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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon: Quick & Juicy Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of a perfectly cooked air fryer salmon fillet with a crispy, seasoned crust and fresh dill on top.

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Welcome to My Kitchen! Learn how to cook salmon fillets in the air fryer for a meal that is crispy outside and tender inside. This easy recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin or a better sear.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, dill, salt, and pepper to create your simple seasoning rub.
  3. Brush the top and sides of each salmon fillet lightly with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillets. Press the seasoning gently into the fish.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets. For 1-inch thick fillets, start checking at 10 minutes for a medium-rare center.
  8. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The exterior should look slightly crisp.
  9. Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, place the salmon skin-side down and cook for the entire time.
  • If your fillets are very thick (over 1.5 inches), you may need to reduce the temperature slightly to 380°F (195°C) and cook for up to 16 minutes to prevent the outside from burning.
  • This recipe works well for low-carb or keto diets.

Nutrition