Air Fryer Salmon fish

Air Fryer Salmon is an incredibly quick and easy way to cook salmon while keeping it juicy and flavorful. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while the fish stays tender and moist on the inside. Plus, it’s a healthy option because you don’t need much oil, yet it still gives you that perfectly roasted texture.

Here’s a simple recipe for Air Fryer Salmon:

Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Lemon wedges, for serving

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon:

   • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help get a crispier exterior.

   • Rub the salmon with olive oil on both sides.

2. Season:

   • Sprinkle the salmon with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the seasoning based on your taste.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Salmon:

   • Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down (if the fillets have skin).

   • Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner pieces, start checking at 8 minutes.

     • If you like your salmon a bit more crispy, you can cook it for an additional 2 minutes.

     • For extra crispy skin (if you’re using skin-on fillets), you can flip the fillets halfway through, but it’s optional.

5. Check for Doneness:

   • The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, gently press down on the salmon with a fork — it should easily flake apart.

6. Serve:

   • Once done, remove the salmon from the air fryer. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the fillets and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

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Tips:

• Flavor Variations: You can add your favorite seasonings or marinades. A drizzle of soy sauce, honey, and ginger makes for a delicious glaze. Or, use a bit of lemon zest and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean twist.

• Skin-on or Skinless: Both work well in the air fryer. Skin-on fillets get extra crispy on the bottom, while skinless fillets have a more delicate texture.

• Check the Thickness: If your salmon fillets are particularly thick, you may need a couple of extra minutes in the air fryer. Thin fillets cook very quickly!

• Air Fryer Basket vs. Tray: If your air fryer has a tray, place the fillets on the tray in a single layer so air can circulate evenly.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Veggies: Serve your air fryer salmon with roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh spinach salad.

• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.

• Tzatziki Sauce: A little drizzle of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce would be delicious with this salmon, especially for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

This Air Fryer Salmon is super easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in just about 10 minutes!