Air fryer salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Salmon:

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings adhere better and ensures a crispier crust.
• If the salmon has skin on, leave it intact, as the skin will help keep the fish moist while cooking.

2. Season the Salmon:

• Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest or thyme. Rub the seasoning evenly on both sides of the fillets.
• If you prefer a more citrusy flavor, you can also squeeze some lemon juice over the salmon before cooking.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Salmon:

• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon). Make sure the fillets are not overcrowded for even cooking.
• Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner fillets, check after 8 minutes. For thicker fillets, it may take the full 12 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

5. Serve:

• Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
• Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. You can also drizzle a little extra lemon juice over the salmon for added flavor.

Tips:

• Check for Doneness: The best way to ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), it’s done.
• Skin-on Salmon: Cooking salmon with the skin on helps keep the fish moist. If you prefer skinless salmon, you can still cook it in the air fryer—just be a little more careful about not overcooking.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Try using dill, Cajun seasoning, or a honey mustard glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Crispier Skin: If you want the skin extra crispy, flip the salmon over halfway through cooking. However, this is optional since cooking skin-side down usually gives a good texture.

This Air Fryer Salmon recipe is fast, simple, and results in a perfectly cooked salmon fillet every time. Enjoy your healthy, delicious meal in under 15 minutes!