Easy Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients

• 2 (6-ounce) skin-on or skinless salmon fillets (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for serving.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Salmon and Marinade
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 2: Season the Fillets
4. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. If you have time, let them marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while you preheat the air fryer. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish slightly. You can also marinate in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes, but don’t leave it longer than that, as the lemon juice can begin to “cook” the fish.
5. Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the salmon starts cooking immediately, which helps to create a beautiful sear and prevents sticking.
7. Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
8. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down if using skin-on. Make sure to leave a little space between the fillets for optimal air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
9. Step 5: Cook to Perfection
10. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes . The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillet and your preferred level of doneness.
11. For a medium-rare center and very moist texture, cook for about 8-9 minutes.
12. For medium , aim for 10-11 minutes.
13. For well-done , cook for 12-13 minutes.
14. A good rule of thumb is to cook salmon for 8 minutes per inch of thickness at 400°F.
15. Step 6: Check for Doneness
16. The salmon is perfectly cooked when it easily flakes with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer. The flesh should be opaque and separate easily into large, moist flakes. If you prefer a slightly more translucent center (medium-rare), you can pull it out at 125°F (52°C). Remember, the salmon will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
17. Step 7: Rest and Serve
18. Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and let it rest on a plate for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, ensuring it’s as moist and flavorful as possible. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 415 kcal · Protein: 39 g · Fat: 28 g · Carbohydrates: 2 g · Saturated Fat: 5 g · Fiber: 0.5 g · Sugar: 0.5 g · Sodium: 450 mg