Halibut is a popular white fish with a delicate flavor and firm texture. There are many ways to make great halibut, and that includes the air fryer!
What is halibut?
Halibut is a large flatfish found in the cold waters of the northern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Halibut are the largest of the flatfish, belonging primarily to the genus Hippoglossus. Market halibut often weigh between 20-40 pounds, but wild-caught halibut can weigh upwards of 500lbs.
Halibut has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a firm, flaky texture that makes it an easy favorite. It comes in skin-on or skinless fillets most typically, but steaks and cheeks are also popular.
Halibut is an excellent source of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health [*]. It is low-carb as well, making it ideal for keto and other high-fat, low-carb diets.
There are two main types of halibut: Pacific and Atlantic. They have subtle differences:
| Pacific Halibut | Atlantic Halibut | |
| Flavor | Clean, mild, slightly sweet | Mild but fuller, more robust |
| Fishiness | Minimal | Slightly stronger (still mild) |
| Fat Content | Low (~1%) | Moderate (~2–3%) |
| Flesh Firmness | Firm, slightly flaky | Very firm, dense, meaty |
| Moisture Retention | Moderate – can dry if overcooked | High – retains moisture well |
| Cooking Tolerance | Prefers gentle cooking (sous vide, poach) | Handles high heat (grill, roast, crust) |
| Best For (Preparation) | Fillets, cheeks, sashimi/crudo | Steaks, roasts, large-format prep |
| Best For (Dish Type) | Light sauces, citrus, beurre blanc | Bold sauces, crusts, miso glazes |
| Color (Raw) | White, uniform | Ivory to off-white |
| Grain (Raw) | Fine-grained | Slightly coarser grain |
What to cook and make with halibut
Halibut is a versatile fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Baking and grilling to sautéing and poaching all work. It also pairs well with almost any flavor, from citrus and light herbs to bold spices with rich sauces.
Halibut can be used in a variety of dishes, including fish tacos, chowders, and pan-seared steaks. Halibut does not flake as much as other popular white fish like cod or haddock; it is similar to lobster tail in texture when cooked properly. Imagine that in a taco, hoagie roll, or chowder!
How to cook halibut in an air fryer
Cooking halibut in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve perfectly crispy fish without the excess oil of deep frying. The trick is to pat dry and season well. Don’t forget to preheat the air fryer, either.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for cooking both fresh and frozen halibut in an air fryer. Keep in mind, the thickness of your filets will have an impact on cooking time. While 145º is the temperature that guarantees pasteurization, many home cooks aim for 130º. The choice depends on risk tolerance and how long you keep the fish at varying temperatures. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee it has reached your desired cooking temperature.
Fresh halibut (no breading)
- Rinse the halibut fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Brush the fillets with olive oil.
- Season the fillets with your desired spices, herbs, or seasonings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the seasoned halibut fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Take care not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Frozen halibut (no breading)
- Rinse the frozen halibut fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange the seasoned halibut fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 7 minutes. - Remove and season the fillets with your desired spices, herbs, or seasonings.
- Place back in the air fryer on the opposite side.
- Cook for another 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Fresh halibut (with breading)
- Rinse the halibut fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Brush with olive oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the fillets with your desired spices, herbs, or seasonings.
- Dredge in all-purpose flour.
- Toss in an egg wash.
- Dip into panko or other breadcrumbs. Add paprika for more flavor.
- Arrange the seasoned halibut fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Take care not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Easy sauces for air-fried halibut
Halibut is easily elevated with a homemade sauce. Here are a few options:
- Lemon-caper butter sauce: A quick pan reduction of lemon juice, white wine, capers, and butter. This sauce adds brightness and a hit of umami.
- Herb yogurt sauce: Greek yogurt blended with dill, parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. Cool, tangy, and great for a Mediterranean twist.
- Garlic-chive aioli: Garlic, chives, good quality or homemade mayo, and a bit of lemon juice. Use this if you breaded the halibut.
- Miso-sesame glaze: White miso, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Brush on post-fry for a glossy, umami-rich finish.
- Tomato fennel coulis: Slow-cooked fennel and tomato blended into a silky purée. Adds depth and a subtle anise note — great for fall/winter.
If that sounds like too much effort, just melt some butter and garlic or use store-bought tartar sauce.
Air fryer halibut recipes
Here are five delicious air fryer halibut recipes to try. If they mention cod or another white fish, you can substitute halibut without any issues.
1. Baja fish tacos with avocado crema and chipotle slaw
These Baja-style fish tacos feature air fryer halibut, creamy avocado crema, and a tangy chipotle slaw for a delicious and light meal. You can serve it with or without the taco shells to adjust the carbs.
2. Air fryer halibut with chimichurri
Simple does it from The Frizzled Leek. Simply marinate, air fry, and then top your filets with a sharp chimichurri sauce. The quality of your olive oil will have a big impact here. Go for something fresh and spicy.
3. Spicy air fryer halibut bites
They’re like fish sticks, but better. You can use any white fish for this recipe from Enjoy Clean Eating. This recipe seasons the fish, then dips the fillets in flour, egg wash, and panko, in that order. Serve with a mayo-based sauce on the side and your kids will love you.
4. Air fryer parmesan encrusted halibut
This recipe from Or Whatever You Do is both comforting and delicious. It mixes mayo, parmesan, and spices together for a creamy sauce to act as a binder. After you dip it in the mayo, you toss it in crushed up crackers and fry it.
5. Air fryer halibut with spicy mango salsa
I always attribute white fish to tropical environments, and a mango salsa only adds to that ambience. MyFullBelly’s version uses mango, bell peppers, lime juice, cilantro, and a few other spices. This recipe would be great with tostadas and fresh guacamole.
Where to buy the best halibut
When buying fish, the quality of the seafood you source has a direct impact on the nutritional value and taste of your final dish. To reflect our belief in that, we have proudly teamed up with a group of elite fisheries in the cold, pristine waters off the coast of Alaska to provide our customers with the finest, sustainably-sourced halibut available.
These Alaskan waters are renowned for their exceptional water quality and abundance of nutrient-rich plankton, which the halibut feed on to develop their firm, flavorful flesh. The fishermen utilize responsible, low-impact harvesting methods to ensure the long-term health of the halibut population. US Wellness Meats’ halibut is then flash-frozen at the peak of freshness to lock in all the natural omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals.
Just as the quality of grass-fed beef from Tasmania’s lush pastures is unparalleled, the halibut sourced by US Wellness Meats represents the gold standard in seafood. When you purchase our premium, sustainably caught halibut, you can trust that you are feeding your body the most nutrient-dense, flavor-packed fish available.
See how good our halibut really is.
Halibut FAQ
Here are some common questions and answers about cooking halibut in an air fryer:
What is the best cooking method for halibut?
That depends on a variety of factors, including which part of the fish you have and your final dish. Generally, fillets are great for sautéing, sous vide, air frying, and poaching. It’s hard to go wrong!
What temperature do you air fry halibut?
The best temperature for air frying halibut is 400°F (200°C). This high heat creates a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and flaky.
Should you soak or rinse halibut before cooking?
Yes. Rinse halibut fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This removes any impurities or residue and ensures the seasoning adheres properly.
How do you cook halibut without drying it out?
The key to preventing dry, overcooked halibut is to monitor the cooking time closely and not overcook the fish. Flip it halfway through and measure the temperature with a meat thermometer.
Why is my fish not crispy in the air fryer?
If your air-fried halibut isn’t achieving the desired crispness, it is likely due to overcrowding the basket, not preheating the air fryer properly, or not drying the fish thoroughly before cooking.
Why is my halibut rubbery?
Overcooked halibut can become rubbery in texture. To avoid this, do not exceed the recommended cooking time and check the doneness of the fish regularly. Aim for pulling it 5º or so under 145º, or even lower (130º) if you are okay with a bit more risk. Halibut is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
The bottom line
Air frying halibut is quick and easy, without sacrificing flavor. It also provides the ideal environment for cooking halibut without needing a lot of oil, making air frying a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Whip it up and serve alongside a citrus salad or fries. You won’t regret it.
Happy halibutting!
Nathan Phelps
Nathan Phelps owns and writes for Crafted Copy, a boutique copywriting shop that finds the perfect words for interesting products. He is also an ethical foodie, outdoors-aficionado, and hails from Nashville, TN. He splits his time between helping sustainable businesses find new customers and managing his ever-increasing list of hobbies, which include playing guitar, baking bread, and creating board games.
