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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon

This dish features skin-on salmon fillets cooked in the air fryer to achieve a perfectly crispy skin and flaky, tender flesh. The key steps involve patting the fish dry, lightly oiling, and seasoning before air frying until golden and crackling. The result is a visually appealing, crunchy-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside salmon ready to serve with a bright lemon twist.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon portions with skin preferably skin-on for best crispiness
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil for light coating
  • to taste salt preferably sea salt or kosher salt
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 lemon lemon zest or slices for a bright flavor

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Pat each salmon fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, especially from the skin, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
  2. Lightly brush the skin of each fillet with olive oil using a brush or your fingers, ensuring an even thin coating that promotes crispness.
  3. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the fillets, seasoning the flesh and skin to enhance flavor.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes until hot and ready.
  5. Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down into the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching for even cooking.
  6. Cook the salmon at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, until the skin is golden brown, crackling, and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula, listening for the satisfying crackle of the crispy skin.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets or garnish with lemon zest for a bright, tangy finish that complements the crispy skin and tender flesh.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite sides to enjoy the contrast of crunchy skin and flaky, moist interior.