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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon

This dish features salmon fillets cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh. The key ingredients include skin-on salmon, olive oil, seasoning, and fresh herbs, which combine to create a savory, visually appealing final dish with a satisfying crunch. The process emphasizes straightforward prep, precise cooking, and a beautifully crisp exterior.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets preferably with skin on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for coating the fish
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked or regular
  • 1 lemon lemon slices for serving and flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs dill, parsley, or thyme

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Tongs
  • Small brush

Method
 

  1. Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; this helps achieve a crispier skin. Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil using a small brush, ensuring an even coating that will help the seasonings stick and skin crisp up.
  2. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over the fillets, pressing gently to help the spices adhere. Place chopped herbs on top for a fresh, fragrant touch.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and give it a few minutes to warm up. This ensures the fish cooks evenly and develops that perfect crispiness.
  4. Gently place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down into the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate properly around each piece.
  5. Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. During cooking, you'll hear the skin crackle as it crisps and see the juices bubble slightly around the edges.
  6. Halfway through cooking, carefully flip the fillets using tongs to ensure even crispiness on both sides. Be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate flesh.
  7. Continue cooking for the remaining 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the flesh feels firm but still juicy when pressed gently.
  8. Remove the salmon carefully with tongs and transfer to a plate. Squeeze fresh lemon slices over the top for brightness and serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.
  9. Enjoy the crispy skin and tender flesh of your perfectly cooked air fryer salmon, complemented by the fresh herbs and citrus aroma.

Notes

For extra crispiness, pat the skin dry before oiling. Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes if leftovers are enjoyed later.