Air Fryer Salmon

Cooking salmon in an air fryer yields a beautifully tender, flavorful piece of fish, making it a standout choice for quick and healthy meals. This recipe is not only low in carbohydrates and calories but can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The air fryer gives the salmon a delightful golden-brown crust, reminiscent of gourmet seafood dining!

Mastering the Air Fryer Salmon Technique

To begin your culinary adventure, cut your salmon fillets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. If you prefer convenience, you can buy pre-cut fillets at your local grocery store. While it’s perfectly fine to keep the skin on for added flavor and texture, you can choose to remove it if you wish.

Next, it’s time to season your salmon to perfection. Sprinkle each fillet with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. A drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavor and helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior. The paprika is especially important, as it imparts a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness to the fish. Massage the seasoning into the salmon for maximum flavor absorption before placing it in the air fryer.

Air Frying Salmon: Timing is Everything

Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your salmon and the specific model of your air fryer. Typically, you can expect your salmon to be ready in about 7 to 9 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. This quick cooking method retains moisture and flavor, resulting in a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily replicate at home.

Delicious Pairings for Your Air Fryer Salmon

Salads

Pair your salmon with a refreshing salad for a balanced meal. A delightful option is a Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad, which complements the rich flavor of the fish perfectly. Alternatively, a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad offers a light and healthy side that enhances your dining experience.

Grains

For those craving a hearty side, grains such as rice, couscous, barley, or farro work wonderfully with salmon. Consider serving your salmon alongside Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or a vibrant Turmeric Rice Salad for an aromatic twist.

Vegetables

One of the best aspects of using an air fryer is the ability to prepare vegetables simultaneously. Air-fried veggies not only complement your salmon but also save you time. Options like Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice or Green Beans with Almonds can be cooked in just 2 to 4 minutes. I often choose simple green beans, which pair perfectly with the richness of the salmon.

Tips for Air Frying Salmon to Perfection

Ensure Even Thickness: For the best results, choose salmon fillets of similar thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and reach the desired doneness simultaneously. If your air fryer has limited space, consider cooking in batches, starting with the thicker pieces.
Check Doneness: When cooking, check for doneness by gently prying the salmon apart with a fork. The fillets are ready when they flake easily. Adjust the cooking time as needed, adding an extra minute or two if the fish requires it.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating is essential for achieving even cooking and a crispy texture. A well-preheated air fryer will help cook the salmon faster and create that desirable crisp on the outside.
Avoid Overcrowding: Give each fillet ample space in the air fryer basket. If you overcrowd, moisture from the salmon can hinder air circulation, preventing a crispy exterior. If needed, cook the fillets in two batches for optimal results.

Air Fryer Salmon is a speedy and convenient way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish, featuring a crispy exterior and tender, flaky center. This recipe is not only healthy but can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it a go-to for quick meals.

Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Calories: 276
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Tartar sauce for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a hot cooking environment.
Season the Salmon: Rub each salmon fillet with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the top.
Cook the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Check the cooking progress frequently, as time may vary between different air fryer models.
Check for Doneness: After the initial cooking time, use a fork to check if the salmon flakes easily. If it needs more time, return it to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 276 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 94 mg
Sodium: 75 mg
Potassium: 842 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Vitamin A: 191 IU
Calcium: 20 mg
Iron: 1 mg