Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and healthy way to enjoy this nutritious fish without sacrificing flavor or texture. The air fryer achieves a perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy exterior and tender interior, making it an ideal dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making delicious air fryer salmon.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6-8 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Optional garnishes: Fresh herbs (parsley, dill), lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a plate or cutting board. Brush the olive oil mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, coating them on all sides, including the skin.
Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a brush of oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air Fry: Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Check for Doneness: Check the salmon halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. If needed, shake the basket gently or flip the fillets carefully to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Serve
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Salmon Thickness: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Skin-on Salmon: Cooking salmon with the skin on helps retain moisture and flavor. It also prevents the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and crispy results.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasonings such as Cajun spice, Italian seasoning, or a honey garlic marinade for varied flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve air fryer salmon with a side of roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Air fryer salmon is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and healthy seafood dish in a short amount of time. With minimal preparation and quick cooking time, this recipe ensures that you can enjoy tender, flavorful salmon with a crispy exterior right from your air fryer. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a meal for family and friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and great taste.