Air-Fried Halibut: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and halibut is no exception. This meaty, mild-tasting white fish is a great source of lean protein and can be seasoned in many ways. You can use fresh or frozen halibut fillets and cook them in an air fryer for 8-10 minutes for a delicious, flaky, and juicy dish.

Choosing the right halibut

Type of Halibut

There are two main types of halibut: Pacific Halibut and Atlantic Halibut. Pacific Halibut is widely regarded as the superior option due to its milder, sweeter flavour and firmer, flakier texture. It also has a more sustainable fishing practice compared to Atlantic Halibut. However, the availability of each type may vary depending on your location.

Source of Halibut

When choosing halibut, opt for wild-caught or sustainably sourced fish. Wild Alaskan Halibut (Pacific) is a good choice as it is sustainably sourced. Other sources of halibut may be farmed and not as sustainable. Look for trusted sources or labels that indicate sustainable fishing practices.

Freshness

Fresh halibut is ideal, but if you can't find it, frozen halibut can also be used. If using frozen halibut, pat it dry before cooking. Try to use frozen halibut within a day or two of purchase to ensure the best flavour and freshness.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of the halibut fillets will impact the cooking time. Thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time, while thinner fillets may cook faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the halibut is cooked through.

Quality

Look for halibut with firm, meaty flesh and a fresh smell. The flesh should be moist and have a translucent appearance. Avoid halibut with discoloured or dry-looking flesh, as it may not be as fresh.

Storage

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the freshness of halibut. Store fresh halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 4-6 months. Thaw frozen halibut in the refrigerator before cooking.

By considering these factors when choosing halibut, you can ensure that your air fryer recipe turns out delicious and healthy. Remember to check the labels, opt for sustainable sources, and adjust your cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets.

Preparing the fish

Firstly, you will need to rinse the halibut fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure the fish doesn't become soggy and to achieve a crispy texture. You can then brush or spray the fish with olive oil or avocado oil. This will further enhance the crispiness of the fish when cooked.

The next step is to season the fish. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl and then sprinkle them evenly over the fish. You can also use your hands or a brush to gently rub the spices into the fish.

If you want to get creative, you can make your own dry rub by mixing together salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ancho chile powder. This will give the fish a little bit of heat and smokiness. You can also add a splash of lemon juice before serving for some extra flavour.

Once the fish is seasoned, it's time to place it in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. There is no need to turn the fish during the cooking process.

For an extra flavour boost, you can make a lemon butter sauce to serve with the fish. To make the sauce, heat butter over medium-low heat until it is melted and foamy. If you want brown butter, keep the heat low and swirl the butter until it turns brown and nutty. Then, add in minced garlic and stir for one minute. Finally, stir in some lemon juice, and your sauce is ready to serve!

Making a dry rub

A dry rub is a great way to add flavour to your halibut and can be made with a few simple, everyday ingredients. Here is a guide on how to make a dry rub for your air fryer halibut:

Firstly, you will want to choose your ingredients. A dry rub can be made with a variety of spices, but some common ingredients include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and parmesan. You can also add a splash of lemon juice before serving for some extra flavour and smokiness. If you are looking for a spicier rub, include some ancho chile powder. If you are short on time, you can use a pre-mixed dry rub, such as Trader Joe's Taco Seasoning.

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it is time to mix them together. Combine all of the spices in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences.

Now that your dry rub is ready, it is time to apply it to the halibut. Start by rinsing the fish and patting it dry with a paper towel. This will help the dry rub to stick to the fish. Next, drizzle or spray the fish with olive oil or avocado oil. Then, sprinkle the dry rub onto the fish, making sure it is fully coated. Use your hands or a brush to gently rub the spices into the fish.

Finally, place the seasoned halibut into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. There is no need to turn the fish over during cooking. Once the halibut is cooked, it should be flaky and golden brown.

And that's it! You now have delicious air fryer halibut with a mouthwatering dry rub. Serve it with your favourite sides, such as rice, veggies, or a light salad, and enjoy!

Cooking the halibut

The first step in cooking halibut in an air fryer is to prepare the fish. Rinse the halibut fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. If your halibut fillets have skin on them, you can choose to leave it on or remove it. Leaving the skin on can help keep the fish intact during cooking.

Next, you'll want to season the fish. You can brush or spray the fish with olive oil or avocado oil, which will help the seasonings stick to the fish and give it a crispy texture. For the seasonings, you can use a variety of options, including salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, and then sprinkle or rub them onto the fish. You can also add a slice of lemon on top of each piece of fish for extra flavour.

Now it's time to cook the halibut in the air fryer. Place the seasoned fish in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with some space around each fillet. Set the air fryer temperature to between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. There's no need to turn the fish over during cooking.

The halibut is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a golden-brown colour. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet should reach 130-145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Making a sauce

There are several sauce options that go well with halibut cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Lemon Butter Sauce

This sauce is a great complement to the halibut, giving it a tangy and golden finish. To make it, heat butter over medium-low heat until it is fully melted and foamy. If you want brown butter, keep it on low heat and swirl it until it turns brown and nutty, then add in some garlic. Stir in lemon juice, and it's ready to be served.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

This sauce is made by stirring together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, and chopped parsley. The sauce coats the halibut fillets, giving them a creamy and tangy flavour.

Olive Oil and Lemon Seasoning

A simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper can be brushed onto the halibut fillets before air frying. This gives the fish a nice, bright flavour.

Dry Rub

A dry rub can be made with a pre-mixed seasoning like Trader Joe's Taco Seasoning, or by mixing your own spices such as salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ancho chile powder. This gives the halibut a spicy and smoky flavour.

Other Sauce Ideas

Some other sauces that can be served with air fryer halibut include tartar sauce, teriyaki glaze, and simple lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions