Air Fryer Halibut

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This easy air fryer halibut is the perfect quick dinner protein! Halibut filets cook wonderfully in the air fryer in just 10 minutes. Choose from a cajun or lemon garlic spice mix for deliciously flavourful fish. Oven instructions included as well.

halibut topped with lemon slices and a fork with a pieces.

This Air Fryer Halibut recipe is the best way to cook fish! Fresh halibut filets are seasoned using a homemade spice blend and cooked to moist and juicy perfection in the air fryer. I provide two different spice blends in the recipe so you can use your favourite flavours. Best of all, this halibut takes just 10 minutes to cook!

Save time and energy by cooking in the air fryer. Since it's basically a countertop convection oven, you can cook quicker and more efficiently, with no need for excess oil. The halibut comes out moist and flaky every time. But if you don't have one, I also provide oven baked instructions.

This recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free. The perfect weeknight protein. Keep reading for how to make air fried halibut and suggestions on what to serve with it!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
Substitutions
Equipment
Step-by-Step Instructions
What to Serve with Air Fryer Halibut
Make Ahead & Storage
Expert Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Recipes
Recipe
Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Made in 10 minutes. Halibut is a quick cooking fish, and the convection style of the air fryer lets it cook even faster.
No need to turn on the oven. Save energy by using the small countertop air fryer. It heats up quicker too.
Easy clean up. All you have to do is wash the air fryer basket afterwards. An easy weeknight meal!
Super moist and flavourful fish.
Allergy-friendly. This recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free.
Customizable. Change up the spices based on your preferences, or use a different type of fish.

Ingredient Notes

Here are the main ingredients you'll need to make this air fryer halibut:

The main ingredient you're going to need is, of course, fresh halibut fillets (or frozen and thawed overnight in the fridge). Halibut is a mild white fish. After that, you can spice them up however you like! I provide two different spice mixes in this recipe so you can choose based on your preferences. Or of course season it the way you like.

Cajun Spice Mix (for 2 filets)

This spice mix is smokey and a little spicy. Cajun style fish is one of my favourites.

2 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper

Lemon Garlic Spice Mix (for 2 filets)

Lemon, garlic, and thyme are classic seafood flavours. The fresh lemon really makes the fish sing.

1 tsp thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 lemon for lemon zest and slicing

Substitutions

Change up the seasoning based on your preferences. It's all up to you. You could also use this air frying technique on a different type of fish. Cooking time may vary based on thickness of the filets and type of fish.

Equipment

An air fryer is a small countertop appliance that is basically a mini convection oven. It can cook food quickly and with minimal oil by circulating hot air. It often contains an inner basket with holes to allow for this circulation. Air fryers are great for making healthier versions of your favourite foods, since less oil is needed to get that "crispiness". Use it to bake, toast, reheat, cook, etc. Basically if you can bake it in the oven, you can air fry it, and probably much faster.

I will say that it's worth it to get a larger size if you have space for it. Multiple batches are often required if you're doing larger quantities in an air fryer. I have a Cosori brand air fryer and I love it! I highly recommend adding an air fryer to your kitchen appliance repertoire.

Note: Be careful with gluten cross-contamination in any small appliance like an air fryer. Air fryers have dozens of tiny holes for the hot air to circulate. That is the perfect place for gluten particles to hide. If you are celiac or have a severe gluten intolerance, use soap and water to clean the basket each time, or look into having your own dedicated gluten-free air fryer.

top view of 2 plates of air fryer halibut with forks flaking pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions for how to make air fried halibut.

If using frozen fish: Thaw overnight in the fridge, or quick thaw in cold water for 1-2 hours. Ensure the fish is very dry before coating in spices.

(1) Pat the fish dry with a paper towel.

Pre-mix your spice mix of choice in a small bowl. If making lemon garlic flavour, zest half of the lemon and add to the spices. Slice the other half of the lemon.

(2) Coat the fish generously with the spice mix. For lemon garlic, top the filets with 2 lemon slices each.

patting halibut filets dry then seasoning.

(3) Air fry the halibut filets at 350ºF for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. No need to flip! Use a probe meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the centre is 145ºF.

Oven Instructions: Bake at 400ºF for 10-13 minutes until the internal temperature of the centre is 145ºF.

(4) Enjoy immediately with mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, vegetables, or your favourite sides.

seasoned halibut in the air fryer before and after cooking.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Halibut

Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or some fresh mango salsa! You could also use the halibut for fish tacos. Accompany this quick & easy fish with some gluten-free sides:

Make Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: You could coat the fish in spices and refrigerate for 4-5 hours before air frying.

Storage: Leftover halibut can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3-5 minutes.

piece of air fried halibut topped on a white plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Expert Tips

Here are some of my top tips and tricks for the best air fried halibut:

Pat the fish very dry. This will ensure the spices stick.
Pre-mix the spices. I like to do this so the fish gets an even coating of spice.
Check the internal temperature of the fish with a probe thermometer. This will ensure it does not get overcooked.
When the fish flakes with a fork, it is done.
Enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes and broccoli, or crunchy kale salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best air fryer?

How do I know when the fish is cooked?

The fish will will be white and opaque, and flake apart with a fork when it is ready. Or, use a temperature probe to ensure the internal temperature is 145ºF.

Can I bake halibut in the oven?

Yes! If you don't have an air fryer, season the fish and bake at 400ºF for 10-13 minutes until the internal temperature of the centre is 145ºF. Or check that the fish flakes apart and is opaque white.

piece of halibut topped with lemon on a white plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

This air fryer halibut is easy enough for weeknight dinner, or impressive enough for a date night. Either way all you need is fish, some spices, and 10 minutes to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Hope you enjoy and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!

More Gluten-Free Proteins:

Have you made this air fryer halibut? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe