Easy Greek Air Fryer Halibut (Oven Baked Option)
Savor the simplicity of Air Fryer Halibut! With fresh or thawed-from frozen halibut fillets, Greek seasoning, and flavorful olives, this hassle-free air fryer recipe captures the essence of light and flavorful Mediterranean faire in just 15 minutes!
I LOVE grilled halibut when I want something fast and fresh, but sometimes even grilling is too much of a task. Enter air-fried halibut! This quick and easy recipe transforms the mild-flavored, delicate fish into a Greek-inspired masterpiece! This recipe originally used the oven-baked method. However, after testing it out in the air fryer, it’s now my go-to method. It’s quick, easy, and delicious!
Besides fresh or thawed-from-frozen halibut fillets, all you’ll need is olive oil, store-bought Greek seasoning, lemon, dill, olives, and the assistance of your air fryer! In less than 15 minutes, the firm, meaty halibut fillets will emerge from the air fryer perfectly cooked, offering a moist, flaky texture and irresistible flavor. I love pairing this dish with these air-fried Greek potatoes. So good!
In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to cook halibut in the air fryer and achieve the same sensational results. Ready to air-fry your way to halibut heaven? Let’s do it!
What is halibut?
Before we dive any deeper…halibut is a large, flatfish species with a distinctive diamond-shaped body primarily found in the cold waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic. When fresh halibut is cooked correctly, the meat maintains its firm, moist, flaky texture and sweet, clean flavor profile.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfect for busy schedules. Air frying halibut takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for a hassle-free yet gourmet weeknight dinner.
- Crispy outside, tender and juicy inside. The air fryer method produces a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender.
- Mouthwatering flavor. The Greek seasoning and olives offer a dimensional Mediterranean flavor, but you can easily switch up the spice blend to find your favorite.
- Versatility. Whether using fresh or thawed-from-frozen fillets, this recipe has you covered. Additionally, this fish pairs well with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and your favorite grains.
- Healthier than deep-frying. You achieve a crisped finish by air-frying while keeping the fat and calorie count in check.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Halibut fillets. Choose high-quality, preferably sustainably sourced, fresh, or frozen halibut for the best flavor and texture. If frozen, allow the fish to thaw completely in the refrigerator beforehand. I used two 6-ounce fillets.
- Olive oil. Coating the fish with oil helps achieve a golden, lightly crisped exterior during the air frying process. You can also use melted, unsalted butter here.
- Greek seasoning. This Mediterranean-inspired seasoning blend typically includes oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes dried lemon zest. Opt for a trusted store brand. I used Cavender’s Greek Seasoning.
- Coarse salt. If your Greek seasoning contains salt, be mindful of the salt quantity so you don’t accidentally oversalt the dish.
- Lemon zest. It adds brightness and complements the halibut’s mild oceanic flavor.
- Olives. While air frying the fish with olives is optional, I highly recommend giving them a shot. The briny and savory element is fantastic with the mild fish. Choose a variety of pitted olives, such as Castelvetrano, Kalamata, and/or green olives.
- Olive oil spray. Lightly coating the basket and spritzing the halibut helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
- For serving. I served this dish with fresh parsley (dill is great here, too) and lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish before eating.
How to cook halibut in the air fryer
Step 1: Season the halibut. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel, then brush both sides with olive oil.
Season with the Greek seasoning, salt, and lemon zest.
Step 2: Assemble the air fryer basket. Spray the basket with olive oil spray, or use a parchment air fryer liner (I love these) and lightly spritz it with olive oil. Place the fillets in a single layer in the basket, spread the olives around the fillets, and lightly spritz with olive oil spray.
Step 3: Air fry the halibut. Set the air fryer temperature to 350℉, and cook until the fillets are opaque and cooked through.
Step 4: Plate and serve. Serve the halibut immediately with lemon wedges and fresh dill, if desired –and enjoy!
Look at that perfect tender, flaky texture!
Oven instructions
No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 450℉. Meanwhile, prep the halibut fillets as instructed above and place them in a shallow baking dish. Top each fillet with a few thin lemon slices and a drizzle of oil, then bake until just opaque (about 10 minutes). Garnish, if desired, and serve.
Recipe tips
- Pat dry. Don’t forget to pat the fish dry with paper towels before coating it in oil and seasonings. This is key to achieving that coveted crisp on the outside during air frying.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking fish is optional but a helpful hack to help with the initial searing and to promote even cooking.
- Mindful seasoning. Season the halibut so it’s fully coated with spices, but don’t go overboard. Too much seasoning may overpower the delicate flavor of the fish.
- Check for doneness. Use a food thermometer to ensure the halibut internal temperature reaches a safe 140-145°F. Remember that the fish will continue to cook slightly after it’s removed from the air fryer, so it’s best to remove it a few degrees shy of the target temperature. I like to pull it between 135-138 degrees for our texture preference. Even though 145 is recommended for food safety, if borders on too tough for my liking.
Variations
Instead of seasoning your halibut with Greek seasoning before air frying, experiment with any of these alternate store-bought seasoning blends:
- Italian – Featuring herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, this blend provides a slightly different Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
- Lemon pepper – Combining the zing of lemon with the boldness of black pepper, this seasoning brings a simple yet flavorful spin.
- Herbs de Provence – A classic French blend that includes thyme, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram. It gives the halibut a fragrant and earthy flavor.
- Cajun (or Creole) – This blend contains a mix of paprika, cayenne, and other fiery spices for those who can handle the heat!
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Allow leftover halibut to cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating for 2-3 days.
Freezing: Let cool completely to room temperature before individually wrapping the fillets in plastic wrap or placing them in airtight freezer bags. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the frozen halibut in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQ
Sourcing quality fresh seafood can be tricky if you aren’t near the coast. Fortunately, fresh halibut is often available at reputable fish markets and seafood counters. When fresh isn’t an option, high-quality frozen halibut is widely available in grocery stores, price clubs, and mail-order seafood suppliers (like Sizzlefish). Whether fresh or frozen, look for sustainably sourced fish to ensure the best quality.
The air frying time for halibut can vary depending on the fillets’ thickness and your air fryer’s functionality. However, as a general guideline, you can expect it to take 8-10 minutes to cook halibut in the air fryer at 350℉.
For a wholesome meal, I like serving halibut with vibrant roasted carrots, green beans, broccoli, or brussels sprouts, along with a hearty side like quinoa, couscous, smashed fingerling potatoes, or Greek potatoes. Alternatively, a simple salad like this roasted potato salad with lemon vinaigrette can offer a delightful contrast.
More easy air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Burgers
- Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Air Fryer Salmon Patties
- Air Fryer BBQ Wings
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
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Greek Air Fryer Halibut
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Parchment air fryer liners *optional, but I love these for tender fish recipes
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh halibut fillets completely thawed and patted dry, if frozen (I use two 6 oz fillets)
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Greek seasoning Cavender's recommended
- ½ tsp coarse salt *Cavenders has salt included, so feel free to salt after cooking to taste
- ½ tsp fresh lemon zest
- ⅓ cup pitted Castelvetrano olives or kalamata (olives are optional-but amazing)
- olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley or dill for serving
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Pat the fish dry with a paper towel and brush with olive oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle each halibut fillet with the Greek seasoning, salt, and lemon zest.
- Place the fillets in the air fryer and add the olives around the fish.
- Lightly spritz with olive oil spray and air fryer at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes (depending on thickness) until just opaque. I typically pull it around 138 degrees F. (temp should rise a bit as the fish rests). Served fish should reach a safe temp of 140-145 degrees F.
- Serve fish with lemon wedges, and chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
- Oven roasted option: Heat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare fish as directed above and place the fish in a shallow baking dish. Top with a few thin lemon slices and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake until just opaque, about 10 minutes. Serve with garnishes, if desired.
Notes
- Pat dry. Don’t forget to pat the fish dry with paper towels before coating it in oil and seasonings. This is key to achieving that coveted crisp on the outside during air frying.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking fish is optional but a helpful hack to help with the initial searing and to promote even cooking.
- Mindful seasoning. Season the halibut so it’s fully coated with spices, but don’t go overboard. Too much seasoning may overpower the delicate flavor of the fish.
- Check for doneness. Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe 140-145°F. Remember that the fish will continue to cook slightly after it’s removed from the air fryer, so it’s best to remove it a few degrees shy of the target temperature. I like to pull it between 135-138 degrees for our texture preference. Even though 145 is recommended for food safety, if borders on too tough for my liking.
Nutrition
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