Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
Healthy, tender, and flaky – these salmon fillets cook perfectly in the air fryer with a lemon-garlic seasoning.
Equipment
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 2 fillets salmon skin-on, about 6 oz each
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp dill or parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Remove any pin bones with tweezers. If fillets are uneven thickness, fold a corner under to make them roughly uniform for even cooking.
- In a small bowl combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture over the flesh side of the salmon. Let rest 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). If concerned about sticking, lightly oil the basket or use perforated parchment designed for air fryers.
- Place salmon skin-side down in the basket leaving space between fillets. Air fry for 8–10 minutes depending on thickness: aim for an internal temperature of ~125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium-rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium. Do not overcook — salmon continues to cook while resting.
- Remove salmon from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet. Let rest 2–3 minutes, garnish with chopped dill or parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
🔹 Check doneness by flaking the thickest part with a fork — it should be opaque but moist inside.
🔹 For crispy skin, pat skin extra dry and increase heat to 400°F (200°C) for the last 1–2 minutes.
🔹 Flavor variations: brush with honey-soy-ginger glaze, chili-lime, or herb-butter before or after cooking.
🔹 Store cooked salmon in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes to avoid drying out.
🔹 If cooking frozen fillets, add 3–5 minutes to the cook time and ensure internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
🔹 Use a thermometer for consistent results — salmon is best when not overcooked.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 550mgVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 6mg
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