Name: Air Fryer Halibut
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 halibut fillets (4–6 ounces each), thawed if frozen; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 garlic clove, minced

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Air Fryer Halibut is a fast, healthy, and flavor-packed way to cook this delicate white fish. With no breading needed, each fillet comes out perfectly flaky on the inside with slightly crisp edges on the outside. Seasoned simply with garlic, Dijon, and smoked paprika, this dish is ready in just 10 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or a light seafood dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer halibut is incredibly easy to prepare and full of fresh flavor. The short cook time makes it perfect for quick meals, while the seasoning adds depth without overpowering the fish. There’s no messy breading or deep-frying involved—just a clean, simple method that highlights halibut’s natural tenderness. Plus, it’s low-carb, gluten-free, and protein-rich.

Air Fryer Halibut

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 halibut fillets (4–6 ounces each, thaw if frozen)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Brush both sides of each halibut fillet with the mixture.
Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each one.
Air fry for 8 minutes or until the edges are crisp and golden, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides or sauces.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Lemon Herb: Swap mustard for lemon juice and add fresh thyme or dill to the seasoning mix.
Spicy Cajun: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning for a bold kick.
Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the fillets before air frying for a cheesy crust.
Mediterranean: Add dried oregano and serve with tzatziki or a tomato-cucumber salad.
Pesto Glaze: After air frying, brush the top of the fish with fresh basil pesto.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Cool completely, then place the fillets in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3 minutes or use the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen halibut?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the fillets and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

How do I know when halibut is done?

The fillets should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F ensures it’s safe to eat.

Can I use a different fish?

Yes, cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia work well with this recipe and cook similarly in the air fryer.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it contains only 1 gram of net carbs per serving, making it keto-friendly and low-carb.

What should I serve with air fryer halibut?

Try it with roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Do I need to flip the fish during cooking?

No flipping is necessary since the air circulates evenly in the air fryer.

Can I marinate the fish longer?

Yes, you can marinate the fillets for 15–30 minutes for more intense flavor, but it’s not required.

What size air fryer do I need?

A 5-quart or larger air fryer works best to fit four fillets without crowding.

Will the fish stick to the basket?

To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil before placing the fish inside.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, it is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Halibut is the ultimate easy dinner solution—light, flaky, and ready in just 10 minutes. With a short list of pantry-friendly ingredients and no breading required, it’s a clean and healthy way to enjoy fish any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this simple method brings out the best in halibut with minimal effort.