Air Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce
Ingredients Featured in Our Air Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce
Recipe Overview
This flavorful, quick and easy Air Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce is the perfect weeknight meal for a healthy family. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this simple dish supports heart and brain health while boosting immunity with its flavorful garlic and thyme sauce.
About Our
Air-Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce
The secret to this air fryer halibut recipe is the mixture of our flavorful spice rub and air frying the halibut for a delicious, easy main meal. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, halibut supports heart and brain health. The lemon thyme butter sauce adds a burst of flavor as well as anti-inflammatory benefits. Serve with a simple salad and a baked potato sour cream to cool the spicy rub and balance this perfect weeknight meal.
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This Air Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce is a perfect Cycle Hack™ for your luteal and menstrual phases. The omega-3 fatty acids in halibut help balance hormones and reduce inflammation, making this dish a great choice for these phases. The fresh thyme and garlic offer additional anti-inflammatory benefits, while the lemon zest supports digestion and hydration. Whether you’re looking for a light, nourishing meal or something comforting, this recipe delivers.
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What You'll Need
Fresh Halibut Filets
The centerpiece of the dish, halibut is a lean, protein-rich fish that provides omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
Lemon
Adding zest and juice, lemon provides a fresh, vibrant note to the butter sauce and supports detoxification and liver health.
Olive Oil
Used to brush the halibut before air frying. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that adds moisture and flavor to the fish.
Spice Mix
A simple homemade blend of garlic powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and black pepper infuses the fish with warmth and depth.
Thyme
A sprig of thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the lemon butter sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Unsalted Butter
Adds a silky, indulgent finish to the dish, enhancing its flavors and satiety while providing healthy fats.
How to Make
Air-Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce
Prep the Halibut
Pat the halibut filets dry with a paper towel. If your halibut has skin, use a sharp knife to remove it before cooking. Brush the filets with olive oil on all sides, then coat with your favorite seasoning mixture all over.
Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 360˚F. Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the halibut in the air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 130˚F (or your desired level of doneness). Remove the halibut and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Make the Sauce
While the halibut is resting, melt butter with garlic, lemon zest, and thyme in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the thyme sprig and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve
Drizzle the butter sauce over the halibut. Pair with light vegetable sides such as mashed cauliflower and green beans for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, the halibut can be baked in the oven or pan-seared. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the fish is cooked through.
What are the best sides to accompany this dish?
Light vegetable sides like mashed cauliflower and green beans complement the flavors without overshadowing the star of the meal.
How do I know when the halibut is cooked perfectly?
The internal temperature should reach 130˚F for a moist, flaky texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to the lemon thyme butter sauce?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or simply use olive oil enriched with the garlic, lemon zest, and thyme for a lighter sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste to ensure the sauce remains flavorful.
How can I ensure my halibut doesn’t dry out in the air fryer?
To prevent the halibut from drying out, ensure it’s not overcooked by checking the internal temperature towards the end of the cooking time. Keeping a little bit of moisture on the surface of the fish by brushing it with olive oil before cooking can also help. Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, flaky texture.
Can I use frozen halibut filets for this recipe?
Yes, frozen halibut filets can be used, but they need to be fully thawed before seasoning and air frying. Pat them dry after thawing to remove excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better and result in a nicer sear in the air fryer. This keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
How to cook halibut in air fryer?
To cook halibut in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400˚F. Season the halibut filets with your preferred spices and brush with olive oil. Place the filets in the air fryer basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 130˚F and the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
How long to cook halibut in air fryer?
Halibut typically takes about 8-10 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400˚F. Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the filets, so it’s important to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 130˚F for perfect doneness.
Still hungry?
Jihi’s Air Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce is a testament to the joy of eating well, blending healthful ingredients with robust flavors. It’s an ode to quick, nourishing meals that support your body through every phase. It proves that good health and great taste can go hand in hand.
After enjoying this delightful dinner, treat yourself to one of our indulgent desserts. Check out our rich and satisfying No Bake Nutella Cake, an anti-inflammatory dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your health.
Explore more of our delicious and nutritious recipes to keep your meals balanced and enjoyable.
Air-Fryer Halibut with Lemon Thyme Butter Sauce
Ingredients
Halibut
- 2 halibut filets 6-8 ounces each
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
Spice Mix
- 1 tsp paprika smoked or regular
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Butter Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 sprig thyme
- 1 lemon zested
Instructions
- Pat the halibut filets dry with a paper towel. If your halibut has skin, use a sharp knife to remove it before cooking.2 halibut filets
- Mix together the seasonings/spices.1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Brush the filets with olive oil on all sides, then coat with a tbsp of seasoning.1 tbsp olive oil
- Preheat the air fryer to 360˚F. Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the halibut in the air fryer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 130°F (or your desired level of doneness).
- While the halibut is cooking, melt butter with garlic, lemon zest, and thyme in a small saucepan over medium high heat.2 tbsp butter, 1 clove garlic, 2 sprig thyme, 1 lemon
- Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove thyme sprig and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Remove the halibut and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with thyme butter sauce and thyme.