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!
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!
Ingredients
- 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.
Step-by-step instructions
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Lemon Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
- Air Fryer
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.
