This easy air fryer halibut recipe is one of those dinners that looks like it took much more effort than it actually did. The fillets are marinated with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and thyme, then cooked until the outside is golden while the middle stays moist and flaky. With 32 grams of protein per serving, it also makes a filling dinner without needing a long list of ingredients.
If you’re learning how to cook halibut fillet without drying it out, the air fryer makes it super easy. For another easy fish dinner, try Air Fryer White Fish next. Keep reading for the cooking time, temperature, and a few simple things that help the halibut stay tender.
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Video Tutorial
Try This Air Fryer Halibut
For me, the best way to cook halibut fillet is one that doesn’t cover up the flavor of the fish. Lemon and fresh thyme are enough to give these fillets a fresh, herby taste, while the olive oil helps with that golden outside.
This air fryer halibut recipe is also quick once the fish has finished marinating. Eight to ten minutes is all it needs in the air fryer, and I like that you get a crisp exterior without losing that soft, flaky middle.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick cooking method: Once marinated, the halibut only needs 8–10 minutes in the air fryer, much less time than you would need using the traditional oven method.
- Simple marinade: Olive oil, lemon, thyme, salt, and pepper are all you need for its delicious, mild flavor.
- Moist and flaky: The middle stays tender while the outside becomes golden.
- High in protein: Each serving contains 32 grams of protein.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Halibut fillets: I like using 6–8 ounce fillets because they’re substantial enough for dinner but still cook quickly. Thickness can vary, so I always keep an eye on them toward the end. Cod can also be used as a substitute.
- Olive oil: Two teaspoons are enough to coat the fish without making it oily. It also helps the thyme, lemon, salt, and pepper cling to the fillets.
- Fresh thyme: I like fresh thyme with fish because it adds plenty of herby flavor without overpowering the halibut. Make sure it’s finely minced so it spreads evenly through the marinade.
- Lemon juice: Half a lemon gives the marinade a fresh, tangy flavor. I also like adding fresh lemon at the table when I want a little more acidity.
How to Make Air Fryer Halibut
1. Prepare the marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced thyme, salt, and black pepper on a flat plate or plastic wrap.
2. 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.
3. Let the halibut marinate in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, remove the halibut fillets from the marinade. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry 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.
7. Carefully remove the cooked halibut from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula to avoid burns.
8. Transfer the air-fried halibut to a serving plate and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
9. If desired, garnish the halibut with fresh herbs like parsley and lemon slices, or serve it with a sauce of your choice, such as tartar sauce or a fresh lemon and herb sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the halibut dry before marinating so the marinade sticks better and the fish browns nicely.
- Preheat the air fryer before adding the fish so it starts cooking at the correct temperature.
- Leave space around each fillet rather than crowding the basket.
- Start checking the fish toward the end of the cooking time, especially if your fillets are thin.
- The halibut is ready when it has a flaky texture when pierced with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), using an instant-read thermometer.
- Let the fish rest for a few minutes after cooking to help it stay moist.
- When it comes to cooking fish, you can also add or remove some ingredients as you wish, like adding garlic powder, paprika, or adding lemon zest, etc.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Roasted asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
- Crisp green salad as a side dish
- Warm tortillas for fish tacos
FAQs
Keep a close eye on the fish toward the end of cooking and remove it once it flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C). Letting it rest briefly after cooking also helps keep the fillet moist.
You don’t have to. Halibut can be cooked with the skin on or off, although fillets are often sold skinless. If yours has the skin attached, you can cook it that way and remove the skin after cooking if you don’t want to eat it.
Excess surface moisture can make fish more likely to stick. Pat the halibut dry before cooking and make sure the air fryer is properly preheated. A lightly greased basket can also help the fillets release more easily.
Recipe
Air Fryer Halibut
Equipment
- 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
Ingredients
- 2 halibut fillets (approximately 6-8 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- juice of half a lemon
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
- pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry the halibut at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.Taste & Texture
Golden on the outside with a moist, flaky center and fresh lemon and thyme flavor.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Wrap cooked halibut securely or place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen halibut in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Recommendations
- I like serving this with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts and a crisp green salad.
- For something different, flake the fish into warm tortillas and add lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and your favorite sauce.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the fresh thyme for dill, parsley, or rosemary.
- Add a little balsamic vinegar or soy sauce to the marinade for a different flavor.
- Cod or snapper can be used instead of halibut.
Proper Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in a sealed container.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Freeze securely wrapped portions for up to 3 months and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pro Tips
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking for more even results.
- Leave enough room between the fillets for the hot air to circulate.
- Pat the fillets dry before marinating to help with browning.
- Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Video
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