Description
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe that’s ready in minutes! Get flaky, tender salmon with a bright herb crust. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 lemon, zested
- Finishing Touches:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Optional Extras:
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Drizzle of maple syrup (last 2 mins of cooking)
Instructions
- Prep Your Fish:: First things first, pat those salmon fillets really, really dry with a paper towel. This is a step I used to skip, and trust me, it makes a huge difference in getting that nice crispy skin. You want to remove as much surface moisture as possible. I usually lay them out on a plate while I gather my other ingredients, giving them a moment to air dry a bit more. It might seem small, but it’s a game-changer for texture.
- Season Up:: Next, give each fillet a light drizzle of olive oil, then rub it all over. This helps our seasonings adhere beautifully. In a small bowl, I mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Then, sprinkle this mixture generously over both sides of the salmon. Don’t be shy! I once under-seasoned, and it was just… bland. You want to see that lovely coating of spices. Finally, zest half a lemon right over the seasoned fish for that bright, fresh pop.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer:: This is important, folks! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Just like a conventional oven, a preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and helps achieve that gorgeous sear and crispiness. While it’s heating up, I usually line my air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers, or just a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking. No one wants their delicious Air Fryer Salmon Recipe stuck to the basket!
- Air Fry the Salmon:: Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets, skin-side down (if they have skin), in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching; good air circulation is key for even cooking. Cook for 10-14 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and how well-done you like your salmon. Mine are usually about 1.5 inches thick and hit that sweet spot around 12 minutes. You’ll start to smell that amazing aroma of cooked fish and spices, it’s wonderful!
- Check for Doneness:: You’ll know your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. I usually peek around the 10-minute mark. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Don’t overcook it, or it’ll be dry, and that’s just a tragedy, hon. A slightly pink center is perfectly fine and often preferred for a juicier result. Trust your instincts here!
- Serve It Up:: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. I like to garnish it with some fresh chopped parsley and a few extra lemon wedges for squeezing. That fresh parsley adds a lovely color and a little extra brightness. The salmon should be beautifully golden-brown, with a crispy skin (if you left it on!) and a moist, tender interior. It smells incredible, like a fancy restaurant meal, but you made it right in your kitchen!