Crispy air fryer salmon! That’s right, succulent, flaky salmon with a perfectly crisp exterior, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. I remember the first time I tried making salmon in the air fryer. I was skeptical, but one bite proved me wrong. This crispy air fryer salmon recipe is a game changer, an easy, healthy and delicious meal that comes together in minutes. Say goodbye to dry, bland salmon and hello to a weeknight superstar.
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Why You Will Love This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
This air fryer salmon is truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s faster than oven baking and yields incredibly moist and flavorful results. Plus, clean up is an absolute breeze! No more scrubbing baked on fish from your pans.
I love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily customize the seasoning to match your mood. From lemon and dill to smoky paprika, or even a little bit of a chili kick, the possibilities are endless. This recipe is also a crowd pleaser, everyone will love this salmon dish.
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Ingredients Needed for This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, lemon wedges
How to Make This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
- 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve maximum crispiness.
- 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Drizzle the mixture over the salmon fillet. Ensure that the salmon is coated evenly.
- 5. Place the salmon fillet in the air fryer basket, skin side down if using skin on.
- 6. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet and your desired level of doneness. Thicker fillets may require slightly longer cooking times. Remember that the USDA recommends salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- 7. During the last minute of cooking, squeeze the lemon juice over the salmon.
- 8. Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
- 9. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
How to Serve This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
This crispy air fryer salmon pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. A simple salad also makes a light and refreshing complement.
For a heartier meal, serve the salmon over quinoa, rice, or couscous. You can also top it with a flavorful sauce like a lemon butter sauce, dill sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. It’s also delicious flaked into tacos or served on a bed of greens.
How about trying it with a side of our Easy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes?
How to Store This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
Allow the cooked salmon to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, consume within 1 to 2 days.
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the salmon.
To reheat, place the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it gently in a microwave.
Tips to Make This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking a large fillet, you may need to cut it into smaller portions or cook it in batches.
- For extra crispy skin, pat the salmon skin very dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillet.
Helpful Notes for This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
The internal temperature of the salmon is the best indicator of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C). The color should change from translucent to opaque and the salmon should flake easily with a fork.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Some other great options include Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even just a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper.
If you’re using skin on salmon, you can score the skin lightly with a knife before seasoning. This helps the skin to crisp up even more.
Variation of This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
For a Mediterranean twist, try adding some chopped sun dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the seasoning.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the olive oil mixture. Or serve it with a spicy aioli.
You can also try making air fryer fish bites using smaller pieces of salmon or other white fish. These are perfect for appetizers or snacks.
How long does it take to cook salmon in the air fryer?
Typically, it takes around 8-12 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillet and the temperature settings. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
What temperature should I set my air fryer for salmon?
For best results, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) when cooking salmon. This high temperature helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside flaky and moist.
How do I prevent salmon from drying out in the air fryer?
To prevent salmon from drying out, make sure to lightly oil the air fryer basket or use parchment paper. Also, avoid overcooking the salmon; check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time range. A squeeze of lemon juice after cooking adds moisture and flavor.
Do I need to flip the salmon when air frying?
Flipping the salmon isn’t usually necessary. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking on all sides. However, if you want extra crispiness, you can flip it halfway through.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this recipe for crispy air fryer salmon as much as I do! It’s a simple and delicious way to get a healthy meal on the table in no time. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!