Enjoy a quick, healthy, and flavorful salmon dish prepared effortlessly in your air fryer. This recipe yields tender, flaky salmon with a crispy exterior, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients (Serves 2-4):
2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry. This helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Apply Olive Oil: Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
2. Season the Salmon:
Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Season: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
4. Air Fry the Salmon:
Prepare Basket: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange Fillets: Place the salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Check for Doneness: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Serve:
Plate: Carefully remove the salmon using a spatula.
Garnish: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Tips:
Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryer models may vary. Check the salmon a minute or two before the suggested time to prevent overcooking.
Marinate for Extra Flavor: For added depth, marinate the salmon in the olive oil and seasoning mixture for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
Skin-On vs. Skinless: Skin-on salmon will have a crispy skin after air frying, which is edible and flavorful. Skinless fillets work just as well.
Variations:
Honey Garlic Glaze:
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove.
Instructions: Mix ingredients and brush over the salmon during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Lemon Herb Salmon:
Seasoning: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary to the spice mix.
Lemon Zest: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the salmon before cooking.
Spicy Cajun Salmon:
Seasoning: Replace the spice mix with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions:
Side Dishes: Pair with steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or serve over a bed of rice or quinoa.
Salad: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
Sauces: Complement with tartar sauce, tzatziki, or a squeeze of sriracha for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approximate values; may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Calories: 310
Protein: 34g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 420mg
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