Perfectly Crisp Air Fryer Whole Halibut with Zesty Lemon
Nutritional value per serving
Calories400kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat10gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Whole halibut, cleaned and scaled (about 1.5 lb)1 piece
- Fresh lemon (thinly sliced)1 piece
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Fresh garlic (minced)2 cloves
- Fresh parsley (chopped)2 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
- Optional: paprika or chili flakes (for a slight kick)0.5 tsp
This recipe guides you through cooking a whole halibut in an air fryer, infused with fresh lemon for a delightful citrus flavor. It is a quick, healthy, and simple way to prepare a restaurant-quality fish dinner at home with minimal cleanup. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 (13€ / 11£ / 1250₹), making it an affordable dish. The recipe serves 2 people, with a total of around 400 calories per serving. It fits well into a low-carb, high-protein diet and is easy to make, even for beginners. Total cooking and preparation time is about 35 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the halibut
1Remove the halibut from packaging. Rinse it under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin during cooking.
Season the fish
2Rub olive oil all over the halibut outside and inside the cavity. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and optional paprika evenly inside and outside. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, minced garlic, and half the parsley to infuse flavor.
Preheat the air fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes. Preheating helps cook the fish evenly.
Place the halibut in the air fryer
4Put the seasoned halibut gently in the air fryer basket. Make sure it lays flat and does not overlap the basket edges to prevent uneven cooking.
Cook the halibut
5Cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, carefully flip the fish to cook both sides evenly. The fish is done when the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Rest and serve
6Once cooked, carefully remove the halibut using tongs or a spatula. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with remaining fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Cooking Tips
1Use a meat thermometer to check the fish’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 63°C (145°F), the safe minimum for fish consumption.
2Avoid cross-contamination by thoroughly washing your hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw fish.
3If your air fryer basket is small, ensure the halibut fits comfortably without touching the heating elements.
4For extra flavor, drizzle melted butter or sprinkle fresh herbs like dill or thyme after cooking.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole halibut (about 1.5 lb) - approx. $12 (choose fresh, firm fish with a mild scent)
- [ ] Fresh lemon - approx. $0.50 (pick firm lemons with bright yellow skin)
- [ ] Olive oil - approx. $1 for amount used (select extra virgin for best flavor)
- [ ] Fresh garlic - approx. $0.50 (choose firm cloves without mold or sprouts)
- [ ] Fresh parsley - approx. $1 (look for bright green leaves without wilting)
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (pantry staples)
- [ ] Optional: paprika or chili flakes (pantry staples)
Total approximate cost: $15
FAQ
Can I use frozen whole halibut for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before cooking. Cooking from frozen is not recommended as it may cook unevenly.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the whole halibut in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes, following similar seasoning instructions.
How do I know when the halibut is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 63°C (145°F). The flesh should also be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use other citrus instead of lemon?
Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or even orange slices for a different citrus flavor.