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Air Fryer Crispy Salmon

This crispy salmon dish is made using an air fryer, which provides a quick and mess-free way to achieve perfectly cooked, flaky fish with a golden, crispy skin. Main ingredients include skin-on salmon fillets brushed with olive oil, seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika, and finished with fresh lemon and herbs for brightness. The final texture is tender on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside, served with a vibrant citrus aroma.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets preferably with skin on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
  • to taste salt prefer flaky sea salt
  • to taste pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika optional
  • 1 lemon lemon slices for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs dill or parsley

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Brush or spoon for oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure it's hot and ready.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.
  3. Brush a light layer of olive oil over the skin side of each fillet, then season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.
  4. Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow even crisping.
  5. Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the skin is crispy and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  6. While the salmon cooks, slice the lemon and chop fresh herbs for garnish.
  7. Once cooked, carefully lift the salmon with tongs or a spatula, revealing the crispy skin and tender flesh underneath.
  8. Transfer the salmon to a serving plate, top with fresh herbs, and arrange lemon slices around for a burst of citrus aroma.
  9. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy skin and flaky interior, complemented by the bright lemon and herb toppings.

Notes

For extra crispiness, let the salmon rest for 2 minutes after cooking. You can also add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor.