Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

Name: Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 Salmon Fillets (Size: 7 oz Fillets are recommended for this recipe); 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 Lemon Zest; 1 Fresh Lemon Wedges (for serving)

Say hello to a quick and healthy dinner option with these Air Fryer Salmon Fillets! They turn out perfectly tender and juicy on the inside, with a deliciously crispy exterior. This Air Fryer Salmon recipe is super easy and brings out the best flavors in the salmon. Let’s dive in and create a meal that’s sure to impress!

Contents

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Salmon

Healthy Eating Made Easy: This air fryer salmon recipe offers a nutritious meal option by using the air fryer to cook salmon fillets, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dish without excessive oil or added fats.
Crispy Skin, Tender Flesh: The air fryer helps achieve a delightful contrast in textures—crispy skin on the outside while keeping the salmon fillet moist and tender on the inside.
Versatile Flavor Options: Whether you prefer a simple seasoning or want to experiment with various marinades and spices, air-fried salmon fillets can easily adapt to different flavor profiles to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients For This Salmon Fillet Recipe

Salmon Fillets: The star of the dish, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provides a tender, flaky texture when cooked. Opting for fillets ensures each piece cooks evenly and absorbs the seasoning perfectly.
Avocado Oil: A great choice for cooking at high temperatures, avocado oil helps keep the salmon moist and prevents sticking. It has a mild, neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the natural taste of the air fryer salmon.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon, salt also helps in forming a nice crust on the surface when air fried.
Black Pepper: Adds a slight kick and depth to the salmon, complementing its rich flavor.
Lemon Zest: The zest of a fresh lemon brightens the entire dish, infusing it with a citrusy spark that cuts through the richness of the air fryer salmon.
Fresh Lemon Wedges: Serving the salmon with fresh lemon wedges allows diners to add an extra splash of tangy lemon juice, boosting the fresh, clean flavors of the cooked fish.

How To Make Air Fryer Salmon

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature. Use a paper towel to gently pat the salmon fillets dry, removing any excess moisture to help the seasonings stick. Lightly brush avocado oil on both sides of the salmon fillets to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

Step Two: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the fillets, making sure they are evenly seasoned.

Step Three: Grate lemon zest over the seasoned salmon fillets, distributing it uniformly for a fresh, citrusy aroma.

Step Four: Arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, placing them skin-side down.

Step Five: Cook the salmon for 7-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the salmon from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices settle.

Step Six: Serve the Air Fryer Salmon Fillets with fresh lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the fish to enhance its flavor.

Tips For Cooking Perfectly Air Fried Salmon

Perfect Timing: Ensure you cook the salmon fillets for the recommended time to avoid overcooking and maintain their juicy texture.
Skin-Side Down: While cooking salmon, place the skin-side down in the air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the flesh tender.

Variations For This Salmon Recipe

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon: Brush salmon fillets with a mixture of honey, garlic powder, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Air fry until the salmon is cooked through and glazed to perfection.
Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Salmon: Cook frozen salmon fillets in an air fryer with a Cajun seasoning blend, olive oil, brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Herb-Crusted Air Fryer Salmon: Coat salmon fillets with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, and thyme), minced garlic, and a bit of lemon zest. Air fry until the salmon is fragrant and perfectly cooked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked salmon in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating from Freezer: Thaw the frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the air fryer or oven until heated.

What To Serve With Salmon Fillets?

Cauliflower Mash: Enjoy the salmon air fryer recipe with a scoop of creamy cauliflower mash as a low-carb alternative that’s rich in flavor.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Enjoy the air fryer salmon fillet with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying combination.
Bed of Quinoa: Serve the air-fried salmon on a bed of fluffy quinoa for a protein-packed and wholesome meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the air fry salmon with a side of colorful roasted vegetables like Asparagus, Bell Peppers, and Zucchini for a vibrant and nutritious plate.
Lemon Herb Rice: Serve the air fryer salmon with fragrant lemon herb rice for a zesty and aromatic addition to your meal.

FAQ’S

How Do I Prevent The Salmon Fillets From Sticking To The Air Fryer Basket?

To prevent sticking, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil before placing the salmon fillets. You can also use parchment paper designed for air fryers for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Can I Cook Frozen Salmon Fillets In The Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), checking for doneness periodically. There is no need to thaw the salmon beforehand.

How Do I Know When The Salmon Fillets Are Fully Cooked?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and no longer translucent. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.