Description
Air fryer salmon is the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and herbs, making it a flavorful, healthy meal that anyone can prepare. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned home cook, this air fryer recipe is quick, convenient, and yields restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete, satisfying meal
Ingredients
Scale
Here are the ingredients for the Air Fryer Salmon recipe:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or fresh if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Here are the instructions for making Air Fryer Salmon:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the salmon: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Place in the air fryer: Arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Make sure the fillets are not overlapping.
- Air fry: Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Check for doneness by ensuring the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest the salmon: Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
Here are some notes to help you perfect your Air Fryer Salmon:
- Salmon Thickness: Thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes of cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Skin-on vs. Skinless: Skin-on fillets hold together better and help retain moisture. If using skinless salmon, be extra careful when handling, as it can be more delicate.
- Air Fryer Model: Cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. If unsure, start checking around the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Try adding lemon juice, smoked paprika, or a honey glaze for added flavor.
- Resting Time: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This helps the fish retain its moisture and gives you a perfectly flaky texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your air fryer salmon with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg