Air-Fried Halibut: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and halibut is a mild white fish that is a great source of lean protein. It's also filled with fatty acids and is low in fat and calories compared to other fish. Here's a simple recipe for making delicious, flaky halibut in an air fryer in under 15 minutes.

Choosing the right halibut fillet

When choosing a halibut fillet, it is important to select one that is fresh. Look for a white, glossy fillet, and avoid anything that looks dull, dry, or yellowing, as this may indicate that the fish is not fresh. If you are purchasing fresh halibut fillets, it is best to use them within a day or two to ensure optimal freshness.

You can use either fresh or frozen halibut fillets for air frying. If using frozen fillets, they will need a longer cooking time. Frozen halibut is typically vacuum-sealed and can be found at most local markets. If using frozen fillets, be sure to pat them dry before adding any seasonings or oil.

When selecting halibut, it is also important to consider the thickness of the fillets. The cooking time will depend on the thickness, with thinner fillets requiring less time in the air fryer.

When choosing a halibut fillet, you can also consider the source. Wild Alaskan halibut (Pacific) is a sustainably sourced option, while other sources may be farmed and not as sustainable.

Preparing the fish

First, preheat your air fryer. While it's heating up, prepare your halibut fillets by patting them dry with a paper towel and cutting them into serving sizes. You can cut them into 4 oz. or 8 oz. fillets.

Next, brush or spray the fillets with olive oil or avocado oil. If you're using frozen halibut, make sure to pat the fillets dry before adding the oil.

Now it's time to season the fish. You can either mix your chosen spices and herbs with the oil before brushing or spraying it onto the fillets, or sprinkle them on top of the oil. The spices and herbs you can use include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried dill, and parmesan cheese. If you're using parmesan, press it into the fish with your fingers so it sticks.

Finally, add a slice of lemon to the top of each piece of fish.

Cooking the fish

Place the seasoned halibut fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the fillets in batches.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 350 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the fish for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, so adjust accordingly.

Once the halibut is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the fillets for added flavour and garnish with additional herbs, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking the fish

First, preheat your air fryer to 350–400 °F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the halibut fillets by patting them dry with a paper towel and cutting them into serving sizes. You can cut them into 4 oz. or 8 oz. fillets.

Brush or spray the fillets with oil, and season them with salt, pepper, and spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and dried dill. You can also add a slice of lemon to the top of each fillet.

Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to 350–390 °F and cook for 5–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thinner fillets will take less time to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The halibut is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 130–145 °F. Once it's cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Making a sauce to accompany the fish

There are several sauces that can accompany halibut cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Lemon Butter Sauce

This sauce is a great option if you're looking for a tangy, golden sauce to accompany your fish. To make it, heat butter over medium-low heat until it's fully melted and foamy. If you're after a brown butter sauce, keep the heat low and swirl the melted butter until it turns brown and nutty, then add in some garlic and stir for one minute. Stir in some lemon juice, and your sauce is ready to be served!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

This sauce is perfect if you want something creamy and flavourful to go with your halibut. Simply stir together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, and chopped parsley. Spoon the mixture over the fish before air-frying, and you're good to go!

Olive Oil, Lemon, and Spice Mix

While not exactly a sauce, this combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper makes for a delicious seasoning mixture that can be brushed onto the halibut. This option is perfect if you're looking for something quick and easy, as it only requires mixing a few simple ingredients.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer halibut is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your delicious, flaky fish:

• Sides: Air fryer halibut goes well with a range of side dishes. Some popular options include wild rice, roasted vegetables (such as broccoli or green beans), baked potatoes, and Greek yogurt mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a fresh and tangy side like mango salsa or a squeeze of lemon.
• Tacos: If you're feeling adventurous, use your air fryer halibut to make fish tacos. Simply flake the cooked halibut and serve it in a tortilla with your favourite toppings and sauces, such as tartar sauce, fresh mango salsa, or a squeeze of lime juice.
• Salads: For a lighter meal, serve your air fryer halibut on a bed of shredded cabbage or your favourite salad greens. You can also add some sliced cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes on the side.
• Sandwiches: Turn your air fryer halibut into a delicious fish sandwich. Place the fish in a bun with some tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato, or get creative with your favourite sandwich toppings.
• Sauces: While air fryer halibut is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by serving it with a sauce. Some sauce options include tartar sauce, dill sauce, or remoulade sauce, or a lemon butter sauce.
• Healthy alternatives: If you're looking for a healthier option, serve your air fryer halibut with Palmini Rice, air fryer asparagus, or a simple cabbage side.

Remember, air fryer halibut is a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and sides to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions