Air Fryer Salmon (Printable)
Quick crispy salmon with lemon garlic seasoning, ready in 15 minutes
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 2 salmon fillets (6–7 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
→ Marinade & Seasoning
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
→ To Serve
09 - Lemon wedges
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all surfaces of the salmon fillets.
05 - Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not overlap.
06 - Air fry for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature reaches 145°F).
07 - Transfer to plates, garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crispy exterior and tender interior rival restaurant quality without the restaurant price tag or wait time
- You can have a healthy, protein rich dinner on the table in under 15 minutes with almost zero cleanup
02 -
- Overcooking salmon is the biggest mistake and there is no going back, so start checking at the 7 minute mark even if you think it needs more time
- A hot air fryer is nonnegotiable for that crispy exterior, so do not skip the preheating step
03 -
- If your fillets vary in thickness, tuck the thin ends underneath so they do not overcook while the thick parts finish
- Let the salmon rest for just 2 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute throughout the fish