Description
Crispy air fryer salmon brings restaurant-quality seafood directly to home kitchens with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned and cooked in minutes, this dish delivers succulent flavor you’ll savor from first delicious bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 salmon filets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Oils and Garnish:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer by heating to 400°F, allowing it to warm up for approximately 3 minutes to create an optimal cooking environment for the salmon.
- Thoroughly dry the salmon filets using paper towels, which helps the seasoning adhere and promotes a crisp exterior.
- Gently coat both sides of the salmon with olive oil, ensuring complete and even coverage to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Create a seasoning blend by mixing brown sugar, garlic powder, and lemon pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the salmon, pressing lightly to maximize flavor absorption.
- Arrange lemon slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket, creating a fragrant base that elevates the fish and infuses additional citrus notes.
- Carefully position the seasoned salmon filets atop the lemon slices, ensuring they are not overcrowded for consistent cooking.
- Air fry the salmon for 6-9 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a perfectly flaked texture. The fish is done when it easily separates with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
- Remove the salmon immediately, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges and optional herbs to brighten the presentation and add a final layer of flavor complexity.
Notes
- Moisture is key when preparing salmon, so always pat the fillets completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
- For those following a low-sugar diet, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or simply omit it, focusing on savory spices and herbs for depth of flavor.
- Check salmon’s doneness by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part – it should read 145°F internally, ensuring perfectly cooked, juicy fish without drying out.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg