Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Herb Seasoning - Ready in 12 Minutes!
Introduction.
You know that feeling you get when you see a quality salmon at a restaurant? You want to eat it, but the cost is prohibitive. (For many people) I say that because I’ve been there.
Last Tuesday, when I opened the fridge to see what I was making for dinner, I saw some salmon fillets in the fridge. I remembered that I hadn’t used my air fryer in a while. I thought, Why not give it a try?
Air fryer salmon is a high-quality food. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essentially brain food. Today, we’re talking about a fish that can make you smarter and one that tastes incredibly good. Are you making this recipe for one person or feeding your whole family?
(Photo by Horizon Content: Pexels)
Ingredients.
- 4 salmon fillets. (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1 fresh lemon. (sliced into rounds)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.(chopped)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey for a touch of sweetness.
Kitchen Tool Required.
- Air fryer. (obviously!)
- Small mixing bowl.
- Measuring spoons.
- Pastry brush or paper towel.
- Tongs or spatula.
- Instant-read thermometer.
- Sharp knife for lemon slicing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Air Fryer Salmon.
Step 1: Begin by pre-heating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. As it’s heating, completely dry your salmon fillets from the outside with paper towels (I cannot emphasize enough how important this step is to getting that crispy exterior we want!) Any liquid that’s on the surface will end up steaming rather than forming that beautiful brown crust.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, dried dill, salt, pepper, and onion powder. This seasoning is pure magic – the sweet paprika adds lovely color, the dill is classic salmon & the garlic powder connects them both.
Step 3: Brush both sides of all of the salmon fillets with olive oil, then season liberally with this seasoning mixture on both sides. Don't hold back here - press that seasoning into that fish so that it sticks. If using honey, drizzle just a teensy weensy little bit on top of each fillet.
Step 4: Add the salmon fillets to the air fryer basket with a small gap between each one to promote air circulation. If your fillets are quite thick (over 1 inch), you will need to cook them in batches.
Step 5: 7-10 minutes cooking time, dependent on thickness. 1-inch thick portions will cook in 7-8 minutes, while 9-10 minutes will cook thicker portions. The internal temperature will be 145°F (63°C) if inserted with a thermometer to test.
Step 6: Around 2 minutes before cooking time ends, add the lemon slices to the air fryer basket along with the salmon. Hey, it'll get slightly incredibly fragrant.
Step 7: Gently lift the salmon with a spatula or tongs when done. Let rest 2-3 minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley and serving with those exquisitely caramelized lemon slices.
(Image by free stock photos from www.picjumbo.com from Pixabay)
Cooking Tips.
Tip 1: Don't flip the salmon! What’s great about air frying is that you get that perfect crust and don’t have to mess with flipping! The hot air circulating around does all the work for you.
Tip 2: Put your salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. Do you have skin on your salmon? Its skin will get crispy and act as a shield for the flesh, protecting it from overcooking. And besides, crispy salmon skin is basically nature’s potato chip.
Tip 3: Salmon at room temperature cooks more evenly than cold fish that comes straight out of the fridge. And take your fillets out about 15-20 minutes prior to cooking – you will notice a big difference in texture.
Reasons To Try This Recipe.
This air fryer salmon is truly life-changing. The taste? It won't be cast aside like unwanted restaurant fish with its divine crispy outside and flaky, tender inside that is short of truth and will mysteriously melt in your mouth. The lemon and herbs just brighten it all up, and the touch of paprika lends this faint smokiness that is just heavenly.
Plus, it’s stupid easy — I’m saying 12 minutes start to finish, prep time included. No need to preheat a huge oven, no mess with hot oil, and cleanup is a snap because it all takes place in one basket.
It is one of the easiest, most versatile salmon recipes you could ever make — yet it is still filled with incredible flavor. Sweet Cayenne is a great salmon with a combo of flavors that actually makes me feel like a gourmet chef. Combine your liquid ingredients and glaze the salmon. Serve the fish on top of some rice, alongside some roasted vegetables, on a simple salad, or even flaked into pasta. I’ve made salmon tacos, salmon bowls, and, the next day, even turned leftovers into a creamy salmon pasta.
Healthier Swaps.
If you are more concerned about calories, you can use a tablespoon of olive oil. Otherwise, you can use cooking spray instead of olive oil.
If you want less sodium, use half the amount mentioned above and use additional herbs like fresh thyme or oregano. This will help preserve the natural flavor of the fish, and you won't miss the extra salt.
If you want to increase the nutrition here even more, you can use bagel seasoning or nuts like almonds for extra protein and healthy fats.
✅ Advantages of Crispy Air Fryer Salmon.
The biggest win of this recipe is speed. This Crispy Air Fryer Salmon is faster than most delivery options and is super healthy. You can get a restaurant-quality air fryer at home in less time than you would if you ordered it over the phone.
If you plan to get this from a restaurant, you may have to pay a high price for it. But if you prepare it at home, you can get a good quality dish for less money and in less time.
This recipe is a people-pleaser. I have served this to picky eaters and even people who are very concerned about their health. They all complimented me on the taste of it.
(Photo by Matheus Bertelli: Pexels)
❌Disadvantages of Crispy Air Fryer Salmon.
Of course, salmon can be expensive. So this recipe can be a bit pricey. So this is more of a treat than a daily meal.
The basket in your air fryer may be small. If you are making this recipe for a group, you will have to cook the food in batches. This can take a long time.
If you are not a big fan of fish, this recipe may not appeal to you. It is a delicious recipe, but it is definitely salmon.
"According to WebMD, the health benefits of salmon are impressive — from heart health to brain support."
Conclusion.
This air fryer salmon dish has completely changed my weeknight dinner routine. It's proof that you don't need fancy techniques or an expensive machine to create something completely drool-worthy. The combination of crunchy exterior, flaky interior, and zesty lemon-herb flavors is worthy of guests but easy enough for an impromptu Tuesday.
Perfect for those nights when you want to be an adult who's got their life together - whether you're having it in your PJs on the couch, binge-watching Netflix. Trust me, your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!
FAQs.
1. Question - What to serve with these salmon sides?
- Answer - Roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad would go beautifully with this one. I am also over the moon about it, heaped over a pile of quinoa with some roasted Brussels sprouts.
2. Question - Can I use frozen salmon?
- Answer - You can, but defrost it all the way and be sure to pat it bone dry. Because frozen salmon can be wetter than fresh, it can stop the outside from getting as crispy as we'd like.
3. Question - Can I freeze leftovers?
- Answer - Absolutely! Do not freeze uncooked or raw salmon. For best results, place cooked salmon in a freezer bag that can stay fresh up to 3 months. I mean, just shrink wrap it in plastic and aluminum foil. Defrost the night before and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes on gentle heat.
4. Question - How do I know when the salmon is done?
- Answer - The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the fish should flake easily with a fork. It'll also look opaque throughout and have a slightly firm texture.
Tags:
Dinner