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Tender Lemon Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

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Enjoy perfectly cooked lemon air fryer salmon with this easy recipe! In just 15 minutes, savor a tender salmon fillet with a crispy exterior—healthy and delicious!

A plate with two air fryer salmon fillets, seasoned with herbs and pepper, garnished with lemon slices and served alongside cooked broccoli. The setup rests on a woven mat, complete with salt and pepper shakers nearby.

As a busy mom, I rely on air fryer recipes for quick and hassle-free meals, especially on hectic days. While my little ones are big fans of chicken, I am a fish lover, so I like to switch things up with this simple lemon air fryer salmon recipe.

Salmon is a fantastic choice for the air fryer because it cooks quickly and comes out juicy and flavorful every time. I usually season it with just salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon wedges, but sometimes I add garlic powder or paprika to match different side dishes.

This air fryer salmon recipe is perfect for any day of the week, but you can easily customize it with glazes or toppings to make it feel special. I love that it’s quick and requires minimal prep, which is the beauty of air fryer recipes!

A delicious salmon dinner is ready in just 20 minutes—no thawing needed if you’re using fresh fillets. Just pop it in the air fryer, and you’re set! I like to serve it with a simple salad or quinoa. It's a go-to weeknight dinner because my kids tend to eat more veggies when they’re served with salmon. Plus, the timing is perfect; just as you're ready to sit down, you'll hear the air fryer beep!

If you're searching for a versatile air fryer recipe or a new salmon dish to add to your weekly meal plan, this air fryer salmon recipe is the one for you!

Close-up of a white rectangular plate with air fryer salmon fillets garnished with herbs. A lemon wedge is placed on the side. In the background, blurred containers of salt and pepper are visible, all set atop a striped cloth.

Ingredients

Four raw salmon fillets are arranged on a white rectangular plate with parchment paper. Next to them are small bowls containing pepper, salt, and olive oil, along with a halved lemon. Perfectly prepped for delicious air fryer salmon, this setup promises a quick and tasty meal.
  • Salmon fillets - fresh salmon is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen salmon too.
  • Avocado oil (or any high-smoke-point oil) - you can use a cooking spray.
  • Fresh lemon zest - adds a fresh, rich, citrusy flavor.
  • Fresh lemon wedges - for serving, this adds a burst of acidity to the salmon.

See recipe card for exact quantities.

Grilled salmon fillets, perfectly cooked in the air fryer, are arranged on a white oval plate, garnished with sprigs of dill and lemon slices. The fillets are seasoned with herbs and pepper. A dish of broccoli and a pepper shaker sit enticingly close by.

Step-by-step instructions

Three pieces of seasoned salmon with herbs are nestled inside the basket for perfectly cooked air fryer salmon. A slice of lemon is positioned next to the fillets, ready to add a refreshing zing.

If you want to make perfectly cooked salmon fillets with minimal effort, you’ve found the right recipe! Follow these clear instructions to prepare delicious air fryer salmon fillets that are flavorful and easy to make.

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Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to heat for about 5 minutes. Preheating is essential as it ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and helps achieve a nice, crispy exterior.

Prepare the Salmon Fillets

While the air fryer is preheating, take your salmon fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important because removing excess moisture helps the oil and seasonings adhere better, leading to a more flavorful and well-cooked fish.

Add Oil and Seasonings

Four raw salmon fillets rest on a white rectangular tray lined with parchment paper, ready for transformation into air fryer salmon. A black brush sits nearby, hinting at seasoning or marination. The backdrop remains light and unobtrusive, keeping attention on the culinary preparation.
A close-up of four raw salmon fillets on white parchment paper. A black brush is applying oil or marinade onto one of the fillets, preparing them for a delicious air fryer salmon dish. The salmon's bright orange color and visible lines of fat promise a flavorful experience.
A hand holding a small bowl of ground black pepper is in the foreground. In the background, four raw salmon fillets await their transformation in an air fryer, neatly placed on a white paper-lined tray.
Four raw salmon fillets seasoned with salt and pepper are arranged on a sheet of white parchment paper placed on a white rectangular tray. Perfect for an air fryer, the salmon boasts a rich orange color with visible lines of marbling.
Raw salmon fillets rest on a white tray, lightly seasoned with pepper. In the foreground, a hand holds a small bowl filled with salt—perfect for prepping an air fryer salmon dish.

Once the fillets are dry, brush both sides with avocado oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking. After oiling, season the fillets with salt and black pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly to enhance the overall taste.

Add Lemon Zest

A lemon is being zested over a metal grater onto a tray with four uncooked salmon fillets, ready to be transformed into air fryer salmon. Sprinkled with salt and pepper, the neatly arranged fillets await their turn on the white surface.
A hand holds a small white bowl with lemon zest remnants. Below, four uncooked air fryer salmon fillets are arranged on white parchment paper. The fillets are seasoned with salt and pepper, and the salmon has a vibrant orange color.
Four raw salmon fillets, perfect for air fryer salmon, are seasoned with black pepper and lemon zest on a white rectangular dish atop parchment paper. Arranged neatly in a row, they showcase their bright orange hue and marbled texture.

Next, take a fresh lemon and grate the zest over the salmon fillets. Distribute the zest evenly across the fillets. The lemon zest adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the salmon fillet.

Arrange in the Air Fryer

Four raw air fryer salmon fillets seasoned with black pepper and lemon zest are placed inside the basket, ready for cooking. The white background highlights the black basket and the vibrant orange hue of the salmon.
Four air fryer salmon fillets are placed inside the basket. The raw fillets are seasoned and arranged in a single layer on the black grill of the air fryer, ready for cooking.

Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure to position them in a single layer with the skin side facing down. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation, which is key to achieving that perfect cook.

Cook the Salmon

Four perfectly cooked air fryer salmon fillets are placed inside the basket. The fillets are arranged evenly on the grill-like surface. The air fryer is sleek and black, while the salmon boasts a light golden hue, promising a delicious meal ahead.
Four pieces of air fryer salmon fillets rest inside the basket, evenly spaced on the grill. The salmon appears perfectly cooked with a lightly seasoned surface, likely with salt and pepper. The background is white.
Four pieces of seasoned air fryer salmon fillets with two slices of lime are placed inside the basket.
Three pieces of seasoned air fryer salmon fillets are placed in the basket. Two slices of lemon rest at the bottom left corner. The salmon is cooked, displaying a lightly browned surface.

Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 7 to 10 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets. To ensure they are done, check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s cooked through.

Let It Rest

Air fryer salmon fillets seasoned with herbs are neatly arranged in the basket, accompanied by slices of lemon. Fresh dill is visible to the side.

Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Allow the fillets to rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making the salmon more tender and flavorful.

Serve With Lemon Slices

Four air fryer salmon fillets garnished with herbs are arranged on a rectangular white plate. Lemon slices are placed beside the fillets, and a striped cloth is seen in the corner. A knife with a wooden handle rests on the table, completing this delicious presentation.

Finally, serve your air fryer salmon fillets with fresh lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish just before enjoying an extra burst of flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any meal!

Storage

A plate with two pieces of air fryer salmon garnished with herbs, alongside lemon slices and cooked broccolini. A sliced lemon and a striped napkin are partially visible near the plate.

To store leftover air fryer salmon, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. For optimal freshness, refrigerate the salmon for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Adjust the time as needed until it is heated through.

Top Tips

Customize your seasoning: Feel free to get creative with your seasoning! You can add herbs or spices like dill, garlic powder, or paprika to suit your taste preferences.

Enhance with lemon zest: Adding fresh lemon zest brightens the flavors of the salmon. Distribute it evenly over the fillets before cooking for the best flavor.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon

A fork holds a piece of savory air fryer salmon garnished with herbs. In the background, more delectable salmon pieces rest on a white plate alongside lemon slices, two glass shakers, and a striped cloth.

This air fryer salmon recipe is best served with quinoa, I have this Middle Eastern quinoa salad recipe that would pair really well with the Salmon. Of course, this also goes well with salads and this one, in particular, is by far the best fall salad recipe I ever tried!

For other easy air fryer recipes, check out our crispy air fryer chicken wings recipe and BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe. You can also make our air fryer cheese bites for a great appetizer.

Recipe

Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.

A white rectangular plate features air fryer salmon fillets, garnished with chopped herbs and cracked pepper. Lemon slices are artfully placed around the salmon. A blue-gray cloth is partially visible in the bottom left corner, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Enjoy perfectly cooked lemon air fryer salmon with this easy recipe! In just 15 minutes, savor a tender fillet with a crispy exterior—healthy and delicious!
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Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer salmon
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 304kcal
Author: Ksenia Prints

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 x 7oz salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of one fresh lemon
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
  • Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil.
  • Season the fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated
  • Grate the zest from the fresh lemon over the salmon fillets, distributing it evenly.
  • Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
  • Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
  • Serve the air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish before enjoying.

Notes

1. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require slightly more cooking time, while thinner fillets might cook faster.
2. It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even and consistent cooking.
3. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
4. You can customize the seasoning by adding other herbs or spices like dill, garlic powder, or paprika according to your taste preferences.
5. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches the recommended safe temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. The fresh lemon zest adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the salmon. Make sure to distribute it evenly over the fillets before cooking.
7. Serve the air fryer salmon with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 656mg | Potassium: 836mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.003g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
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