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Crispy Air Fryer Citrus Salmon

This dish features skin-on salmon fillets cooked in the air fryer until the skin is perfectly crisp and the flesh is flaky and tender. Bright citrus zest and juice are added after cooking to enhance flavor, resulting in a vibrant, flaky fish with a crunchy skin and a zesty finish. The quick, hands-off method makes for a simple yet impressive main course.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets with skin bright, firm, and with a slight sheen
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated
  • 1 orange zest orange zest freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 light spray olive oil or cooking spray for coating the salmon
  • to taste salt and pepper flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • optional fresh herbs dill or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Towel
  • Lemon and orange zest grater
  • Citrus juicer

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring the skin is dry for crisping.
  2. Lightly spray the salmon skin with olive oil or cooking spray, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure there's space around each fillet.
  4. Cook the salmon for about 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh is opaque and flakey when tested with a fork.
  5. While the salmon cooks, grate fresh lemon and orange zest into small bowls and squeeze out the juice using a citrus juicer.
  6. Once the salmon is done cooking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and gently pat the skin with a paper towel to enhance crispiness if needed.
  7. Drizzle the citrus juice and sprinkle the zest over the hot, crispy salmon fillets for a bright, flavorful finish.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy skin and flaky, citrus-bright flesh.