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Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon

This dish features salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer to crispy perfection, seasoned with a simple lemon garlic paste. The high heat creates a crackling skin while keeping the tender, flaky interior juicy and flavorful. It’s a quick, healthy meal with a bright, aromatic punch in each bite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets skin-on preferred for crispy skin
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 lemon lemon freshly squeezed juice
  • to taste salt sea salt or flaky salt
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill or parsley optional, chopped
  • a pinch red pepper flakes optional for heat

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Small bowl
  • Cooking brush

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help them crisp up.
  2. Mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a small bowl to create a lemon garlic paste.
  3. Use a brush or your fingers to evenly smear the lemon garlic paste all over the surface of each salmon fillet, ensuring the skin side is well coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes until hot and ready.
  5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching to allow even crisping.
  6. Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, until the skin is crispy and crackling, and the flesh feels firm when gently pressed.
  7. Halfway through cooking, carefully flip the fillets to ensure even crispness on both sides, then return to the air fryer to finish cooking.
  8. Remove the salmon from the air fryer once the skin is crisp and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon slices or herbs if desired, and enjoy the crispy skin and tender, flavorful interior.