If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, look no further than this Air-Fried Salmon. It’s a breeze to make and comes out perfectly tender and flaky every time, with a crisp exterior that’s just irresistible. Say goodbye to boring weeknight meals and hello to your new favorite way to cook salmon. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or an intimate gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s simple: this Air Fryer Salmon is a total game-changer. It’s super easy to prepare, cooks quickly, and the results are consistently perfect. Plus, it’s a healthy option packed with flavor, making it a win-win for busy weeknights and impressing your dinner guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon Fillets: The show’s star, these salmon fillets turn out tender and flaky every time.
- Avocado Oil: A drizzle of avocado oil helps to crisp up the exterior of the salmon perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: A simple seasoning of salt and black pepper enhances the salmon’s natural flavors.
- Lemon and Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, and lemon wedges make for a beautiful, flavorful garnish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Adjust Cooking Time: Thicker fillets may need an extra minute or two, while thinner ones might cook faster.
- Use a Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures your salmon is cooked to a safe and ideal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Even Zesting: The lemon zest is key to enhancing the salmon’s flavor, so take your time to distribute it evenly before cooking.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add garlic powder, dill, or smoked paprika for a personalized touch.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between the fillets in the air fryer for even cooking.
Variations on How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the seasoning mix for a delightful heat that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh or dried dill, parsley, or thyme into the salt and pepper for an aromatic flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Sweet Glaze: Brush honey or maple syrup over the fillets before air frying to create a delicious, irresistible, caramelized glaze.
How to Air Fry Salmon with Skin and How Long It Takes
To air fry salmon with skin, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the fillets skin-side down in the basket. Cook for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The skin crisps up while keeping the salmon moist and flavorful.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon
Pair your air fryer salmon with a side of roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, or a crisp green salad. For an extra touch, drizzle your favorite sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.
For more irresistible air fryer recipes, try our Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Juicy Air Fryer Steak, Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks, Air Fryer Whole Chicken, or Air-Fried Shishito Peppers, all packed with flavor and easy to make.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long should I cook the salmon in the air fryer at 400°F?
Typically, salmon fillets take about 10-12 minutes at 400°F. However, cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the fillets, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness.
Do I need to flip the salmon halfway through cooking?
There is no need to flip! The air fryer circulates hot air evenly around the salmon so it cooks perfectly without being flipped.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 x 7oz 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
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil.
- Season the fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated
- Grate the zest from the fresh lemon over the salmon fillets, distributing it evenly.
- Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- 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.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve the air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish before enjoying.
