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Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon

A quick and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon recipe that delivers crispy skin and tender flesh in under 20 minutes. Perfect for nutritious weeknight dinners, this recipe uses simple fresh ingredients to create a delicious, healthy meal with minimal cleanup and customizable seasoning options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Herbs & Variations

  • Dill, parsley, or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
  • Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a spicy twist (optional)
  • Honey or maple syrup mixed with mustard for a sweet glaze (optional)
  • Soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for Asian-inspired marinade (optional)
  • Breadcrumbs mixed with fresh herbs for an herb-crusted variation (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or your preferred seasoning blend.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures a crispy, golden exterior on the salmon right from the start.
  3. Arrange the Salmon in the Basket: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd for even cooking and airflow.
  4. Cook the Salmon: Air fry the salmon for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness. Thicker fillets might need closer to 10 minutes, while thinner ones may be ready by 7. Check for flakiness with a fork as a sign it’s done.
  5. Add a Squeeze of Lemon: Once cooked, transfer the salmon to plates and finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and a touch of acidity that complements the rich fish.

Notes

  • Patting salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve crispy skin texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
  • Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125°F-130°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
  • Choose fresh, preferably wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  • Marinate salmon up to 30 minutes ahead for deeper flavor without drying out the fish.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, crispy salmon, easy fish dinner