If you’re looking for an easy, delicious fish recipe, this air fryer halibut is it! With simple ingredients and fresh or frozen halibut, this is an easy weeknight meal that will be 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 fish that is also full of heart-healthy nutrients. It is a great source of lean protein. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or an elevated date night in, this versatile fish fits the occasion. This easy air fryer halibut comes together in just 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for nights when you don’t have a dinner plan. As a self-proclaimed seafood lover, this is a great cooking method for fish filets.  

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
  • Simple ingredients
  • Gluten-Free, Low carb, Dairy-Free option
  • Easy weeknight dinner
  • Healthy fish recipe
  • 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. Any mild white fish will work for this recipe. Fresh fish is ideal!  

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. 

How To Air Fry Halibut

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. I like to pat the raw fish with a paper towel before spraying – this will help it get crispy in the air fryer. 
  2. Mix the spices for the dry rub in a small bowl. Sprinkle each halibut fillet with equal amounts of salt, black 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 in a single layer 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. The internal temperature of the halibut should be 140-145 degrees. No need to preheat the air fryer. Note: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
  4. Serve with your favorite side dish and a fresh lemon wedge. Garnish the flaky halibut 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. The cook time will depend on the thickness of the fish.

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! Any of your favorite sides will work. It would also be delicious served in fish tacos with some tartar sauce, fresh mango salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.  

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag for 4-6 months. Reheat leftover halibut in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 360.  

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

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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 11 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

This recipe was originally published on November 2, 2022 and updated on October 30, 2023.