Air fryer salmon is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that can be prepared with minimal effort. Here’s a perfect recipe along with some notes to ensure your salmon turns out just right:
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: additional seasonings like dried herbs (dill, thyme, or parsley) or paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. If using skin-on fillets, score the skin lightly with a knife in a criss-cross pattern to prevent them from curling up during cooking. Place the salmon fillets on a plate.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets. You can add additional seasonings according to your preference.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner fillets, aim for 8 minutes, and for thicker ones, go for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork. It should be opaque and easily flake apart.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket. Serve the salmon hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Notes:
- Thickness Matters: Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets will require more time, while thinner ones will cook faster.
- Doneness: Keep an eye on the salmon towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Skin-On vs. Skinless: You can cook salmon fillets with or without the skin in the air fryer. If using skin-on fillets, place them skin-side down in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend according to your taste preferences. Lemon zest, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add extra flavor to the salmon.
With this recipe and these notes in mind, you’ll be able to make perfectly cooked air fryer salmon fillets every time! Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
Tips:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer helps ensure even cooking and crispiness. It’s an essential step for optimal results.
- Use High-Quality Salmon: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and vibrant in color.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Overcrowding can prevent proper airflow and result in uneven cooking.
- Check for Bones: Before seasoning the salmon, run your fingers over the fillets to check for any remaining bones. Remove them using tweezers if necessary.
- Serve Immediately: Air fryer salmon is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while it’s still hot and tender. Avoid leaving it in the air fryer basket or on a warm setting for too long, as it can dry out.
Variations:
- Asian-Inspired Salmon: For an Asian twist, marinate the salmon fillets in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey before air frying. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Spicy Cajun Salmon: Rub the salmon fillets with a Cajun seasoning blend or a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.
- Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: Brush the salmon fillets with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar before air frying. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, adding a sweet and tangy flavor to the salmon.
- Pesto Crusted Salmon: Spread a layer of pesto over the top of each salmon fillet before cooking. The vibrant basil flavor pairs perfectly with the rich, flaky salmon.
- Lemon Herb Butter Salmon: Top the salmon fillets with slices of lemon and a pat of herbed butter before air frying. As the butter melts, it infuses the salmon with rich flavor and keeps it moist.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and toppings to create your own unique air fryer salmon recipes. Happy cooking!
