Air Fryer Halibut

This flaky, tender Air Fryer Halibut is full of bright citrusy flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Made with homemade lemon garlic herb butter and single ingredients, it's the perfect quick-fix, nourishing meal for lunch or dinner.

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On busy weeknights when I'm craving something light yet satisfying, this protein-packed air-fried halibut always hits the spot. It's quick, full of flavor, and feels a little fancy–even when I'm in my sweats. Halibut is a mild white fish with a firm, flaky texture that holds up perfectly in the air fryer.

This gourmet-tasting main dish comes together quickly in under 20 minutes with fewer than 10 ingredients you probably have on hand. The beauty of air fryer halibut recipes is the combination of simplicity and bold flavor. There are no complicated steps–just fresh wholesome ingredients

The homemade lemon garlic herb butter brings the air-fried halibut filets to the next level. Bright lemon juice, sautéd garlic, and fresh parsley add a zesty depth to the butter sauce drizzled over the cooked fish. Each bite is rich and indulgent, yet light and refreshing, making any night feel like a gourmet experience.

For more air fryer fish recipes, check out my Air Fryer Salmon and Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

Why You'll Love This Easy Halibut Air Fryer Recipe

• Quick & Easy Prep — Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and easy cleanup.
• Wholesome & Nourishing — Halibut is a great source of lean protein paired with olive oil, homemade lemon herb butter, and no heavy breading or gluten.
• Bright & Flavorful — The light, mild fish is hearty, yet tender; rich in butter citrus flavor, yet light and refreshing.

All About Halibut

Halibut is a mild, lean white fish known for its firm texture and delicate flavor. It’s an excellent canvas for bold spices and sauces, like the lemon garlic butter in this recipe. Because of its flakiness, it cooks beautifully in the air fryer—lightly crisped outside and perfectly tender inside.

That said, it can be tricky to find fresh halibut at your average grocery store. I use halibut from Net to Table Seafoods—it’s wild-caught from small, sustainable fisheries in Alaska and delivered straight to my doorstep on dry ice. The quality is incredible, and it’s a fantastic value for such high-end seafood.

Save $40 off your first order over $100 of Net to Table Seafoods with code 'MaesMenu40'.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Halibut - Look for fresh or frozen, skinless halibut fillets, and aim for about 1-inch thickness of the fillets. Alternatively, use another flaky, mild white fish like cod, sea bass, tilapia, mahi mahi, or haddock.

Salt & Black Pepper - Adds essential depth of flavor to the fillets.

Olive Oil - Helps create a slightly crisp outer crust on the air-fried halibut fillets. Or use olive oil spray or another spray oil for convenience.

Butter - Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish or salted butter if preferred. Alternatively, use a dairy-free variation.

Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, bright flavor to the garlic herb butter. Or swap orange juice for a citrus twist.

Garlic - Minced or pressed garlic adds a punchy, savory flavor when sautéed in the butter. For convenience, use pre-minced store-bought garlic.

Parsley - Fresh flat-leaf parsley adds an herbaceous taste that enhances the other flavors. Alternatively, swap with fresh cilantro, basil, or 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.

How to Make Air Fryer Halibut

For the complete recipe and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer with the basket or tray installed to 375°F. 

Step 2: Brush the fish filets with olive oil and sprinkle them with sea salt.

Step 3: Add the fish to the air fryer and air fry for 7-9 minutes, or until flaky and cooked through.

Step 4: While the fish cooks, make the lemon garlic herb butter. Preheat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and melt until it starts to foam.

Step 5: Add the garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, or until fragrant.

Step 6: Add the lemon juice, flat-leaf parsley, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to the butter mixture. Stir until combined and heated throughout. 

Step 7: Plate the halibut and drizzle the lemon garlic herb butter over the fish. Enjoy immediately!

Chelsea's Recipe Pro-Tips

• Pat fish dry before seasoning. Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps the seasonings stick better to the fillets and prevents steaming while cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Place the halibut in the air fryer in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust cook time based on the thickness of fillets. Thicker fillets may need an extra 30 seconds to 2 minutes of cooking time per side.
• Test for doneness. Use a fork to test–it is done when the fish flakes easily and the center is opaque.

Recipe Variations

• Parmesan Crust: Add 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs to the seasoning mix before air frying the fillets for a crispy golden-brown crust.
• Cajun-Style: Replace garlic powder and paprika with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a festive kick.
• Mediterranean: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped olives and 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
• Herb Crust: Mix 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs with 1 teaspoon dried Italian Herbs and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Press the mixture onto the fish before air frying.
• Fish Tacos: Omit the herbed butter and flake the cooked fish and serve in warm tortillas with veggie slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema for a twist on taco night.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free, plant-based butter alternative. Or substitute the butter for olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

This air-fried halibut is light, lemony, and endlessly versatile, perfect for pairing with side dishes like crisp veggies and cozy carbs. For greens, I love serving the fillets with sautéed asparagus, Air Fryer Green Beans or Blistered Green Beans, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Potatoes, Air Fryer Broccolini or Frozen Air Fryer Broccoli.

For something starchy to round out the plate, it pairs beautifully with Garlic Angel Hair Pasta, Caramelized Dutch Oven Sweet Potatoes, Instant Pot Baby Potatoes, or a bed of fluffy rice. Plate with lemon wedges or lemon slices for a zingy garnish and a side of tartar sauce for extra creamy tanginess.

Storage Directions

• Refrigerating: Allow leftover halibut to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently in the air fryer at 350ºF for 2-4 minutes, or until warmed through.

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More Easy Fish Recipes

• Sweet and Spicy Salmon with Mango Salsa
• Sweet Bourbon Salmon
• Pecan Crusted Salmon
• Smoked Salmon Pasta

If you liked and made this Air Fryer Halibut Recipe, don't forget to rate it and let me know how you liked it in the comments. I always love hearing from you!

Recipe Card