Air Fryer Halibut

My air fryer halibut is tender, flaky, and ready in minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. I make this low-carb, high-protein recipe when I want a light but satisfying dinner that still feels special!

My Favorite Way to Make Halibut in the Air Fryer

I always cook fish for my father-in-law when he’s in town, so I picked up some halibut for him. Time got away from me that night, so I decided to make air fryer halibut.

I knew it would cook much quicker than the oven, and I didn’t need to watch it as closely as pan frying it. The air fryer cooks fish fantastically, so I wasn’t too worried about how it would turn out.

And, I was right. It only took a few minutes to air fry the halibut, but it tasted so flaky and tender! Even my husband Ben was impressed with how it turned out. I had prepped a salad and fruit, and served it with some fresh bread, so dinner took less than 10 minutes to make!

Now, I find myself cooking halibut in the air fryer more often than any other way because of the ease.

And, if you love good air fryer fish recipes, try my recipes for air fryer tilapia, air fryer salmon, air fryer tuna steak, air fryer cod, and air fryer salmon bites.

Air fried Halibut Ingredients

• Halibut fillets – I look for fillets that are about 1-inch thick so they air fry evenly. Halibut is a firm white fish with a mild flavor, which makes it easy to pair with different seasonings.
• Olive oil – I brush or spray each halibut fillet with olive oil so the seasonings stick and the outside cooks with a little crispness. Avocado oil works too.
• Paprika – This adds a subtle smokiness and a pop of color. I sometimes swap in smoked paprika for a bolder flavor.
• Garlic powder – Garlic gives the fish a savory depth without overpowering it. I find that fresh garlic can be too sharp for this recipe.
• Salt and black pepper – Just enough to bring out the natural flavor of the fish without masking it!

How to Cook Halibut in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper in a small dish until it’s well blended.

STEP TWO: Rub olive oil on both sides of the fish, including the side with skin. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.

STEP THREE: Place the halibut in the air fryer basket without letting them touch. Air fry them at 350 degrees F for 6-8 minutes. They’re done when they hit an internal temperature of 130 degrees F.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Halibut

• Patting the fish dry with a paper towel helps the oil and spices stick better. I use paper towels to thoroughly dry each piece.
• I rub the fish generously with oil and coat it well on both sides with the seasoning blend. This gives me that delicious crispiness!
• I usually spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to keep the fillets from sticking.
• Leaving space between each fillet in the air fryer is the key to getting each piece of fish crispy and cooked to perfection.
• To keep the fish moist, I’m very careful not to overcook it. Once the cook time is up, I use a fork to gently nudge the fish to see if it flakes easily and is translucent all the way through. Alternatively, I’ll use a meat thermometer to see if the internal temperature has reached 130 degrees F.

Air Fry Halibut Variations and Substitutions

• For a breaded fillet, I coat the fish with panko and seasonings before air frying. This version isn’t low carb, but my kids go crazy for it, so sometimes, it’s worth it!
• If I don’t have olive oil on hand, I’ll use avocado oil or canola oil. They give the dish a slightly different flavor, so it’s a fun variation.
• I sometimes make a Parmesan cheese crust with grated cheese, herbs, and spices that gives the halibut fillets a crispy top.
• Cajun seasoning adds a kick of heat and bold flavor. I make this version whenever I’m in the mood for some spice.
• I sometimes finish the air fryer halibut with lime juice or lemon juice to give the dish a burst of vibrant freshness.

What to Serve With Air Fried Halibut

If I want a low-carb veggie side to keep things dairy-free, I usually make air fryer asparagus, air fryer green beans, or air fryer broccoli.

I also love serving air fryer halibut over air fryer rice, with tartar sauce and coleslaw on a bun, or as the fish in my air fryer fish tacos!

Air Fryer Halibut FAQs

Can I cook frozen halibut in the air fryer?

I usually have frozen halibut fillets in my freezer, so I use these all the time! I like to cook it from frozen for 4 minutes without the seasoning to let it thaw, then add the seasoning to the fish and cook as normal for my recipe.

How to store leftovers

I keep my leftover halibut in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’m happy to say the flavor stays mild and the texture holds up better than most fish.

How to reheat halibut in the air fryer

I like to reheat halibut in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for just a few minutes until warmed through. It keeps the fish flaky without drying it out, and it tastes almost as good as when it was first cooked!

More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

• Grilled chicken in the air fryer
• Air fryer filet mignon
• Air fryer pork chops
• Air fryer meatloaf
• Air fryer chicken cutlets
• Air fryer flank steak

Love air frying? Join my newsletter! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or join my free Facebook Air Frying Community.