Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon That Totally Upgraded My Dinner Game
Because let’s be real — sometimes you just want a dinner that’s fancy, cozy, and basically cooks itself while you sip wine (or tea, no judgment).
Babe, hear me out…
I was staring at my fridge the other night, contemplating life and leftovers, when I spotted a beautiful salmon fillet. My first thought: pan? Oven? Nah. Then it hit me — the air fryer! I whispered to myself, “Let’s make this magic happen.” And y’all, magic happened. Crispy edges, tender middle, and flavor so good it made me do a little happy dance in my kitchen.
Why I Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
This recipe is life-changing. Seriously. You get that golden, slightly crisp exterior while the inside stays juicy and flaky. It’s fast, it’s easy, and the cleanup? Minimal. I love this recipe because it’s forgiving. Over-seasoned? Still amazing. Slightly overcooked? Still tasty. And the aroma? Your whole kitchen will smell like you spent hours crafting a five-star meal.
Perfect for weeknights, impressing friends, or when you just need a little self-love plated beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or off, your choice)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Juice of half a lemon
Optional Decorations
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley or dill
- A drizzle of honey or a light glaze for extra flair
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry — moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Rub with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Squeeze that fresh lemon over the top. I may have done a little happy dance when I saw those beautiful fillets ready to go.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating = crispier edges, trust me.
3. Cook the Salmon
Place fillets in the basket, skin side down if using skin-on. Cook for 7–10 minutes depending on thickness. Peek once, smell the magic, and resist eating it straight from the basket (or don’t, I won’t judge).
4. Rest & Serve
Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley, extra lemon wedges, or a drizzle of honey glaze if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Dry fillets: Pat them dry for crispy edges.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give each piece space — airflow is key.
- Check thickness: Thicker fillets need a minute or two more.
- Experiment with spices: Cajun, za’atar, or smoked paprika all work beautifully.
Variations You’ll Love
- Honey Garlic Glaze: Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
- Lemon Dill: Extra lemon juice and fresh dill for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle cayenne or chili powder for some heat.
- Herb-Crusted: Finely chopped herbs and breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this air fryer salmon with:
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes or couscous
- A crisp side salad with vinaigrette
- Light white wine, sparkling water, or iced tea for sipping
Babe, take a bite and let that juicy, flaky salmon hit your taste buds. It’s the kind of meal that makes you sigh in happiness, maybe do a little kitchen dance, and text everyone like, “You NEED to try this.”
This air fryer salmon isn’t just dinner — it’s a cozy, quick, and fancy-feeling meal that proves healthy can also be indulgent.
Love you long time,
Maria
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets skin-on or off, your choice
- 1 –2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Juice of half a lemon
Optional Decorations
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley or dill
- A drizzle of honey or a light glaze for extra flair
Instructions
Prep Your Salmon
- Pat your salmon fillets dry — moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Rub with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Squeeze that fresh lemon over the top. I may have done a little happy dance when I saw those beautiful fillets ready to go.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating = crispier edges, trust me.
Cook the Salmon
- Place fillets in the basket, skin side down if using skin-on. Cook for 7–10 minutes depending on thickness. Peek once, smell the magic, and resist eating it straight from the basket (or don’t, I won’t judge).
Rest & Serve
- Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley, extra lemon wedges, or a drizzle of honey glaze if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness — thinner fillets may be done in 7 minutes, thicker ones need up to 12.
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning is the secret to that golden crisp finish.
- Skin-on fillets cook beautifully in the air fryer and peel off easily after cooking if you don’t want to eat it.
- Feel free to switch up the seasonings: Cajun, lemon pepper, or even a sweet honey garlic glaze all work like magic.
- Best served immediately, but leftovers can be gently reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to keep that crispy edge.
