Easy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

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 combines flavorful spices and fresh lemon for a healthy meal ready in minutes.

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

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Drizzle with lemon juice.
3. Step 3: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, pat the skin very dry before seasoning and air frying.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
• Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain the texture without drying it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

It’s best to thaw salmon fillets completely before air frying to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning adherence.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Easy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky salmon with a flavorful blend of spices and a hint of lemon. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a healthy and delicious option for a weeknight dinner or any occasion.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

Seasoning

• 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

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures the seasoning sticks well and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
2. Season the Fish: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both salmon fillets, then drizzle lemon juice on top to add brightness.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve: Garnish the cooked salmon with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Check the salmon for doneness by ensuring it flakes easily with a fork.
• If you prefer more spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add chili flakes.
• For a crispier skin, you can air fry skin-side down for a few extra minutes at the end.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.

Keywords: Air Fryer Salmon, Salmon recipe, Healthy salmon, Quick salmon, Easy air fryer recipe, Sea food, Low calorie dinner