Golden, crispy, and full of flavor, this Air Fryer Halibut with Panko is an easy weeknight dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes. The tender halibut fillets are coated in a light, cheesy panko crust, then air fried to crunchy perfection.
Whether you're making fish tacos, serving it with fries for a classic fish and chips dinner, or pairing it with veggies, this recipe is a keeper. It's quick, easy, high in protein, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
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This breaded fish goes perfectly with a side of air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, air fryer sweet potato fries, rice, and a blooming onion.
You can even make it with homemade Panko bread crumbs for even more flavor!
If you love seafood, check out some of my other air fryer fish recipes like blackened air fryer salmon, air fryer tilapia, air fryer salmon bites in garlic cream sauce, and air fryer teriyaki salmon.
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Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Halibut with Panko
- Quick and Easy: On the table in 20 minutes.
- Crispy Texture: Panko breadcrumbs give the halibut that irresistible crunch.
- Customizable: Perfect as a main dish, in tacos, or with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Light but Flavorful: Tender halibut and a cheesy crust that never disappoints.
- Family Favorite: Minimal oil, maximum crunch, maximum flavor.
Air Fryer Halibut Panko Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Halibut Fillets: Fresh or frozen, choose firm fillets that bounce back when pressed.
- Eggs. Beaten eggs help the Panko mixture stick to the fish.
- Lemon Juice. Adds a bright, tangy flavor. Lime juice can also be used.
- Breading: Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Avocado Oil Spray: Used to crisp up the fish. Olive oil spray can also be used.
How to Make Air Fryer Halibut with Panko and Parmesan
For step-by-step instructions with measurements, jump to the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Remove the skin from the halibut fillets and pat dry with a paper towel.
Fun Tip: Cut the halibut filets into one-inch wide strips for homemade fish sticks.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first, mix flour and ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt. In the second, beat eggs and lemon juice. In the third, combine Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining seasoning salt, and pepper.
- Coat the fish fillets in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally dredge in the Panko mixture.
- Place the halibut fillets in the preheated air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray. Air fry halibut for 10 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
- Let the halibut rest for a few minutes before serving with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of parsley if you like, and your favorite sides.
Pro Tip: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the filets. A thicker fillet will take longer to cook than a thinner fillet.
How to Serve Air Fryer Halibut
This crispy halibut pairs perfectly with:
Vegetables: Add your favorite side dish; some of mine are air fryer broccoli, air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus, air fryer green beans, and air fryer Brussels sprouts.
Fish Tacos: Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and mango habanero salsa or peach Pico de Gallo on homemade flatbread.
Potatoes: Air fryer french fries, air fryer curly fries, air fryer potatoes, and twice-baked mashed potatoes.
Variations
This halibut recipe can be customized to your liking! Check out some of my favorite additions to make it even more delicious:
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or add Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, Cajun spice, or Old Bay Seasoning.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Sauces: Serve with homemade tartar sauce, dill sauce, or lemon garlic aioli.
Tips and Notes
- Skin: Remove the skin from the halibut using a sharp knife before cooking.
- Oil: Spray the halibut fillets with cooking spray before and during cooking for a golden, crispy crust.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook the halibut in batches if necessary so they crisp up properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This recipe works great with cod, tilapia, or any firm white fish.
Yes, bake in the oven at 425 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Swap all-purpose flour for almond or coconut flour and use crushed pork rinds instead of Panko.
Store leftover halibut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Easy Seafood Recipes You'll Love
Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Halibut with Panko
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- 3 Shallow bowls
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds halibut fillets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- avocado spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare the halibut fillets by removing the skin using a sharp knife. You can also leave the skin on if desired. Pat dry the fillets with a paper towel.1½ pounds halibut fillets
- In a shallow dish, combine flour and seasoning salt.½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- In a separate dish, beat the eggs and lemon juice together.2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Combine Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt and black pepper in a third dish.1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup parmesan, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Coat the fish fillets in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the fillets in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the fillets in the Panko coating, pressing the breadcrumb mixture onto the fillets with your fingers to make it stick.
- Place the halibut fillets in the preheated air fryer basket and spray the top of them with cooking spray. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.avocado spray
- After 10 minutes, carefully flip the fish over with tongs and spray the top with avocado oil spray.
- Air fry the halibut for ten more minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145 degrees F with a meat thermometer and the crust is golden brown and crispy. (The cook time will depend on the thickness of the fish. A thicker fillet will take longer to cook than a thinner fillet.)
- Once your halibut is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Video
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Notes
- Skin: Remove the skin from the halibut before cooking with a sharp knife.
- Oil: Spray the halibut fillets with cooking spray before and during cooking for a golden, crispy crust.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook the halibut in batches if necessary so they crisp up properly.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Tracey says
Fantastic recipe, thank you
Jeri Walker says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it! 😊
Cindy says
10 minutes per side at 400 degrees is too much time.
Jeri Walker says
Thanks for the feedback! Cook time can vary based on thickness - I added a note about that in the post. Thinner fillets definitely cook faster!
Amy Liu Dong says
I love this recipe!
It is so easy and delicious, my husband loves it so much!
Jeri Walker says
Thanks, Amy! I'm thrilled you and your husband love it as much as we do! 🙂
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Really delicious recipe!! And easy to do.
Jeri Walker says
Thanks so much, Helen! Glad you liked it! 🙂