Description
This Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to prepare salmon in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers juicy, flaky salmon with minimal effort using simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder. The air fryer locks in moisture while producing a crisp exterior, making this dish a nutritious and versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasonings
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (6 ounces each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional Dried Herbs
- 1 tsp dried dill (optional)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Optional Flavour Variations
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for Asian-inspired glaze)
- 1 tbsp honey (for Asian-inspired glaze)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for Asian-inspired glaze)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (for herb crust)
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for herb crust)
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the seasonings adhere and promote crispiness. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Then evenly sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the top. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice on each fillet for a bright, citrusy finish.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to heat for about 3 minutes. This ensures the salmon will develop a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the fillets skin-side down into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal air circulation. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the salmon and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender bite. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for best flavor and texture rather than thawed frozen salmon.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispness.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains juicy inside.
- Keep the skin on to help the salmon hold together and crisp nicely.
- Feel free to experiment with seasoning blends like smoked paprika or fresh herbs to vary the flavor.
- Marinate salmon for 15-30 minutes before cooking to add more flavor; adjust cooking time if using sugar-containing marinades to avoid burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours; consume within 3 days.
- Freeze leftovers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months to maintain quality.
- Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to preserve moisture and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg