Name: Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice); 1 tbsp lemon juice; Fresh parsley (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Introduction

Air fryer salmon is a quick and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish with a crispy exterior and tender interior. This simple recipe uses a blend of spices and lemon juice to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or a healthy dinner option any day.

Two pieces of cooked salmon fillets lie side by side on a white plate, each with a crispy brown top layer speckled with black pepper and green herbs. The middle layer is a light orange with white marbling typical of salmon, showing the fish’s natural texture. A small bunch of green parsley sits behind the fillets on the left side, and two lemon wedges are placed on the right side of the plate. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice to create the seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each fillet.
Step 4: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 5: Cook the salmon for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, gently pat the salmon dry before seasoning to remove any moisture.
Swap cayenne pepper for smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky flavor without heat.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Marinate the salmon fillets in lemon juice and olive oil for 15 minutes before seasoning to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Storage

Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to preserve texture and moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Two pieces of cooked salmon with a brown, crispy, and seasoned top layer sit side by side on a white plate. The salmon flesh beneath is a light pink color with visible lines. Behind the salmon are two lemon wedges colored bright yellow and a small bunch of dark green parsley. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and there is a blurred silver fork and white cloth napkin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C).

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should appear opaque and slightly firm.

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

This simple and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon recipe yields perfectly cooked, tender salmon fillets with a crispy exterior, seasoned with a blend of spices and fresh lemon. Quick to prepare and healthy, it’s ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
1 tbsp lemon juice

Garnish and Serving

Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Season the Fillets: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Brush each fillet with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on all sides. Drizzle lemon juice over the fillets for a bright, fresh flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon carefully from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added zest.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Thickness of the fillets affects cooking time; thicker pieces may require a minute or two longer.
Optional cayenne pepper adds a mild spicy kick; omit if you prefer milder flavors.
For best results, use fresh salmon fillets that are uniform in size.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: air fryer salmon, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon, easy air fryer fish, low fat dinner