Cooking fish at home always used to stress me out. I mean, I love a good seafood dish, but the whole process—figuring out how to cook halibut just right without drying it out—felt way too complicated for a busy mom of three. But then I discovered the magic of the best air fryer and, let me tell you, it changed everything.
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook halibut in the air fryer, this is hands down one of the easiest air fryer fish recipes you’ll ever try. We’re talking crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and zero babysitting required. No more overcooked, sad fish—just perfectly seasoned air fryer halibut recipes that taste straight-up restaurant quality. And the best part? It’s done in less time than it takes my kids to decide they actually don’t like the dinner they just begged me to make.
This is one of those easy halibut recipes that works with fresh or frozen fish, so whether you’re meal-prepping or just need a quick weeknight dinner, you’re covered. If you love air fryer recipes halibut, this one’s gonna be a favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up the best air fryer, and let’s make the easiest, crispiest halibut in the air fryer—because dinner should be simple, delicious, and mom-approved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fast – Ready in under 15 minutes. A literal lifesaver on busy nights.
- Easy Cleanup – No messy oil splatters or fishy smell taking over your kitchen.
- Restaurant-Quality – Crispy, flaky, and full of flavor with zero effort.
- Healthy-ish – Packed with protein and omega-3s, no deep frying needed.
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just a few simple ingredients:
- 2 halibut fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (butter gives extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a little depth, but regular paprika works too)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (this is the secret ingredient)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, because halibut and lemon just belong together)
How to Make Air Fryer Halibut
Step 1: Prep the Halibut
First things first—pat your fish dry with a paper towel. This helps it crisp up better in the air fryer. Nobody wants soggy fish.
Step 2: Season It Up
Brush your fillets with olive oil or melted butter. Then, mix up your salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest and sprinkle it all over the fish. Make sure it’s coated evenly—this is where all the flavor magic happens.
Step 3: Air Fry That Goodness
Place the fillets in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Set it to 375°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip it halfway through so both sides get that perfect crisp. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top, and that’s it. Restaurant-worthy halibut at home, without the fancy price tag. Serve it up with some roasted veggies, a side salad, or over rice—whatever you like.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Halibut
- Don’t overcook it. Halibut is best when it’s just flaky and tender. If it’s dry, you went too far.
- Want extra crunch? Coat the fillets in a little panko before air frying.
- No air fryer? You can bake it at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes instead. Still delicious.
FAQs for Air Fryer Halibut
How long does it take to cook halibut in the air fryer?
Halibut cooks in about 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker cuts may need an extra minute or two.
How do I know when my air-fried halibut is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be 145°F at the thickest part.
What’s the best way to season air fryer halibut?
A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon zest works great. You can also add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
Can I store and reheat leftover halibut?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
Crispy Air Fryer Halibut Recipe Card
Crispy Air Fryer Halibut
Ingredients
- 2 halibut fillets fresh or thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Halibut – Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Fish – Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil or butter. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Sprinkle evenly over the fish.
- Air Fry – Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Halibut:
- If using frozen halibut, add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time.
- For a crispy crust, coat the fillets in panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete fish dinner recipe.
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy air fried halibut without any of the stress. Seriously, if you’ve ever wondered how to cook halibut in the air fryer, this is one of the easiest and best ways to do it. No guessing, no overcooked fish, just perfectly flaky goodness every single time.
If you’re looking for easy halibut recipes, this one’s a keeper. Whether you’re new to air fryer fish recipes or already obsessed with your best air fryer, this dish is simple, quick, and totally delicious. Plus, it works whether you air fry fresh fish or even toss in frozen fillets on busy nights.
So next time you need a go-to fish dinner recipe, save this one. Halibut in the air fryer is one of those meals that looks fancy but takes almost no effort—aka my favorite kind of meal as a busy mom. Try it out, mix up the seasonings, and let me know what you think! What are your favorite air fryer halibut recipes?
