Air-Frying Halibut: A Tasty, Crispy, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance for cooking a variety of dishes, including deep-fried foods like halibut. Traditional deep frying can dry out delicate fish, but air frying offers a healthier alternative that produces a crispy, golden finish without using excessive oil. This method is ideal for those who want to enjoy the taste of deep-fried halibut without the hassle and unhealthiness of traditional deep frying. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a delicious, flaky, and tender halibut with a crunchy crust in under 20 minutes.

Halibut fillet preparation

Halibut is a versatile fish that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation. The air fryer is a handy kitchen gadget that cooks food to a crispy, golden texture without using much oil. It is a healthier alternative to deep frying and allows the fat to drip down instead of pooling around the food.

To prepare halibut fillets for the air fryer, start by lightly rinsing and then patting each piece of fish dry with paper towels. If you want to bread the fish, you can prepare three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder. Dip each fillet in the flour, turning to coat, then place in the beaten eggs and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. If you don't want to bread the fish, you can simply season the fillets with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.

Once the fillets are prepared, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Brush or spray both sides of the fish with oil as well, which will help the fish get crispy. If you are cooking breaded fillets, you may not need to oil the fish. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch for the best browning and even cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. For fillets that are 3/4 to 1 inch thick, cook for about 10 to 15 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. If using frozen halibut, add about 5 minutes to the cooking time. The halibut is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is golden brown.

Air fryer halibut can be served with a variety of sides, such as green beans, baked potato, wild rice, or roasted broccoli. It can also be served in fish tacos with tartar sauce, salsa, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking deep-fried halibut in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of halibut (fresh or frozen), the thickness of the fillets, and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide:

Air Fryer Temperature:

The ideal temperature for cooking halibut in an air fryer is between 350 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Some sources recommend specific temperatures within this range. For example, one source suggests preheating the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, while another recommends setting the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Fryer Duration:

The cooking duration for air-fried halibut can vary from 6 to 15 minutes, depending on several factors. One crucial factor is the thickness of the halibut fillets. Thicker fillets, typically ranging from 3/4 inch to 1 inch, will require a longer cooking time, while thinner fillets may need a slightly shorter duration.

Additionally, the type of halibut used—fresh or frozen—will impact the cooking duration. Frozen halibut fillets usually require an additional 1 to 5 minutes of cooking time compared to fresh fillets. For instance, one source recommends cooking fresh halibut for about 8 to 10 minutes, while another source suggests 12 to 14 minutes for frozen fillets, depending on their thickness.

It's important to note that the cooking duration also depends on your desired level of doneness. Halibut is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has a golden-brown exterior. The internal temperature of the halibut should reach 130 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure your halibut is cooked to your preference, it's recommended to check on it regularly, especially around the 5-minute mark, to prevent overcooking.

In summary, the temperature for air-frying halibut should be set between 350 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking duration can range from 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, whether they are fresh or frozen, and your desired level of doneness.

Dry rub and seasoning

Dry rubs and seasonings are essential components of cooking halibut in an air fryer, as they infuse the fish with flavour and create a delicious, crispy crust. The versatility of halibut allows it to be paired with various seasonings, from simple blends to more adventurous premade mixes.

When preparing the fish, it is crucial to pat it dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the seasonings adhere well to the fish and helps achieve the desired crispy texture. After patting the fish dry, the next step is to apply the dry rub or seasoning.

A basic dry rub for halibut typically includes a combination of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. These spices provide a savoury and slightly smoky flavour that complements the mild taste of the fish. To enhance the smokiness, you can add ancho chile powder to the mix. Mixing the spices in a small bowl before applying them ensures an even coating on the fish.

For a more adventurous flavour profile, you can use premade taco seasoning. This option offers a blend of spicy and smoky flavours that work surprisingly well with halibut. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own custom dry rub by mixing different spices to suit your taste preferences.

In addition to the dry rub, some recipes suggest coating the halibut with a layer of flour, followed by an egg wash, and finally, a coating of breadcrumbs. This process creates an extra crispy texture and a golden-brown exterior. The breadcrumbs can be regular or panko, depending on your preference for texture.

Cooking spray and oil

When cooking halibut in an air fryer, it is important to grease the basket of the air fryer with cooking oil spray or oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the basket. You can use a variety of oils for this purpose, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or any cooking spray of your choice. Some recipes suggest using a spray bottle filled with your favourite cooking oil.

After greasing the basket, you should pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the fish get crispy in the air fryer. You can then brush or spray the halibut fillets with oil or cooking spray. This will ensure that the seasonings stick to the fish and create a crispy exterior.

It is important to note that the cooking spray or oil you use may affect the flavour of the dish. Some sources suggest that the oils in cooking sprays can have an unpleasant taste, so it may be preferable to use a cooking oil that you are familiar with and enjoy.

Once the fish has been coated in oil or cooking spray, you can then add your desired seasonings. This may include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. You can mix these seasonings together in a small bowl and then sprinkle or rub them onto the fish.

After seasoning the fish, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, but on average, it should take around 8 to 10 minutes for the halibut to cook through. You can check if the halibut is cooked by inserting a fork into the fish; if it flakes easily, then it is ready to be served.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried halibut is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sides

• Starchy vegetables: Baked potatoes, wild rice, and roasted broccoli are great options to pair with the halibut. Other starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or parsnips could also work well.
• Leafy greens: A light green salad or a heartier warm Brussels sprouts dish can complement the fish.
• Other vegetables: Green beans or a side of fries can add some extra texture and flavour to the meal.
• Grains: Couscous or quinoa could be a good choice to accompany the halibut, providing a neutral base for the fish's flavour.

Sauces

• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. Serving the fish with lemon wedges allows diners to add more citrus to their taste.
• Tartar: A traditional choice for fish, tartar sauce can add a tangy flavour to the halibut.
• Dill: A dill sauce can bring a fresh, herbal taste to the dish.
• Remoulade: This classic French sauce is a creamy and tangy option to pair with the halibut.
• Lemon butter: For a richer option, a lemon butter sauce can be drizzled over the fish or served on the side for dipping.

These serving suggestions offer a range of flavours and textures to complement the air-fried halibut, allowing you to customise your meal to your preferences.

Frequently asked questions