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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon: A Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Story

A perfectly cooked fillet of air fryer salmon topped with a crunchy spice rub, served with lemon slices.
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Create restaurant-quality, crispy yet flaky air fryer salmon fillets in minutes. This simple recipe delivers deep flavor, making it a perfect, healthy choice for any busy evening.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brush the olive oil lightly over all sides of the salmon fillets.
  4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the top (flesh side) of the salmon.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. If the skin is on, place them skin-side down.
  7. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the top is lightly browned.
  8. Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon slices.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can brush the salmon with a thin layer of honey or teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • If you are cooking from frozen, add 3 to 5 minutes to the total cook time.
  • This salmon pairs well with simple sides like roasted asparagus or a fresh salad for a complete healthy dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/air-fryer-salmon/