Get ready to add a splash of flavor to your dinner routine with our newest recipe Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon.
Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this salmon recipe not only promises a deliciously crispy exterior but also ensures the inside remains tender.
This is a gourmet meal made effortlessly, providing a wonderful balance of flavors that will dance on your palate.
Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion, our Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon is a versatile choice for any salmon lover!
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Lemon Salmon
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and the air fryer method uses little to no oil, keeping the dish light and nutritious.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest infuses the salmon with a bright, zesty flavor that complements its natural richness.
- Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess and fewer dishes to wash, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile: This dish can be paired with a variety of sides, from simple salads to hearty grains, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.
Ingredients Needed For Lemon Herb Salmon Air Fryer
Here are the simple ingredients, you will need for creating this salmon recipe in the air fryer.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Salmon Fillets: Use about 4 salmon fillets, use either farmed or wild.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to this recipe, adds freshness to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is perfect and adds flavor to the salmon.
- Olive Oil: Or use butter, unsalted, for flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (like Dill, Parsley, or Basil):Seasonings, brings this dish together, and adds lots of flavor.
- Lemon Zest (optional): Intensifies the citrus flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon
Here are the simple steps:
Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and your choice of finely chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. This marinade will infuse the salmon with a vibrant and aromatic flavor.
Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before cooking. This step ensures that the salmon starts cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispy texture.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the basket with olive oil or use a non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the salmon from sticking to the basket.
Cook the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking. Cook the salmon for about 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. There’s no need to turn the salmon over during cooking.
Check for Doneness: Salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Serving: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon for an extra flavor.
Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon. Look for fillets that are bright in color, firm to the touch, and have a fresh, ocean-like smell. Wild-caught salmon often offers a superior flavor and texture compared to farm-raised.
- Even Thickness: Try to select salmon fillets that are uniform in thickness. This ensures that they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Marinating Time: While a 30-minute marinade imparts good flavor, allowing the salmon to marinate for longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the taste.
- Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the marinated salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s some space around each one.
- Checking Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for an opaque color and flaky texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking.
- Garnish for Freshness: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving, for added flavor.
- Cleaning the Air Fryer: Clean the air fryer basket immediately after cooking to prevent sticking in future uses.
- Experiment with Flavors: For a spicy kick, don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon Recipe Faq’s
How long should I cook the salmon in the air fryer? The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets, but it typically takes about 7-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake the salmon in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked.
What herbs work best in this recipe? Dill, parsley, and basil are great options.
Is it necessary to flip the salmon during cooking? In most air fryers, it’s not necessary to flip the salmon. The air circulation cooks the salmon evenly.
How can I prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket? Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Parchment paper liners made for air fryers are also a great option.
Serving Suggestions: Light salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, quinoa, or rice pair well with this dish. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a green salad.
Can I store and reheat leftovers? Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave, but reheating can dry out the salmon.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its flavor, but you can use bottled in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
I usually serve a salad or a rice bowl with my salmon dishes. But this dish will go with almost everything. Here are some of my favorite side dishes:
Equipment Used:
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Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon
Description
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, dill, parsley, or basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, teaspoon
- Lemon zest, optional, for extra flavor
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Salmon: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Place salmon in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all sides are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon wedges on the side.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- For an extra zesty flavor, add some lemon zest to the marinade.
Nutrition
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