Air Fryer Salmon
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, air fryer salmon is the answer. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon fillets that are crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside.
Using just a handful of ingredients: avocado oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, you can create a flavorful dish that feels fresh and satisfying without a lot of effort.
The air fryer makes it easy to achieve consistent results every single time, which is why this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a fast, wholesome meal.
Health Benefits of Eating Salmon
Salmon is more than just a tasty fish; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost brain function.
A single serving also provides high-quality protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium, all of which are important for energy, strong bones, and a healthy immune system.
Adding salmon to your meal rotation is a simple way to enjoy both flavor and long-term health benefits.
Lunch or Dinner? Salmon Fits Both
One of the best things about salmon is its versatility.
Air fryer salmon makes a light and refreshing lunch when paired with a fresh salad, grain bowl, or roasted veggies. It also works beautifully as a heartier dinner when served with sides like quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a medley of seasonal vegetables.
Whether you’re planning a quick midday meal or a family dinner, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
How Often Should You Eat Salmon?
Nutrition experts generally recommend enjoying salmon two to three times a week.
This frequency provides enough omega-3s and protein to support your body while still leaving room for variety in your diet.
By including salmon regularly, you can support cardiovascular health, boost brain function, and maintain healthy skin and hair.
The air fryer makes it easier than ever to stick with this habit since you don’t need complicated marinades or lengthy cooking methods.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
Prep Time: 5minutes
Cook Time: 7-10minutes
Total Time: 12-15 minutes
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Equipment Required:
- Air fryer
- Tongs or a spatula
- Zester or grater
- Basting brush
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 x 7 oz salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of one fresh lemon
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Step 3: Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil.
Step 4: Season the fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Grate the zest from the fresh lemon over the salmon fillets, distributing it evenly.
Step 6: Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
Step 7: Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 8: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Step 9: Serve the air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish before enjoying.
Important Notes:
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require slightly more cooking time, while thinner fillets might cook faster.
- It’s important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even and consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding other herbs or spices like dill, garlic powder, or paprika according to your taste preferences.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches the recommended safe temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- The fresh lemon zest adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the salmon. Make sure to distribute it evenly over the fillets before cooking.
- Serve the air fryer salmon with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients
4 x 7 oz salmon fillets
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of one fresh lemon
Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Step 3: Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil.
Step 4: Season the fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Grate the zest from the fresh lemon over the salmon fillets, distributing it evenly.
Step 6: Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
Step 7: Cook the salmon in the air fryer for7-10minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 8: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Step 9: Serve the air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish before enjoying.
Notes
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require slightly more cooking time, while thinner fillets might cook faster.
It’s important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even and consistent cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
You can customize the seasoning by adding other herbs or spices like dill, garlic powder, or paprika according to your taste preferences.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches the recommended safe temperature of 145°F (63°C).
The fresh lemon zest adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the salmon. Make sure to distribute it evenly over the fillets before cooking.
Serve the air fryer salmon with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Fry
FAQ’s
1. Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
No, you don’t need to flip the salmon. Cooking it skin-side down allows the hot air to circulate evenly, giving you a crisp outside while keeping the inside tender.
2. How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.
3. Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook salmon straight from frozen. Just add 2–4 extra minutes to the cooking time, and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
4. What’s the best temperature to cook salmon in the air fryer?
400°F (200°C) works best. It ensures the salmon cooks quickly while giving the outside a nice, slightly crisp texture.
5. Should I remove the skin before cooking?
It’s best to keep the skin on while cooking, as it helps hold the fillet together and prevents it from drying out. You can easily remove the skin after cooking if you prefer.
6. How do I keep salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly brushing the basket with oil or using parchment paper designed for air fryers can help prevent sticking.
7. Can I season the salmon differently?
Absolutely! While lemon zest, salt, and pepper keep things simple and fresh, you can add garlic powder, paprika, dill, or a spice blend for more flavor.
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