Crispy Garlic Whole Halibut in Air Fryer
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat15gram
Protein42gram
Ingredients
- Whole halibut, cleaned and scaled (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)1 piece
- Garlic cloves, minced (fresh for best flavor)4 cloves
- Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)2 tbsp
- Lemon, sliced thinly (for stuffing and garnish)1 piece
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and seasoning)2 tbsp
- Salt (fine sea salt recommended)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground recommended)0.5 tsp
This easy recipe for cooking a whole halibut with garlic in the air fryer is perfect for home cooks looking to enjoy a flavorful, crispy fish without the fuss. Using simple ingredients like fresh garlic, olive oil, and lemon, the halibut is infused with aromatic flavors while achieving a beautiful crispy skin and tender, moist flesh inside. The ingredients cost approximately $20 USD (€18, £16, ₹1600), depending on the size and market prices. The entire dish contains about 350 calories per serving, is rich in protein, low in carbs, and fits well within a healthy, gluten-free diet. With a beginner-friendly complexity and a total cooking time of around 35 minutes, this recipe is approachable even if you're new to air frying whole fish. Key food safety tips are emphasized to ensure properly cooked halibut, reaching an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to guarantee it's safe to eat. Simple yet delicious, this recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the fish
1Rinse the whole cleaned halibut under cold water and pat dry thoroughly using paper towels. Make sure to remove any excess moisture; this helps achieve a crispy skin in the air fryer.
Season and stuff the halibut
2In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the outside of the halibut and inside the cavity. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and some parsley for extra aroma.
Preheat the air fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crisp exterior.
Cook the halibut in the air fryer
4Place the seasoned whole halibut carefully in the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (356°F) for 20 minutes. Halfway through, carefully turn the fish once using tongs for even cooking and browning. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your fish and air fryer model.
Check internal temperature
5After 20 minutes, insert a food-safe instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. If not reached, cook an additional 3-5 minutes and check again.
Rest and serve
6Remove the halibut from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps redistribute juices and makes the fish tender. Garnish with remaining parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Cooking Tips
1Always use a clean cutting board and utensils for fish to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
2If your air fryer is small and cannot fit the whole fish, consider filleting the halibut or using a smaller fish like trout.
3For more flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or dill inside the cavity together with the lemon and parsley.
4Avoid overheating the fish to prevent dry, tough texture—use a thermometer to get it just right.
5If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used but fresh will provide the best flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Instant-read food thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole halibut (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g) - Approx. $15 Tip: Choose fresh fish with clear eyes and firm flesh.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (4 cloves) - Approx. $0.50 Tip: Choose bulbs that feel heavy and firm.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - Approx. $3 for a bottle Tip: Look for cold-pressed, extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Lemon (1 piece) - Approx. $0.40 Tip: Choose firm lemons with a bright yellow color.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (small bunch) - Approx. $1 Tip: Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
- [ ] Sea salt and black pepper (if not already in pantry) - Approx. $1 each
Total Estimated Cost: $20.90
FAQ
Can I cook frozen halibut in the air fryer?
It's best to thaw the halibut fully before cooking it in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and accurate temperature reading.
How do I tell when the halibut is fully cooked?
Use a food thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use other types of fish in this recipe?
Yes, other firm white fish like cod or snapper can be cooked similarly in the air fryer using this recipe.
Is it safe to cook whole fish with the air fryer skin on?
Yes, cooking with the skin on helps keep the fish moist and results in a crispy texture when air fried.
How do I avoid the halibut sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure to lightly oil the air fryer basket or use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers before placing the fish.