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Best Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: Quick and Tasty Meal

What can you do in just 15 minutes? You can whip up the most tender, juicy, and flavorful salmon in your air fryer, complete with a crispy crust. It's a low-carb, low-calorie option that's ideal for an easy weeknight meal. I’m excited to share my air fryer salmon recipe with you. It’s super easy, quick, and tastes just like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant!

Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients:

  • Two salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real - salmon can sometimes feel a bit intimidating, but air frying it takes all the stress away. You get that flaky, juicy goodness without the hassle of standing over a hot stove or slaving away in the oven. Plus, it’s super healthy! Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is not just delicious but also packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. You’ll love how the air fryer locks in all that flavor while giving you a perfectly cooked piece of fish every single time. And did I mention it’s ready in a flash? I mean, who doesn’t want a delicious dinner in under 15 minutes?

How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of cooking this scrumptious salmon.

Step 1: Prepare the salmon. To get the skin nice and crispy, start by drying the salmon fillets with paper towels. Then, throw them into a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Add garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper, and give everything a good rub.

Step 2: Set up the air fryer. While you prepare the salmon, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). This step cannot be skipped, as it is the key to helping the skin of the salmon shed moisture quickly and form a crispy crust.

Step 3: Insert wireless meat thermometer. Now, a wireless meat thermometer comes in handy. Simply insert the probe into the thickest part of one of the fillets and set the target internal temperature to 145°F (63°C) to avoid overcooking. Just set it and forget it for a few. If your probe is too long for the salmon, try the INKBIRD INT-12-BW, which features a shorter probe designed specifically for this small cut of meat.

Wireless Meat Thermometer for Salmon

Step 4: Cook the salmon. Once the air fryer is heated, put the salmon in with the skin facing down and cook it for around 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, or as soon as the food thermometer indicates it’s done, switch off the air fryer and take the salmon out immediately. The skin gets all crispy, and the meat stays juicy and tender.

Salmon in Air Fryer

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon?

I love to serve my air fryer salmon with some roasted veggies. Simply toss your favorite seasonal veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then throw them in the air fryer for the last few minutes of cooking the salmon.

For a lighter option, a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado topped with a light vinaigrette complements the salmon beautifully. If you want to treat yourself, serve it on a creamy risotto or with some garlic mashed potatoes.

FAQs

1. Should I marinate salmon before cooking?

Marinating is totally optional. If you have the time, a quick 30-minute soak in some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs can add an extra punch of flavor. But if you're in a hurry, seasoning right before cooking works just fine.

2. Should I put the skin-side up or down?

Always skin-side down. This helps to keep the fish moist and allows the skin to get crispy. Plus, you want that skin to catch all those delicious seasonings!

3. What temperature should the air fryer salmon be?

The air fryer should reach 400°F (about 200°C) and the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). This combo cooks the salmon just right - a slightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

4. Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer directly?

Yes. Just directly place your frozen fish fillets in the air fryer and add a few minutes to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). That’s why I always recommend an INKBIRD wireless meat thermometer, as it helps ensure my cooking is spot on every time.

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