Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with our Air Fryer Salmon recipe. This tender and flavorful dish combines succulent salmon fillets with simple seasonings, air-fried to perfection. Ideal for both lunch and dinner, it's a healthy option that's ready in less than 30 minutes. A must-try for a satisfying and easy meal!
Combine garlic, chili, pepper powder, salt, lemon juice, and oil in a bowl, mixing well.
Thoroughly rub the marinade over the salmon fillets to ensure they're fully coated, maximizing flavor and taste.
To Make Air Fryer Salmon
Lightly oil spray your air fryer basket. Preheat it to 400°F for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture on your salmon. The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
Open the air fryer and carefully place the marinated salmon fillets in the basket in a single layer. This ensures even cooking. If your basket is small, don't overcrowd it; instead, opt to cook remaining fillets in a subsequent batch.
Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the salmon for 8 minutes. It's important to note that cooking times and temperatures might vary based on different air fryer models and the thickness of your salmon fillets. Adjust accordingly for the best results.
Once the cooking time is up and the air fryer alarm sounds, open the basket. You'll find your salmon perfectly cooked, juicy, and ready to be served.
To Serve
Enjoy your Air Fryer Salmon with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or rice for a wholesome meal. For more ideas, check out the serving suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to enhance your Air Fryer Salmon:
Maximizing Flavor: The secret to a flavorful salmon lies in the seasoning marinade. For the best taste, marinate the salmon and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial for flavor infusion, especially if you have the time.
Ensuring Juiciness: Choose evenly-sized salmon fillets for consistent cooking. Air frying at the right temperature is key to achieving a juicy and succulent finish. This careful attention to detail makes all the difference in texture and moisture retention.
Preheat the Air Fryer: For a crispier exterior and evenly cooked salmon, preheat your air fryer before adding the fish. This mimics a more traditional cooking environment and ensures a better texture.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer with some space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than air frying, affecting the texture.
Check for Doneness: Salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (about 63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful piece of fish.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade. Each variation can bring a new and exciting flavor to your dish.
No Flipping Required: When air frying salmon, there's no need to flip the fillets. Thanks to the preheated air fryer and its circulating hot air, your salmon will cook evenly on all sides, ensuring a perfectly cooked dish every time.