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Air Fryer Lemon Salmon

This air fryer lemon salmon delivers crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh. The key ingredients—salmon fillet, lemon juice, and seasonings—are combined with high heat to produce a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist. The final dish boasts a vibrant, golden appearance with a satisfying crackle of the skin.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets preferably skin-on
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or cooking spray for crisping skin
  • optional dried herbs or fresh dill/parsley for extra flavor

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Then, brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets, letting the bright liquid soak in.
  3. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the salmon for 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. You’ll hear a satisfying crackle as the skin crisps up.
  5. Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using tongs. Let it rest for a minute to allow the juices to settle.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley if desired, then serve immediately to enjoy the crispy skin and tender, flaky interior.