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Easy Air Fryer Salmon

Easy Air Fryer Salmon

This Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner, featuring perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh. Using minimal ingredients and an air fryer, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a nutritious, protein-packed meal without fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Fillets

  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, 6 oz each)

Seasonings & Oils

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (light brush)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon (fresh squeeze)

Optional Herbs & Variations

  • Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)
  • Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
  • Soy sauce and sesame seeds (for Asian-inspired variation)
  • Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil (mixed into oil)
  • Orange or lime zest (for citrus zest variation)
  • Honey or maple syrup (for honey glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin. Lightly brush olive oil over both sides. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure even, hot cooking.
  3. Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd to allow proper air circulation. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Add Fresh Citrus: After cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon fillets to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing finish before serving.

Notes

  • Dry the skin thoroughly before oiling to ensure crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisp texture.
  • Use a food thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125-130°F for perfect doneness.
  • Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
  • Experiment with different seasonings or herbs for flavor variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, crispy salmon, easy dinner, protein packed, gluten free seafood