Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (2024)

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If you are looking for a simple meal that is also really impressive, look no further than this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Halibut. It is crunchy on the outside, tender and flakey on the inside, and is one of my favorite bites of fish that I’ve ever had.

Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (1)

Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut

Some of you who have been following along for a while know that Jeremiah really likes to fish. (If you like fishing videos, check out this one and follow along on our Fishing Instagram!)

We got a boat a few years ago, and it has been one of the best things we’ve ever done. He and the kids go out dozens and dozens of times a year and fish for all kinds of things in the Puget Sound and off the coast of Washington and Oregon.

Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (2)
Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (3)

I mention this because it is a bit of a teaser for some more fishing-related content to come, and because while 2020 was a $*!t show in almost all other regards, it happened to be a banner year for halibut.

In 2020, due to a lack of demand from restaurants that were not open due to various restrictions, the halibut season was open for recreational fishermen for a much longer time period than it usually is.

For us, that means we now have a freezer with enough fresh halibut (and almost every other fish that can be legally caught in those waters) to last the year, and also that they didn’t have to go out in less-than-perfect waters to do it.

Get all of my FISH recipes!

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Why I love halibut, and you should too

Halibut is prized for its thick, meaty flesh and how buttery and delicious it is after it is cooked. I think of a big, thick halibut filet in the same way I think about a big steak. In fact, if I knew the fish was going to be prepared well, I’d pick halibut over steak almost every time in a restaurant.

I’ve shared some halibut recipes with you before. Our Traeger Parmesan Halibut was delicious, and this Crispy Battered Halibut with NO Beer has been really popular on Pinterest for quite a few years. If you love a good Beer Batter, I have one of those too.

This one though – this one might be my favorite yet.

Air Fryer Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

We’re just getting into Air Frying these days, but these shrimp have been a huge hit!

Get the recipe
Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (5)

Why you’re going to LOVE it

From the crispy cracker-filled crust to the ultrasimple prep and cooking method, this is just a winner all around. The kids even devoured this, and there are usually a few that turn their nose up at fish depending on the preparation and the kid. (And the time of the day, and what kind of mood they are in.)

If you don’t have halibut, this recipe can be used on any firm whitefish. I am really excited to try it with lingcod, rockfish, and walleye.

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Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (6)

Parmesan-Crusted Halibut Shopping List

For the complete recipe, including the amounts you need for each ingredient, make sure to scroll down to the recipe card!

  • halibut
  • mayonnaise
  • parmesan cheese
  • salt & pepper
  • hot sauce
  • Ritz crackers
  • garlic

Try our Air Fryer Halibut Scampi too!

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How to make crispy halibut in the air fryer

If you want to know what you are getting yourself into, I’ve got the cliff notes here. Make sure when you are cooking to follow the instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Your hands are going to get messy It is just a thing. Wash up and get to it, they don’t stay messy for long. This is the most annoying part of the recipe, and the rest is a cake wake.
  • Don’t let it stick – Make sure your cooking surface is non-stick, or make it so. The last thing you want is to lose half your breading to the bottom of your air fryer.

1

Mix together everything except the crackers.

2

Spread it all over the fish, on all sides.

3

Roll the fish in the crushed Ritz crackers.

4

Air fry at 350° for about 10 minutes!

Try our Bang Bang Halibut too!

How to store parmesan halibut leftovers and keep it crunchy

My suggestion for fish is usually to just not make too much, but this one comes back to life again surprisingly well. If you find yourself with some extra halibut that was cooked up, store it in a covered container for a day or two.

Get all of my Salmon Recipes here!

How to reheat breaded halibut

Easy! Just reheat it in the air fryer. I’d turn the heat down to about 300° though, so the breading doesn’t burn while the center is heating, and keep a close eye on things!

Check out our Blackstone Yakisoba recipe too!

Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (9)

What else can you serve with Air Fryer Parmesan Halibut?

Lots of good stuff! Pictured here you see some creamy coleslaw. I’d also serve this gladly next to a big helping of my favorite Greek Salad, and these perfect grilled asparagus.

Craving some pasta? Try this easy one-pot creamy noodles recipe!

Get my easy Side Dish recipes!

More recipes to enjoy!

  • Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
  • Hanger Steak
  • Fried Wontons
  • Bolognese Sauce
  • Poor Man’s Burnt Ends
  • Tonkotsu Ramen
  • Country-Style Pork Ribs
  • London Broil
  • Recipes using Smoked Chicken
  • Grape Jelly Meatballs
  • Smoked Prime Rib
  • Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Featured Reader Reviews

“I’ve been cooking halibut different ways for over 30 years. This recipe is now our very favorite done in the air fryer. So delish!!!”

– Paula from Pinterest

“Best halibut I have ever eaten, and I’ve eaten a lot of halibut. It was crispy and so flavorful.”

– Becky from Pinterest

“Made this Gluten Free using GF panko instead of Ritz. 380* for about 10-12 minutes and it was delicious!”

– Vikki from Pinterest
Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (10)

Yield: 2 servings

Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (11)

Halibut filets are breaded and cooked in the air fryer until they are a perfect medium. Simple and impressive dinner!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Total Time20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound halibut
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 2 cloves of my smoked garlic)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 sleeve ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

  1. Dry the halibut well with paper towels.
  2. Combine the mayo, parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
  3. Crush the crackers and place them into another bowl.
  4. Coat the fish in the mayo mixture and then roll in the crackers to cover all sides. Carefully place into the air fryer in a single layer, not touching the sides or each other, in your air fryer. (Spray the rack with cooking spray if it is not well-seasoned and if things tend to stick.) Repeat with the other filet(s).
  5. Cook in the air fryer at 350° for 10 minutes, or until the internal temp is 130-135°, depending on how you like your fish.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 722Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 1450mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 60g

Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.

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Air Fryer Halibut Web Story

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Nicole Johnson

Website

Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.

Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Halibut recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should you soak halibut before cooking? ›

Some recipes for sous vide halibut recommend soaking the fish in a saltwater brine before cooking, in order to season it more deeply and to give it a denser, firmer texture.

How do you cook halibut so it's not tough? ›

Poaching is a cooking method that utilizes gentle, even heat to cook ingredients in a flavorful stock or liquid. When Pacific halibut is cooked gently, it's less likely to become tough. Perfectly poached Pacific halibut will be flaky and moist.

What is the best temperature to cook halibut? ›

The recommended cooking temperature for halibut by the USDA is 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes per inch of thickness. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, ensuring the fish is cooked thoroughly while remaining tender and moist.

Why do you soak halibut in milk? ›

We've found an easy way to eliminate the smell: Soak the fish or the shellfish meat in milk for 20 minutes and then drain and pat dry. The casein in milk binds to the TMA, and when drained away, it takes the culprit that causes fishy odor with it. The result is seafood that's sweet smelling and clean-flavored.

What happens if you don't rinse fish before cooking? ›

Remove the scales from fish if a recipe calls for it, but leave your fish unrinsed to prevent your kitchen from becoming a breeding ground for germs.

How long do you soak halibut in milk? ›

In a 3-quart bowl, soak fish in milk for 15-20 minutes. The casein protein in milk binds to the trimethylamine in the fish flesh, reducing the “fishy” odor.

Why is halibut the hardest to cook? ›

Crank the heat too high, and the fish will lose its moisture and become dry. On top of that, halibut fillets vary in thickness, which makes it difficult to cook them evenly. You can bake, grill, poach, or steam fresh halibut, but the best way to cook it without drying it out is "en papillote."

Why is my halibut rubbery? ›

When you overcook fish, it can become dry, tough, and lack flavor. Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.

What should I Season fish with? ›

The Best Herbs & Spices For Seasoning Fish
  1. Basil. Lemon and basil are a match made in heaven! ...
  2. Parsley. Parsley is a perfect addition to pan-fried fish, with a slightly bitter aroma that can balance savoury dishes. ...
  3. Dill. ...
  4. Lemongrass. ...
  5. Rosemary. ...
  6. Thyme. ...
  7. Sage. ...
  8. Smoked Paprika.
Nov 13, 2021

How is halibut supposed to be cooked? ›

Halibut can be expensive, so make the most of it by grilling, pan-searing and roasting. Halibut is thick and firm, so it's naturally suited to these high-heat methods. It's one of the easier white fish to flip, too.

Can you overcook halibut? ›

Halibut is so easy to overcook that we recommend monitoring the fillet with a Thermapen while it cooks.

How long does halibut need to be cooked for? ›

In a large nonstick baking dish, add halibut skin side down and drizzle with oil. Top with garlic, parsley, lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, dividing evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until halibut flakes easily when tested with a fork.

What percentage of meat do you get from a halibut? ›

Since most sport caught halibut will not be consumed fresh because of size and/or the distance to your home, a guide to freezing halibut is included here. First, with a decent filleting job you can expect about a 50 percent recovery of meat from your fish. That is, a 30 lb. halibut should give you about 15 lbs.

Should fish be soaked before cooking? ›

Lisa Featherby, Gourmet Traveller food editor, writes: Soaking fish in brine or water before cooking to remove any muddy taste is not necessary.

Are you supposed to soak fish in water? ›

Don't let your fish soak in water for long, even if it's ice-cold water. This will soften the flesh and eventually you'll have a mushy fillet.

Should fish be soaked in salt water before cooking? ›

Brining fish with salt before cooking is a helpful, but not crucial, step. The brine mixture adds flavor and firmness to the fish as it extracts excess moisture from the flesh which can make it stick to the pan during cooking. Lean white fish like cod and rockfish benefit greatly from a quick, dry brine.

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