Frozen Panko Halibut in the Air Fryer (Easy Recipe)
How to cook frozen panko-breaded halibut straight from the freezer in the air fryer — 375°F for 14–17 minutes, no thawing needed, and the panko coating comes out genuinely crispy in a way the oven never quite manages.
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 155kcal
Ingredients
- 2 frozen panko halibut fillets
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat to 375°F for 3–5 minutes. Starting with a fully preheated air fryer means the panko starts crisping immediately instead of gradually warming up.
- Place the frozen fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No overlapping — the panko coating needs hot air circulating on all sides to get crispy. If you're cooking more than two fillets, do it in batches.
- Spray lightly with cooking spray over the top of the fillets. This is optional but gives the panko a noticeably better golden color and crunch.
- Air fry at 375°F for 14–17 minutes, flipping at the halfway mark with tongs. After the flip, the top side should already be golden — you're finishing the bottom now and getting even color on both sides.
- Check for 145°F. The fillets are done when the internal temperature reads 145°F at the thickest point and the coating is deep golden all over. Halibut at 145°F is moist and flaky — not dry. If your air fryer runs cool, check at 17 minutes and add a minute or two.
- Rest 2 minutes before serving. The fish firms up slightly as it rests and holds together better when you pick it up or flake it.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 233mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g