Air Fryer Crispy Halibut with Pesto Aioli

Air Fryer Crispy Halibut with Pesto Aioli

Bring a flavorful twist to your dinner with this Air Fryer Crispy Halibut paired with a creamy, herby pesto aioli. Air-fried to golden perfection, this dish is easy to make and full of fresh, bold flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Halibut:

• 4 halibut fillets (about 6-8 oz each)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Cooking spray

For the Pesto Aioli:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• 2 tablespoons prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Halibut:

• Rinse the halibut fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.

• Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Coating Stations:

• In a shallow dish, place the flour.

• Beat the eggs in a second shallow dish.

• In a third dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat the Fish:

• Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess.

• Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

• Press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

5. Cook the Halibut:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Place the breaded fillets in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

6. Make the Pesto Aioli:

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pesto, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

7. Serve:

• Transfer the halibut to a serving plate. Serve immediately with the pesto aioli on the side or drizzled over the fish.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Extra Crispy Coating: Lightly spray the tops of the coated fillets with cooking spray before air frying.

• Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own Parmesan for a more robust flavor.

• Homemade Pesto: If making your own pesto, use fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and pine nuts for a vibrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this crispy, flavorful dish with:

• Vegetables: Air-fried zucchini, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli.

• Grains: Lemon risotto, wild rice, or garlic mashed potatoes.

• Salads: A Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~350

• Protein: ~34g

• Carbohydrates: ~12g

• Fat: ~18g

• Fiber: ~1g

With its crispy coating and creamy pesto aioli, this Air Fryer Crispy Halibut is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough for guests, it’s sure to impress!