Air Fryer Salmon – Crispy, Juicy & Healthy
A quick, flavorful baked salmon recipe seasoned with herbs, garlic, and lemon zest—perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets 6 oz each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional for extra flavor
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil or melted butter to enhance crispiness and add richness.
- Step 2: Season the Fillets
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the salmon cooks evenly and gets that crispy texture.
- Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
- Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. If your salmon is thicker than 1 inch, it may need an additional minute or two.
- Step 5: Check for Doneness
- The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-140°F for medium doneness or 145°F for fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for an opaque color and flakiness when you gently separate the fillet with a fork.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer salmon pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
Steamed or roasted vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini complement the salmon beautifully.
Quinoa or brown rice: A nutritious, filling grain that balances the meal.
Garlic mashed potatoes: A creamy, comforting side.
Mixed greens salad: A fresh, light contrast to the crispy salmon.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
Use fresh salmon when possible: Fresh fillets yield the best texture, but frozen salmon works too. Just thaw it completely before cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Leave space around the fillets for even air circulation.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add chili flakes for spice or a honey glaze for sweetness.
Check for doneness early: Cooking times can vary, so always check a minute before the estimated time.
Don’t overcook: Overcooked salmon becomes dry, so remove it from the air fryer as soon as it reaches your desired temperature.