Air Fryer Halibut Recipe

Are you on the hunt for an entree that will wow your dinner guests? Brace yourself for a taste explosion with this Air Fryer Halibut recipe, a dinner game-changer that has become a personal favorite.

I fell in love with halibut not only for its rich, succulent taste but also for its plethora of health benefits, making it a win-win addition to any dinner table.

High in lean protein and brimming with essential omega-3 fatty acids, halibut promotes heart health and brain function, turning every meal into a nutrition-packed feast. But it's the simplicity and superior taste of this particular recipe that hooked me in the first place.

Imagine the scene: halibut fillets marinated in a revitalizing mix of olive oil, zesty lemon, and aromatic thyme, cooked to a mouth-watering perfection in an air fryer.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and the result is a marvel—a golden-brown, crispy exterior encasing a moist, flaky interior that will leave you yearning for the next bite.

Unlike traditional oven or skillet-cooked versions, the air fryer delivers a unique balance between a perfect crispy outside and a tender inside. It's this delightful contrast that sets it apart, making it my go-to choice.

So, strap in for a culinary journey that’s a triumvirate of flavor, health, and simplicity. Dust off your air fryer and join me in exploring the wonders of this Air Fryer Halibut recipe—a newfound treasure in your repertoire of kitchen triumphs.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
• Instructions
• Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature
• Serving Suggestions
• Tweaking the Recipe
• Handling Leftovers
• More Pro Tips for Success
• Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 halibut fillets (approximately 6-8 ounces each)
• 2 teaspoon olive oil
• juice of half a lemon
• 2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme (or other herbs of your choice)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Basting brush or culinary brush
• Tweezers for removing any bones from the halibut fillets (if necessary)
• Flat plate or sturdy plastic wrap for marinating
• Paper towels

Instructions

Halibut Marinade

Prepare the marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced thyme, salt, and pepper on a flat plate or plastic wrap.

Place the halibut fillets in the marinade and coat them well. If you don't have plastic wrap, you can use a flat plate and flip the fillets occasionally to ensure even marination.

Let the halibut marinate in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.

Air Frying the Halibut

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, remove the halibut fillets from the marinade. Pat dry with paper towels! Place them in the air fryer basket.

Air fry the halibut at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Carefully remove the cooked halibut from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula to avoid burns.

Transfer the air-fried halibut to a serving plate and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

If desired, garnish the halibut with fresh herbs and lemon slices, or serve it with a sauce of your choice, such as tartar sauce or a fresh lemon and herb sauce.

Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature

Cooking time and temperature with an air fryer can vary depending on the model, so get to know your machine.

If your air fryer runs hotter than usual, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking the halibut. On the flip side, if it cooks at lower temperatures, increase the cooking time to ensure the fish cooks thoroughly.

Watch the halibut closely as it cooks. Check its readiness by poking a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes apart easily, it's done. Adjust the cooking time as required.

For a crust with extra crunch, boost the temperature a little towards the end of the cooking cycle, or use your air fryer's "crisp" function if it has one. Stay alert during this stage to avoid burning the fish.

Remember, your personal taste matters. If you like your halibut more well-done, add a few more minutes to the cooking time. If you prefer it juicier, trim the cooking time slightly.

The goal here is to strike a balance between your air fryer's performance and your preferred doneness. With a bit of trial and error, you'll hit on the perfect combo for a flawless Air Fryer Halibut every time.

Serving Suggestions

Round off your meal with a side of roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, coupled with a crisp green salad. Enhance the halibut's flavor by squeezing fresh lemon juice over it just before serving.

For a fun twist, turn your air-fried halibut into delicious fish tacos. Nestle the fish in warm tortillas, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.

Tweaking the Recipe

Feel free to play with the recipe to suit your taste buds. Swap out the thyme for herbs like dill, parsley, or rosemary to introduce new flavors. Inject more tang into the marinade with a dash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce. If you fancy a change from halibut, white fish fillets like cod or snapper make great substitutes.

Handling Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container for up to two days. If you plan on freezing your cooked halibut, wrap it securely in plastic or place it in a freezer-safe container. It'll last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

More Pro Tips for Success

• ​​Preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, leading to more evenly cooked halibut.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leaving space around each halibut fillet allows the hot air to circulate properly, achieving a crispy exterior on all sides.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the halibut. The fish is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C), making it a handy tool to ensure perfect doneness every time.
• Pat dry the halibut fillets before marinating. Removing excess moisture from the surface helps the marinade stick better and enhances the browning process in the air fryer.
• Don't skip resting time after cooking. Allow the halibut to rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the air fryer. This helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a moist and flaky fillet.
• Be creative with your seasonings. While salt and pepper are essentials, feel free to experiment with other spices, such as paprika, cayenne, or garlic powder, to add more depth to the flavor.
• Make sure to clean your air fryer after each use. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of old food particles, which can impart unwanted flavors to your halibut.

Remember, cooking is an art as much as a science, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your air fryer.

Don't stop here; there's plenty more to discover on our blog! We're brimming with a trove of delectable recipes, clever ingredient swaps, and handy air fryer tips and tricks to elevate your culinary journey. Dive in and let us inspire your next kitchen adventure—we're excited to be a part of your home cooking evolution.

Recipe