Imagine sinking your fork into a succulent, perfectly cooked salmon fillet with a golden, crispy exterior that practically melts in your mouth. No more complicated cooking methods or endless preparation time! This Easiest Air Fryer Salmon recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality seafood dish that's so simple, even kitchen novices can master it in minutes. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner game with this foolproof, flavor-packed recipe that will have everyone asking, "How did you make this?"
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 salmon fillets, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 lemon sliced into rounds.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the salmon fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better texture.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well-coated for flavor and moisture.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the salmon fillets in the basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer, leaving some space between the fillets for air circulation.
- Top each salmon fillet with a slice of lemon. This will infuse the fish with a refreshing citrus flavor as it cooks.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using tongs. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the salmon warm, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired. This dish pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give each fillet breathing room for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C).
- Fresh lemon not only adds flavor but helps tenderize the fish during cooking.
- Experiment with different seasonings like cajun spice, herb blends, or a honey-mustard glaze to keep the recipe exciting.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
