Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs (Beginner-Friendly)
This recipe is a perfect introduction to cooking salmon in your air fryer. It’s simple, flavorful, and quick to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10-12 minutes Total Time: 15-17 minutes Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (around 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless (your preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray (optional). Place the salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down (if skin-on), leaving space between them for air circulation.
- Cook the Salmon: Air fry the salmon for 10-12 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
- Serve and Enjoy! Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- For thicker salmon fillets (over 1 inch thick), increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
- To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the salmon. It should flake easily without feeling raw in the center.
- Be careful when removing the salmon from the air fryer, as it will be hot.
Recipe Ideas for Sides:
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
- Quinoa or brown rice
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
This Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs is a delicious and easy way to prepare salmon at home. Enjoy!