Air Fryer Salmon Perfection
A simple, foolproof method to achieve perfectly cooked, flaky, and moist salmon fillets in your air fryer in just minutes. Ideal for a healthy, quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets skin-on or off
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 1 slice lemon optional
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin and even cooking.
- Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other desired seasonings like garlic powder or dill.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not overlapping to allow hot air to circulate. If cooking skin-on, place skin-side down.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and your desired level of doneness. Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate salmon for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Add a slice of lemon on top while cooking for brightness. Ensure fillets are roughly the same thickness for even cooking. Check doneness with a fork – it should flake easily. Cooking time may vary slightly based on salmon thickness and air fryer model.