Perfect Air-Fryer Salmon

This amazing air-fryer salmon is perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something healthy and delicious! Your whole family will love how tender and flaky this salmon turns out. Plus, it’s ready in just 35 minutes with almost no cleanup needed.

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Active Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 35 minutes, Serves: 2 people.

Nutrition Profile: Low-Carb, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Omega-3, Soy-Free, High-Protein, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 315 Calories, 18g Fat, 3g Carbs, 34g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic: You’ll need 3 medium cloves that you’ll chop up and turn into a paste. Fresh garlic makes such a difference in flavor compared to the jarred stuff!

Kosher salt: Just 1/4 teaspoon helps bring out all the flavors. You can use regular table salt if that’s what you have on hand.

Lemon zest: One teaspoon of grated lemon zest adds that bright, fresh citrus flavor. Make sure to zest before you juice your lemon!

Lemon juice: Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice keeps the salmon moist and adds a lovely tang. Fresh is always better than bottled here.

Extra-virgin olive oil: One tablespoon helps everything stick together and adds healthy fats. Any good quality olive oil will work great.

Ground coriander: Just 1/4 teaspoon brings a warm, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with salmon. You can find this in the spice aisle.

Aleppo pepper: You’ll use 1/2 teaspoon total, divided between the marinade and garnish. Don’t worry if you can’t find it – chili powder works perfectly too!

Salmon fillets: Two 6-ounce skin-on salmon fillets work best. The skin helps keep the fish moist and makes it easier to handle.

Fresh parsley: One tablespoon of chopped flat-leaf parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. Curly parsley works too if that’s what you have.

Lemon wedges: These are for serving and really make the dish feel complete. Your guests will love the extra squeeze of citrus.

How to Make Air-Fryer Salmon

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 15 minutes. While it’s heating up, finely chop your garlic cloves. Add the salt right on top of the chopped garlic on your cutting board. Use the flat side of your knife to chop and mash everything together until it forms a smooth paste. This technique really brings out the garlic flavor! Transfer this paste to a small bowl.

Step 2: Add the lemon juice, olive oil, coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon of the Aleppo pepper to your garlic paste. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Pat your salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels – this helps them get that nice golden color. Spoon the garlic mixture evenly over the tops of both fillets.

Step 3: Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for about 12 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Step 4: Remove the salmon from the air fryer carefully. Sprinkle the lemon zest, chopped parsley, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper evenly over the tops. Serve right away with those lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus!

Easy and Quick Air-Fryer Salmon Version

Want to make this even faster? You can skip making the garlic paste and just use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder mixed with the other seasonings! Simply combine 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper. Brush this mixture over your salmon and cook the same way. You’ll save about 5 minutes of prep time and still get amazing flavor!

Serving Ideas

This salmon makes a complete meal all by itself, but it’s even better with some simple sides. Try it with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. Fluffy rice pilaf or garlic mashed potatoes make it feel more filling too. The lemon wedges are a must – they really brighten up each bite!

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, pop it in the air fryer at 350°F for just 2-3 minutes, or microwave for 30-45 seconds. The salmon tastes great cold too, flaked over a salad or in a wrap!

Substitutions

No Aleppo pepper? Chili powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne works great. Can’t find fresh parsley? Dried parsley or fresh dill are lovely alternatives. If you only have frozen salmon, just make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. You can definitely use salmon fillets without skin too – just reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Pro Tips

• Perfect doneness: Your salmon should flake easily with a fork but still look slightly pink in the center. Don’t overcook it!
• Even cooking: Choose fillets that are similar in thickness so they cook at the same rate.
• Crispy skin: Make sure the skin is completely dry before cooking for the crispiest results.
• Flavor boost: Let the seasoned salmon sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to really absorb all those flavors.
• No sticking: Don’t skip the cooking spray – it really makes a difference for easy removal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Sure! Just make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning. Frozen salmon can have more moisture, so you might need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You bet you can make this in the oven! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You’ll get similar results with that lovely garlic crust on top.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. It should look opaque on the outside but can still be slightly pink in the very center. Don’t worry if it’s not completely cooked through – it will continue cooking from residual heat!

Can I make this for more people?

Absolutely! Just double or triple the recipe as needed. You might need to cook the salmon in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Make sure the fillets aren’t overlapping for even cooking.

I hope you love this air-fryer salmon as much as my family does! It’s become our go-to weeknight dinner because it’s so quick and always turns out perfectly. Let me know how yours turns out – I’d love to hear about any variations you try!