Go Back
To make crispy air fryer salmon, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 skin-on salmon fillets - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest - Fresh lemon wedges (for serving) - Chopped fresh parsley (for garnishing) Each ingredient plays a key role. The salmon provides healthy fats and protein. Olive oil adds richness and helps crisp the skin. Garlic powder and smoked paprika give flavor and a hint of smokiness. Dried thyme adds an herbal note, while lemon zest brightens the dish. Try to use fresh lemon wedges when serving. They enhance the taste of salmon and add freshness. Chopped parsley adds color and flavor to the plate. With these ingredients, you will create a delicious meal that is quick and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the marinade, mix these ingredients in a bowl: - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest Whisk them together until smooth. This blend brings out great flavors. Letting the marinade sit for a few minutes helps the flavors develop. A few extra minutes can make a big difference! Start by drying your salmon fillets. Use paper towels to gently pat them. This step helps the marinade stick better. Next, coat each fillet with the marinade. You can use a brush or spoon. Make sure every surface is covered. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes. This is key for flavor penetration. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for even cooking. Place the marinated salmon in the basket, skin-side down. Make sure they don’t touch. This allows hot air to circulate around each fillet. Cook the salmon for 10-12 minutes. Look for a golden brown edge and a crispy texture. To check if the salmon is done, use a food thermometer. The inside should reach 145°F (63°C). If you want more crispiness, add 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. When the salmon is ready, carefully remove it with tongs. Serve it right away with fresh lemon wedges. Squeeze lemon juice on top for a burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped parsley for a nice touch. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies. To get crispy salmon, start by drying the fillets. Use paper towels to remove moisture. This step helps make the skin crispier. Next, coat the salmon with olive oil. This adds flavor and promotes browning. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes. This ensures even cooking and a great crunch. For timing, cook the salmon for 10-12 minutes. Check for golden edges and a tender inside. If needed, add 1-2 extra minutes for more crispiness. Spices and herbs can change the taste of your salmon. I love using garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. These spices give a warm, rich flavor. You can also try a marinade with honey and soy sauce. This adds sweetness and a nice glaze. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can brighten up the dish. Feel free to switch things up based on what you like! Many people overlook moisture when cooking salmon. Too much moisture prevents crispiness. Always dry your fillets before seasoning. Also, be careful with the cooking time. Overcooking makes the fish dry and tough. Under-cooking can leave it raw in the middle. Use a food thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). This way, you ensure a perfectly cooked meal every time. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes to an hour. This will enhance the flavors and create a more delicious meal. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the best results, make sure the salmon fillets are not touching each other in the air fryer basket. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Use a Food Thermometer: To ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) for optimal doneness. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your taste. Adding herbs like dill or spices like cayenne can give a unique twist to your salmon. {{image_4}} You can grill or bake salmon for a change. Each method brings a unique taste. Grilling gives a smoky flavor and nice char. Baking offers a gentle cook and keeps the fish moist. Try both to see which you like more! If you lack fresh herbs, use dried ones. For garlic powder, try fresh garlic. You can also swap salmon for trout or even chicken. These options keep the dish tasty and fun! Change the recipe with the seasons. In spring, add asparagus or peas. Summer is great for cherry tomatoes or zucchini. Fall brings squash or Brussels sprouts. Winter calls for heartier greens. Mixing in seasonal veggies keeps your meals fresh and exciting! To store cooked salmon, first cool it to room temperature. Place the salmon in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat salmon without losing crispiness, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. You can also use an oven. Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it makes salmon dry and rubbery. Cooked salmon lasts about three days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the salmon smells sour or has a slimy texture, it is no longer safe to eat. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Cooking salmon in an air fryer takes about 10-12 minutes. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat cooks the salmon quickly and helps it get crispy. The edges should be golden brown, while the inside stays tender. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw the salmon first for best results. Place it in the fridge overnight, or run it under cold water for quicker thawing. Adjust the cooking time by adding 2-3 minutes to ensure it cooks through. Air-fried salmon pairs well with many sides. Try a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Quinoa or rice also work nicely. These sides balance the meal and add more nutrition. To prevent sticking, use a clean air fryer basket. Lightly coat the basket with oil before adding the salmon. Make sure the fillets are not touching each other. This helps air flow and keeps the salmon from sticking. This blog post shared a simple air fryer salmon recipe. You learned about key ingredients, preparation steps, and how to achieve perfect texture. I also provided tips on seasoning, cooking methods, and variations to keep meals exciting. By following these steps and suggestions, you can make a delicious salmon dish for any season. Remember, practice makes perfect! Enjoy every bite and get creative with flavors.

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon

Deliciously crispy salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer, seasoned with a flavorful marinade.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets skin-on salmon
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • to taste fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
  • to taste chopped fresh parsley (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Use paper towels to gently pat the salmon fillets dry, ensuring moisture is removed. Using a brush or spoon, evenly coat each fillet with the prepared marinade, making sure to cover all surfaces. Allow the salmon to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes.
  • Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
  • Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are positioned skin-side down and not touching each other. Cook the salmon for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a crispy texture forms.
  • Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C). If the fillets need extra crispiness, feel free to add an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time as needed.
  • Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer using tongs. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Arrange the salmon fillets on a serving platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for an eye-catching presentation. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword air fryer, healthy, salmon, seafood