A healthy dinner for two in less than 30 minutes!
Air Fryer Salmon with Crispy Asparagus is a nutritious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tender, flaky salmon and crispy asparagus are cooked to perfection in the air fryer simultaneously for a keto-friendly, low-carb dinner.
Air Fryer Salmon with Crispy Asparagus
Air fryer salmon with crispy asparagus is great for busy weeknights when you want something easy and fast but good for you too. I used to cook for a few of the Indiana Pacers NBA team, and this salmon and asparagus meal was one of my go-to’s because it is flavorful, healthy and the players loved it! Whether you enjoy it as a simple lunch or a romantic dinner for two, this versatile dish is so satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon with Crispy Asparagus Recipe
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One Pan Meal. This recipe has the ease and convenience of a one pan meal except it’s made in the air fryer. They don’t have to be cooked separately so the total cook time is just 15 minutes!
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Great for Meal Prep. This recipe makes two servings so you can enjoy one now and the other later.
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Super Nutritious. Salmon is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats and asparagus is rich in both fiber and minerals so enjoy this well-balanced meal.
Ingredients
Air Fryer Salmon
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Salmon: 1 lb cut into 2 filets. I use fresh salmon but frozen salmon works too.
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Seasoning: For a flavorful filet, slather the salmon with dijon mustard then season them with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
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Lemon: Add lemon juice to brighten the overall flavor of the fish.
Crispy Asparagus
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Fresh asparagus: Prepare the asparagus by rinsing them and cutting off the ends (the tough white woody portion).
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Avocado oil: This can be substituted with olive oil if necessary.
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Seasoning: I season the veggies simply with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Lemon zest: Use the zest from the lemon before you juice it
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon with Crispy Asparagus
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
Cut the salmon into two filets (if they aren’t already). Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Spread the Dijon Mustard generously on each filet with a spoon, also rub the sides! Add the seasoning on top of each filet.
Place in a sprayed air fryer, skin side down. Air fry at 395F for 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Serve each filet with 1/2 of the lemon, juiced on top.
How to Make Air Fryer Asparagus
While the salmon is cooking, wash the asparagus, and cut the bottom 2 inches off of the asparagus. Toss the asparagus in avocado oil, salt, garlic powder and lemon zest.
Then place the asparagus into the air fryer. Air fry (in the same container as the salmon) at 395F for 5 minutes. Remove immediately as they will continue cooking. Serve alongside the salmon.
Variations
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle the asparagus with parmesan for added flavor and crunch.
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Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to either the asparagus or the salmon for a bit of heat.
Tips
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When buying asparagus, make sure they are bright and firm to the touch. Avoid ones that are wilting or that appear to be faded.
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Lay asparagus out in a single layer in the air fryer basket so it cooks evenly.
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If you’re working with frozen salmon, just place it in the fridge to thaw overnight, OR place it into a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes until it thaws!
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You can prep the salmon ahead of time, just coat it with the mustard and spices, then place it in the fridge. When you are ready to cook it, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then cook it!
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Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145F. If you do not have a meat thermometer, check for visual cues. Cooked salmon is opaque pink.
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If preparing the salmon and asparagus to eat later, slightly undercook the filets so they do not overcook and dry out when you reheat them.
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I highly recommend the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer because it has 2 sides so you can cook it all at the same time!
Storage
The salmon is best eaten right away, same day or the next day. Store the asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Repurpose leftovers by chopping them into 1-inch pieces and adding them to pasta, an omelet, or salad.
FAQ
What can I serve with air fryer salmon and asparagus?
There are so many ways you can enjoy this meal. You can eat it as is, or make it even more filling by adding one of the following:
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Cook some rice and serve the salmon and asparagus on top with avocado and sesame seeds.
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Prepare pasta with olive oil and salt, and serve alongside the salmon and asparagus.
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Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, baked potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
How long does it take to cook salmon and asparagus in the air fryer?
Air fryer salmon cooks within 6-12 minutes depending on the size of the filet and the temperature. Asparagus is cooked within 5 minutes.
Do you put salmon skin side up or down in the air fryer?
Air fry salmon with the skin side down.
Do you have to flip salmon in the air fryer?
With air circulating throughout the air fryer, there is no ned to flip the salmon.
