Maple Mustard Halibut with Pecan-Quinoa Topping (in the air fryer or conventional oven) is ridiculously easy and absolutely delicious weeknight meal or special occasion supper.
![Deliciously flakey and moist with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, this easy halibut recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook in an air-fryer.](https://thefitfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Maple-Mustart-Pecan-Quinoa-Crusted-Halibut-square-hero-1000.jpg)
First, I started with wild hook-and-line-caught Alaskan halibut. This hearty white fish is a personal favorite with tender flakes, a delicate flavor yet meaty texture that holds its own in any recipe. However, other firm fish can be used such as cod or salmon.
![Deliciously flakey and moist with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, this easy halibut recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook in an air-fryer.](https://thefitfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Maple-Mustart-Pecan-Quinoa-Crusted-Halibut-pin-1-573x1024.jpg)
Next up an easy smear of stone-ground mustard mixed with maple syrup, just enough to make a layer between the fish and halibut topping of ground pecans and quinoa that crusts up so nice and crunchy while baking.
![Meal prepping cooked quinoa for the freezer.](https://thefitfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/meal-prep-quinoa.jpg)
For a time-saving convenience, I keep a bag of COOKED quinoa in my freezer for recipes like this or to sprinkle in salads or soups. See my quinoa meal prep post HERE.
![Deliciously flakey and moist with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, this easy halibut recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook in an air-fryer.](https://thefitfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Maple-Mustart-Pecan-Quinoa-Crusted-Halibut-in-air-fryer-1000-810x1024.jpg)
As far as a quick fish dinner, this pecan-quinoa crusted halibut recipe wins taking only about 10 minutes on 400F degrees. I use a toaster-oven style air fryer (the Omni Plus XL Toaster Oven – Air Fryer from Instant) because I like the spacious interior and front-opening functionality (it’s like a smaller-version of my big oven) but a basket-style air-fryer will work too.
If you are cooking in a conventional oven, the temperature remains the same, but you’ll just cook up to 5 minutes longer (keep an eye on it because if the pecan quinoa topping for fish starts to get too brown, you’ll need to loosely cover with a swatch of foil.
![Deliciously flakey and moist with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, this easy halibut recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook in an air-fryer.](https://thefitfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Maple-Mustart-Pecan-Quinoa-Crusted-Halibut-flat-lay-vert-sitka-1000.jpg)
Such an easy fish recipe using halibut and nutritious too, with 275 calories, 7.7g protein, 11.4g net carb, and 40.1g protein per serving.
Note: This post contains affiliate links.
![Deliciously flakey and moist with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, this easy halibut recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook in an air-fryer.](https://thefitfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Maple-Mustart-Pecan-Quinoa-Crusted-Halibut-square-hero-1000-150x150.jpg)
Deliciously flakey and moist with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, this easy halibut recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook in an air-fryer.
- 10 to 12 oz fresh halibut or other firm fish like cod or salmon
- 1 1/2 tbsp. stone ground mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp. real maple syrup
- ¼ cup finely chopped raw pecans
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. ground pepper
- 2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
- Olive oil spray
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Pat halibut dry with paper towel. In small bowl, mix together mustard and syrup.
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Slather mustard mixture on top only portion of fish. In small bowl, mix together pecans, cooked quinoa, salt, pepper and parsley.
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Spoon onto top of fish and use hands to pat down into a crust, extended as far out to the edges of fish as possible.
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Lightly spray top of pecan-quinoa mixture on fish with olive oil.
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Pre-heat air fryer to 400F degrees.*
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Transfer fish by large spatula to air fryer basket.
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Air fry for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, until fish flakes and coating on top is turning lightly brown.
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Remove immediately from air fryer and serve. With optional prepared honey mustard sauce or other condiment of choice.
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(=*for conventional oven, heat to 400F and bake for approx. 14 to 18 minutes).
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This looks almost indulgent! Maple syrup and pecans are kind of my life staples so this is perfect hehe.
A special occasion dish that can be enjoyed any night! The topping is incredible! Crunchy and sweet – goes perfect with the halibut! So delicious!