Quick, easy, and perfectly cooked salmon in under fifteen minutes!
This is the ultimate lazy person dinner. On the nights where cooking feels like a challenge, or I’ve worked late and just need something delicious and filling ASAP, I always find myself turning to the humble yet delicious salmon!
While salmon can feel fancy, this air-fryer salmon recipe makes it weeknight-easy without skimping on flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, you’re craving a health-conscious dinner, or you just want something no-fuss, this recipe has your back. It’s perfect for pescatarians, keto enthusiasts, or anyone craving a flaky, perfectly cooked fillet with minimal effort.
The beauty of this dish? It’s a semi-blank page waiting for all your personal touches. Add your favorite seasonings, pre-packaged marinades, or sliced citrus to take the recipe up a notch; the sky is the limit! In under fifteen minutes, you’ll have salmon that’s juicy, tender, and ready to pair with your favorite sides.
Is Air-Fryer Salmon Healthy?
Absolutely! Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart, brain, and overall well-being. Wild-caught salmon, like the one used here, is especially nutrient-dense, providing high-quality protein and essential vitamins like D and B12. The olive oil adds a light touch of healthy fat, and the simple seasoning lets the natural goodness shine.
Want to take it up a notch? Omit the oil entirely (it’s not required with air-fryer cooking), or try a squeeze of lemon post-cooking for an extra dose of vitamin C. Watching your sodium? Use a sprinkle of herb seasoning instead of salt to keep things flavorful without overdoing it.
Flavor Combinations For Air-Fryer Salmon
Now, here’s where the fun starts: customizing your salmon with bold flavors! First up, try a Japanese-inspired miso glaze with one tablespoon of white miso paste, one teaspoon of honey, and a splash of soy sauce. Brush it on before air-frying and enjoy a sweet-savory umami kick.
Prefer something with a bit of heat? Try a West African-inspired dry rub called suya! Combine one teaspoon of ground peanuts, a half teaspoon of cayenne, and a dash of smoked paprika, and sprinkle over your salmon before cooking. Don’t forget to garnish with extra suya before serving.
Or, take a Mediterranean-inspired route with a garlic-lemon herb rub: blend fresh chopped parsley, minced garlic, and the zest of a lemon with a pinch of oregano, and rub over your fillet before cooking. The possibilities are endless!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the air fryer until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon has a delicate flavor, which makes it perfect for pairing with a wide variety of sides. Some Blanched Asparagus is always my go-to when it comes to salmon, but I also love to make these Oven-Roasted Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts when they’re in season. For the carb portion of the meal, whip together some Oven-Roasted Lemon Greek Potatoes, or for something lower-carb, try these Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes! And remember: if you can cook it in the oven, you can cook it in the air fryer, too!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (two 4-ounce fillets) wild caught salmon
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400℉. Rub salmon with olive oil and sprinkle over a pinch of sea salt.
- Place salmon in mesh basket of air fryer and cook until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet reads 120℉, about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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