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Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

This Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe provides a quick and healthy way to prepare perfectly cooked salmon with a flavorful marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and soy sauce. The salmon is air fried to achieve a tender, flaky texture with a lightly crisp exterior, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that is both nutritious and delicious.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salmon and Marinade

  • 4 salmon portions (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill

For Serving

  • Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow dish, mix together 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the 4 salmon portions into the marinade and flip them to coat both sides evenly. Let them absorb the flavors briefly.
  3. Season the Salmon: Sprinkle each salmon portion evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to add depth of flavor and a slight smoky note.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy finish.
  5. Prepare the Basket: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking, then arrange the salmon portions in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
  6. Air Fry the Salmon: Cook the salmon for 8 to 10 minutes depending on their thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
  7. Add Fresh Dill: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of minced fresh dill for a burst of fresh herbal aroma and flavor.
  8. Serve: Serve the salmon immediately, optionally garnished with lemon slices for an extra bright citrus accent.

Notes

  • Marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes, if time allows, to deepen the flavor.
  • Use skin-on salmon for extra crispiness, or skinless for easier eating.
  • Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets to avoid overcooking.
  • Always check internal temperature to ensure food safety.
  • Fresh dill complements the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully but can be substituted with parsley if preferred.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat