Salmon is a nutritious and delicious fish that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. Cooking salmon in an air fryer is not only quick and convenient but also ensures a perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful dish. Here’s how to make the best air fryer salmon, along with some variations to keep your meals exciting.
Why Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer?
Cooking in an air fryer requires minimal oil, making it a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutritional benefits of salmon. Air fryers cook salmon quickly and evenly, perfect for busy weeknights. With simple preparation and easy clean-up, air fryers make cooking salmon hassle-free. The air fryer ensures perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful salmon every time.
Classic Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Variations and Additional Recipes
1. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the salmon fillets with olive oil and then with the honey garlic mixture. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes if time allows.
4. Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and caramelized on top.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice or vegetables.
2. Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. In a bowl, mix dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the salmon fillets.
4. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the edges are slightly crispy.
5. Serve with extra lemon wedges and a side of roasted asparagus or a fresh salad.
3. Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Coat the salmon fillets with olive oil and then with the teriyaki marinade. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes if possible.
4. Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the top is caramelized.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with steamed broccoli and rice.
Air fryer salmon is a quick, healthy, and delicious option for any meal. Whether you prefer classic seasonings, a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, refreshing lemon dill, or flavorful teriyaki, these recipes are sure to satisfy. Experiment with these variations to find your favorite, and enjoy the simplicity and convenience of cooking salmon in your air fryer.
