skillet with a little oil.
Avoid microwaving for too long—it can dry the fish out.
- Freeze: Cooked halibut can be frozen, but texture may firm up. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Health Benefits
- Lean protein: Halibut is a great source of high-quality protein with relatively low fat.
- Omega-3s: While not as high as salmon, halibut still provides heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids.
- Vitamins and minerals: It’s rich in selenium, B vitamins, magnesium, and phosphorus, supporting metabolism and immune function.
- Lighter cooking method: Air frying uses far less oil than pan-frying or deep-frying, keeping calories and saturated fat in check.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip drying the fish: Extra moisture prevents browning and leads to soggy edges.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: If the pieces touch, they steam instead of crisp.
Cook in batches if needed.
- Don’t overcook: Halibut can go from juicy to dry fast. Start checking at 7 minutes and use a thermometer.
- Don’t use thick, heavy breading: You’ll lose the light texture that makes this recipe shine.
- Don’t forget to preheat: A cold air fryer delays browning and affects texture.
Alternatives
- Different fish: Try cod, haddock, mahi-mahi, or sea bass. Adjust cook time based on thickness.
- Seasoning swaps: Use Cajun seasoning for heat, lemon-pepper for brightness, or a touch of cumin and coriander for a warm, earthy profile.
- Gluten-free: Skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free panko.
The fish still crisps nicely without them.
- Dairy-free sauces: Serve with a quick lemon-garlic olive oil drizzle or dairy-free tartar sauce.
- Citrus twist: Replace lemon with lime and add chili flakes for a zesty kick.
- Herb finish: Top with fresh dill, chives, or basil for extra freshness.
FAQ
How do I know when halibut is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork, look opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 130–135°F for tender, moist results. If you like it firmer, go up to 140°F, but avoid overcooking.
Can I cook halibut with the skin on?
You can, but halibut skin is thick and not typically eaten. If you leave it on, place it skin-side down and remove the skin after cooking.
Do I need to marinate the fish?
Not necessary.
A quick rub with oil, lemon, and spices adds plenty of flavor. If you want to marinate, keep it brief—about 15–20 minutes—so the lemon doesn’t “cook” the fish.
Why did my fish stick to the basket?
The basket may not have been oiled, or the fish was moved too soon. Lightly oil the basket and let the surface of the fish sear for a couple minutes before trying to lift or flip it.
Should I flip the halibut in the air fryer?
Flipping isn’t required for 1-inch fillets, but you can flip halfway through for slightly more even browning.
If the fish is delicate, skip the flip to prevent breaking.
Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
Yes. The fish will still get a light crust from the spices and air circulation. Breadcrumbs simply add a bit more crunch.
What sides go well with air fryer halibut?
Try roasted asparagus, a light green salad, garlicky green beans, lemon rice, or quinoa.
A simple slaw with citrus dressing is great too.
Is halibut sustainable?
Look for halibut labeled as sustainably sourced, such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified options. Availability and sustainability can vary by region.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer halibut is the kind of meal that looks impressive but takes almost no effort. With a quick seasoning and a few minutes of cook time, you get tender, flaky fish with a crisp edge and bright lemon flavor.
Keep the method simple, don’t overcook it, and you’ll have a reliable, healthy dinner that fits any weeknight. Serve it with your favorite vegetables and a squeeze of lemon, and enjoy a clean, satisfying plate.