This Air Fryer Halibut can be made in just 8 minutes in the air fryer for a healthy and delicious meal that needs just a small amount of ingredients.
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Air Fryer Halibut requires only a few ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes in the air fryer. Cooking halibut in an air fryer results in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the fish tender and flaky.
The air fryer’s high temperature and hot circulating air create a golden-brown crust on the outside of the halibut, while the fish remains flaky and moist.
You can serve this air fryer halibut with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a salad. It makes a great meal for lunch or dinner. It also makes for great leftovers for busy weekdays.
Ingredients Needed
- Halibut Filets – Choose uniformly shaped halibut filets to ensure even cooking.
- Olive Oil – It helps to keep the fish moist and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Spanish Paprika – Adds a sweet flavor with no spice. You can opt for smoked paprika or a hot chili powder instead, if you want to add a bit of heat.
- Garlic powder – It’s best to use garlic powder rather than fresh garlic so it doesn’t burn during cooking.
- Salt and black pepper – Add some before cooking and then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed after cooking.
Equipment Information
- Air fryer: I use this 4-quart basket-style air fryer. It’s large enough to fit a meal for 4-6. But some things need more space in the air fryer basket, so they cook evenly.
- Kitchen tongs: It’s very easy to remove food from your air fryer with kitchen tongs. I use these kitchen tongs that are silicon coated so they don’t scratch the interior.
- Meat thermometer: The only way to tell if meat is fully cooked to the right temperature is to use a meat thermometer. I use this Instant Read thermometer. It’s so quick to open the basket and check the temp.
How to Make Air Fryer Halibut
The key to a crispy exterior and moist interior for fish when cooking it in the air fryer is to coat the outside with oil. To do this, pat dry the halibut and rub on the olive oil either with your hands or by brushing it on.
You also want to be sure to season the fish well to highlight the natural flavor of the fish. Mix together the spices in a bowl and season the fish on both sides. You can use our recommended spices or opt for a store-bought seasoning that you like on fish.
Carefully place the fish, making sure that the pieces are not touching, in the air fryer basket. There’s no need to preheat the air fryer or to spray the basket, unless you have trouble with food sticking to your basket, which can happen after a lot of use.
Cook the fish at 350° for about 8 minutes. The internal temp of the fish should reach 130-135°F. Be sure to check it with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s properly done.
Yours may need more time depending on the thickness of the fish and your air fryer. There is no need to flip the fish halfway through cooking. Moving it can cause the fish to flake, so it’s best not to touch it during cooking.
Cooking from Frozen
You might be wondering if you can cook frozen halibut in the air fryer. You can cook halibut from frozen, but it will need to be handled slightly differently. Because it’s frozen, it will be harder for the oil and seasonings to adhere to the fish, so you might need to apply additional oil and/or seasonings during or after cooking.
You will also need to add about 2-4 more minutes of cook time to ensure the center is cooked through. It is especially important to use a meat thermometer to make sure the interior is fully cooked when you’re starting from frozen.
Additional Helpful Tips
- You can use fresh or frozen halibut for this recipe. However, when using frozen fish, you will need to add 2-4 more minutes of cooking time to ensure the center is fully cooked.
- Pat the halibut dry with paper towels before seasoning and air frying. This removes any excess moisture and helps the oil and seasoning stick to the fish.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the halibut. The internal temperature should reach 130 to 135°F to ensure that it is fully cooked. Going over 135° F might lead to dry or tough fish, so I don’t recommend it.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the halibut fillets. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the halibut is fully cooked.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each piece of halibut to ensure that it cooks evenly and gets crispy.
Storing Options
Refrigerate: Store the leftover halibut in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, place it in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Freeze: If you want to store the halibut for a longer period of time, you can freeze it. Place the halibut in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions.
Meal prep: If you’re planning to meal prep the air fryer halibut for the week, you can divide it into individual portions and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the air fryer before serving.
Ninja® Foodi®XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
- 2 independent XL air fryer baskets
- Integrated Foodi® Smart Thermometer
- Cook 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should the air fryer be set to for cooking halibut?
The best temperature for cooking halibut in the air fryer is 350° F. This temperature will cook the fish evenly without too much strong heat, which can cause the albumin to come out of the fish.
Can I use different spices for seasoning the halibut?
Yes, you can experiment with different spices to give the halibut a different flavor. Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper seasoning would be delicious alternatives.
How do I know when the halibut is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the halibut. The internal temperature should reach 130 to 135°F to ensure that it is fully cooked.
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Easy Air Fryer Halibut Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 halibut filets approx 6 oz each
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.3 g) ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat dry the halibut and rub on the olive oil. Mix together the spices in a bowl and season the fish on both sides.
- Carefully place the fish, not touching, in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350° for 8 minutes, or until the internal temp is 130-135°F. Yours may need more time depending on the thickness of the fish and your air fryer. There is no need to flip the fish halfway. Moving it can cause the fish to flake, so it’s best not to touch it during cooking.
Notes
- Additional cook time may be needed as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of fish, high altitude and your air fryer.
- Cook asparagus or zucchini alongside the fish in the air fryer for a complete meal.
All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.
Nutrition
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Laura is a passionate foodie and owner of Air Fry Anytime She is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes and helpful tips for using air fryers at home. With years of experience in the kitchen and a love for healthy, flavorful cooking, Laura has become an expert at using air fryers to create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious.