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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

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.

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

  1. Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. 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).
  5. 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