If you’re looking for an easy, delicious fish recipe, this air fryer halibut is it! With simple ingredients and fresh or frozen halibut, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. Fresh lemon, parmesan cheese, and spices make these wild Alaskan halibut filets juicy and flavorful. Simple enough for a weeknight, tasty enough for date night! 

an overhead shot of two plates with air fryer halibut topped with lemon slices next to a serving of green beans and baked potato

What Makes This Recipe Great

Halibut is a low-carb, protein-packed fish that is also full of heart-healthy nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or an elevated date night in, this versatile fish fits the occasion. 

Even better, put your air fryer to work using fresh or frozen Alaskan halibut. A sustainably sourced fish that is healthy for you and the environment. Simply spray, season, fry, and serve!

Recipe Highlights

  • 15-minute recipe
  • Healthy, simple ingredients
  • Gluten-Free, Keto, Dairy-Free option
  • Easy prep, minimal cleanup

Ingredient Notes

recipe ingredients in nesting bowls and labeled

For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below. 

Halibut: I used fresh halibut for this recipe, but you can also use frozen if you would like. You can find vacuum-sealed frozen Alaska halibut at most local markets. 

Lemon: This recipe uses two lemon wedges in the air fryer. Use more wedges for serving if you would like. 

Parmesan Cheese: You can omit this if you are dairy free and it will still be delicious! Or, use non-dairy parmesan shreds. 

Spices: I used a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for this air fryer halibut recipe.

Avocado Oil: I like to use avocado oil spray for both the fish and the air fryer basket. You can use olive oil spray or the cooking spray of your choice. 

Recipe Step by Step

recipe step by step photos
  1. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil, then spray both sides of the fish with avocado oil. 
  2. Mix the spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle each halibut fillet with equal amounts of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and parmesan. Use your fingers to press the Parmesan into the fish so it sticks. 
  3. Add a slice of lemon to the top of each piece of fish. Add the fish to the basket and air fry at 360 for 8.5-10 mins, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is starting to turn golden brown. Note: The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of the fillets.
  4. Serve with your favorite side dish and a fresh lemon wedge. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. 
a photo of seasoned halibut with a lemon slice in an air fryer basket

Mary’s Tips & Tricks

How to Bake Halibut: Bake at 400 for 12-13 minutes, or until the halibut flakes easily with a fork.

How to Serve: Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish! I love serving my air fryer halibut with green beans, baked potato, wild rice, roasted broccoli, and more! 

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 4-6 months. 

Instant Pot: If you have the Duo Crisp or the air fryer attachment for your Instant Pot, feel free to use it! I use a stand-alone air fryer, but the IP is a great option. 

two halibut filets on a white plate topped with lemon slices

Recipe FAQs

Can you cook frozen halibut in the air fryer?

For this recipe, I used fresh filets, however, you can definitely use frozen! ​​If using frozen filets cook for an additional 1-3 minutes depending on the thickness of the filets.

What is the best halibut to use?

Wild Alaskan halibut (Pacific) is a sustainably sourced fish. Other sources of halibut are farmed and not as sustainable, but Alaska halibut is a great choice. 

How do you know when halibut is fully cooked?

You’ll know your air-fried halibut is done when the fish flakes easily and turns golden brown. The internal temperature should read between 140-145 F.

a close up of a white plate with air fryer halibut next to green beans and a baked potato

15-Minute Air Fryer Halibut

This tender, flaky air fryer halibut is made with wild Alaskan halibut, fresh lemon, parmesan cheese, & spices. Easy, delicious, & full of flavor!
5 from 6 votes
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Ingredients

  • 2 6 oz halibut fillets, thawed if previously frozen
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, omit for dairy free
  • 2 slices lemon
  • olive oil or avocado oil spray

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil, then spray both sides of the fish with avocado oil. 
  • Mix the spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle each halibut fillet with equal amounts of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and parmesan. Use your fingers to press the Parmesan into the fish so it sticks.
  • Add a slice of lemon to the top of each piece of fish. Add the fish to the basket and air fry at 360 for 8.5-10 mins, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is starting to turn golden brown. Note: The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of the fillets.
  • Serve with your favorite side dish and a fresh lemon wedge. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired

Notes

How to Bake Halibut: Bake at 400 for 12-13 minutes, or until the halibut flakes easily with a fork.
How to Serve: Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish! I love serving my air fryer halibut with green beans, baked potato, Instant Pot Risotto, roasted broccoli, and more! 
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 4-6 months. 
Instant Pot: If you have the Duo Crisp or the air fryer attachment for your Instant Pot, feel free to use it! I use a stand-alone air fryer, but the IP is a great option. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1fillet, Calories: 180kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 87mg, Sodium: 778mg, Potassium: 769mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 194IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 75mg, Iron: 0.4mg