Air-Fried Halibut: The Alaskan Treat

Air fryer Alaskan halibut is a delicious, easy-to-make, and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick and tasty protein fix. The air fryer's ability to cook food to a crispy, golden texture without using excessive oil makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

This recipe uses Alaskan halibut, a sustainably sourced fish that is wild-caught in the pristine waters of Southeast Alaska and packed with health benefits. The mild flavour of the fish pairs well with various seasonings, and its flaky texture makes it a versatile ingredient.

The cooking process is simple and involves coating the halibut with a dry rub of spices or a crunchy breadcrumb topping before air frying to perfection. The result is a juicy, tender, and flaky dish that can be served with a variety of sides, including salads, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.

With its short prep time and mouth-watering flavour, air fryer Alaskan halibut is an excellent choice for a busy weeknight meal or a romantic date night in.

How to prepare the halibut

Preparing halibut in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook delicious Alaskan halibut:

Step 1: Pat the Halibut Dry

Start by patting the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important, as it helps with the cooking and ensures that any topping or seasoning you add will adhere better to the fish. If your halibut is frozen, make sure to defrost it thoroughly before patting it dry. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the sealed bag-in-cold-water method, which takes around 30 minutes.

Step 2: Season the Halibut

There are various ways to season halibut, and you can get creative with the spices and herbs you use. A simple option is to season the fish with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also create a dry rub by mixing spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. For a more complex flavour, you might want to coat the halibut in a layer of mayonnaise, which will keep the fish tender and moist. You can then add an even layer of spices or a garlic herb topping.

Step 3: Bread the Halibut (Optional)

If you want a crunchy texture, you can bread the halibut. Dip the fillets into a mixture of flour and your chosen spices, then dip them into beaten eggs, and finally, coat them with Panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the fish.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer

Grease the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent the halibut from sticking to the surface.

Step 5: Cook the Halibut

Place the halibut fillets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. You can add a slice of lemon on top of each fillet for extra flavour. Set the air fryer to around 350-400°F and cook for 6-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The halibut is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a golden-brown colour.

Step 6: Serve

Alaskan halibut pairs well with various side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce, such as garlic butter sauce or garlic aioli, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried Alaskan halibut!

How to make the dry rub

To make the dry rub for your Alaskan halibut, you will need a blend of spices. The exact spices used can vary, but here is one suggestion:

• Start with a base of salt and black pepper.
• Add some garlic powder for a savoury note.
• Include paprika to give the rub a smoky flavour and a vibrant colour.
• Optionally, add onion powder for extra depth of flavour.
• For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle in some parmesan cheese.

Mix these spices together in a small bowl, and you have your dry rub ready! You can then sprinkle this over your halibut fillets, ensuring each fillet has an equal amount of the rub. For the cheese to stick, use your fingers to press it gently into the fish.

How to make the garlic butter sauce

Ingredients:

• 8 tbsp salted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

• Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat and cook until melted.
• Turn the heat to low.
• Stir in the garlic and continue cooking over low heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic begins to smell fragrant.
• Add the lemon juice and herbs to the butter, stirring to combine.
• Remove from the heat and serve immediately, or keep warm until ready to serve.

This garlic butter sauce is best served immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can also experiment with adding different herbs and spices to suit your taste.

How to cook the halibut in the air fryer

Preparation

First, prepare your halibut fillets. If you're using frozen halibut, be sure to defrost it thoroughly by placing it in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag in cool water for about 30 minutes. Pat the fillets dry on both sides with a paper towel—this will help with the cooking process and ensure that any toppings or seasonings you add stick to the fish. If your halibut fillets are very thick, you may want to cut them into smaller, more evenly sized portions.

Seasoning

Now it's time to season your halibut. You can use a variety of seasonings, but some common options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parmesan cheese. You can also coat the halibut in a layer of mayonnaise before adding the seasonings, which will help keep the fish moist and tender. If you're using parmesan, use your fingers to press it into the fish so that it sticks.

Cooking

Once your halibut is seasoned, it's time to cook it. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil, and place the halibut fillets inside, making sure they are not touching each other. Set the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The halibut is done when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and flaky on the inside. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be between 130-145°F.

Serving

Serve your air fryer halibut hot with your choice of sides. It goes well with a variety of vegetable side dishes like asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or a salad, as well as mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or rice. You can also serve it with a slice of lemon and fresh herbs, or make a garlic butter sauce by mixing butter, mayonnaise, garlic, and onion powder.

What to serve with the halibut

There are many side dishes that can accompany your halibut, depending on the style of your meal. Here are some ideas:

Salads

Salads are a great way to add a refreshing element to your meal. Some ideas include:

• Fennel and celery salad with a lemon-parmesan vinaigrette
• Tomato and cucumber salad with a red wine vinaigrette
• Arugula salad with a red wine vinaigrette
• Shaved brussel sprout salad with mustard and parmesan
• Cucumber and radish salad
• Israeli salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and peppers
• Strawberry goat cheese salad
• Charred corn salad with white beans
• Spring asparagus salad
• Garden salad with orange vinaigrette
• Zucchini salad with feta cheese and hazelnuts
• Thai prawn salad with mango and spot prawns
• Autumn arugula, pear, and roasted sweet potato salad
• Artichoke salad with a Mediterranean dressing
• Israeli couscous tabbouleh salad
• Citrus avocado salad

Starchy Sides

Starchy sides can add a comforting element to your meal. Some ideas include:

• Baked potato
• Wild rice
• Mashed potatoes with sour cream
• Boursin mashed potatoes
• Roasted baby carrots with honey
• Honey-roasted rutabaga with fresh thyme
• Maple-roasted acorn squash
• Roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes with marmite
• Garlic butter boiled potatoes
• Crispy sauté potatoes with garlic
• Vegetable potato bake
• Oven-roasted Indian sweet potatoes
• Classic Mexican rice
• Chanterelle mushroom risotto
• Carrot risotto with pea microgreen salad
• Thai coconut rice
• Lemon risotto with mascarpone
• Garlic rice
• Red skin mashed potatoes with cream cheese
• Easy creamy cauliflower mashed 'potatoes'

Vegetables

Vegetables can add a healthy boost of nutrients to your meal. Some ideas include:

• Green beans
• Roasted carrots and asparagus with goma dressing
• Fried tenderstem broccoli with garlic and lemon
• Balsamic-glazed asparagus
• Grilled asparagus with toasted almonds and pine nuts
• Roasted broccoli with garlic and basil tahini sauce
• Grilled eggplant
• Grilled zucchini
• Lemon herb quinoa
• Red cabbage slaw
• Roasted delicata squash
• Air fryer brussel sprouts with balsamic
• Air fryer zucchini fries with lemon tarragon aioli
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Sautéed spinach
• Roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine
• Crispy zucchini coins

Sauces

Sauces can add extra flavour to your halibut. Some ideas include:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh herbs
• Dipping sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Blackberry barbecue sauce
• Mango salsa
• Roasted chilli corn salsa
• Béarnaise sauce
• White wine garlic butter sauce
• Brown butter sauce
• Garlic or lemon aioli
• Bacon aioli
• Katsu sauce

Frequently asked questions