Air Fryer Halibut Cheeks with Red Pepper Shallot Pan Sauce

air fryer halibut cheeks with red pepper and herb sauce served with cooked carrots on a white plate with a fork.

5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Halibut Cheeks with Red Pepper Shallot Pan Sauce

Halibut Cheeks with Red Pepper Shallot Pan Sauce is simple and delicious, and really highlights the luscious succulent morsels of fish. It’s the perfect combination of buttery white fish served with a vibrant red pepper sauce.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer, halibut cheeks, seafood

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 18

Servings servings

Calories 434kcal

Author Debi

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

Red Pepper Shallot Pan Sauce:

3 tablespoons olive oil divided use
2 medium shallots finely chopped
2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup roasted red peppers coarsely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Halibut Cheeks:

1 pound halibut cheeks
Lemon wedges for serving if desired
Chopped fresh herbs if desired

Instructions

Red Pepper Shallot Pan Sauce:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the finely chopped shallots and sliced garlic to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes or until the shallots and garlic begin to soften.
3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, 2 medium shallots
Add the dried basil and oregano and cook for about 1 minute stirring often.
¼ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Add the broth and cook until the sauce reduces by about half, about 5 minutes.
1 cup vegetable broth
Once reduced, add the coarsely chopped roasted red peppers, and cook just until they soften, about 5 minutes.
1 cup roasted red peppers
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Salt and pepper
Remove the sauce from the heat set aside until ready to serve over the halibut cheeks.

Halibut cheeks:

Lay the halibut cheeks out in a single layer and pat dry with a dry paper towel. Season them with salt and pepper to taste.
1 pound halibut cheeks

Air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer to 380° F.
Place the halibut cheeks in a bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Toss gently to coat.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place oiled halibut cheeks in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd the air fryer. You’ll probably have to cook the cheeks in two batches.
Cook at 380° F for 6 to 8 minutes, or until lightly browned and center is opaque.

Pan sear:

In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add a few halibut cheeks at a time, working in batches to not overcrowd the pan. Cook over medium heat until they are browned on one side, flip, and continue to cook on the second side until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Serve fish:

Serve cooked halibut cheeks with red pepper shallot pan sauce.
Garnish with a squeeze of lemon wedge and fresh herbs if desired.
Lemon wedges for serving, Chopped fresh herbs

Nutrition