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!
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- 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
- 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 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.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- 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.
- 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.
🔪How To Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Step 1: 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 2: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the fillets, making sure they are evenly seasoned.
- Step 3: Grate lemon zest over the seasoned salmon fillets, distributing it uniformly for a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- Step 4: Arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, placing them skin-side down.
- Step 5: 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 6: Serve the Air Fryer Salmon Fillets with fresh lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the fish to enhance its flavor.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- 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.
💭 FAQs
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.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked salmon in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best sides to serve with Air Fryer Salmon Fillets:
- Purple 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 Salad: Serve the air-fried salmon on a fluffy quinoa salad for a protein-packed and wholesome meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair the fried salmon with a side of colorful roasted vegetables like Asparagus, Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers, and Parmesan Roasted 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.
🍽 Try These Air Fryer Dishes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below, or tag us in our Facebook Group! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
Enjoy perfectly cooked salmon in a flash with these Air Fryer Salmon Fillets! With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky inside, these fillets are full of flavor and super easy to make. It’s a healthy, delicious option for a quick weeknight dinner that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon Fillets Size: 7 oz Fillets are recommended for this recipe
- 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Lemon Zest
- 1 Fresh Lemon Wedges for serving
Instructions
- 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.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the fillets, making sure they are evenly seasoned.
- Grate lemon zest over the seasoned salmon fillets, distributing it uniformly for a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- Arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, placing them skin-side down.
- 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.
- Serve the salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the fish to enhance its flavor.
Notes
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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 34gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 947mgPotassium: 842mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
More Seafood Recipes to Try
Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—these air fryer salmon fillets are a weeknight dinner dream! The lemon zest adds a bright, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich salmon.