Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Air Fryer Salmon
Perfectly crispy salmon fillets made easy in the air fryer. Flaky, moist, and ready in under 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
There's nothing quite like perfectly cooked salmon, and the air fryer has absolutely revolutionized how I prepare it at home. Gone are the days of worrying about overcooking or dealing with a kitchen full of fishy smoke. The air fryer gives you restaurant-quality salmon with a beautiful crispy exterior and a buttery, tender interior every single time. What I love most is that you get all the flavor with virtually no mess and no complicated techniques.
This recipe is beautifully simple because salmon is the star—it needs very little to shine. A quick brush of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a handful of fresh herbs is truly all you need. In less than 15 minutes, you'll have dinner on the table that feels elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and you've got a meal that's both delicious and genuinely good for you.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this is key to getting that crispy exterior.
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2
Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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3
Place the salmon skin-side down in your air fryer basket and lightly mist the top with a bit more olive oil.
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4
Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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5
While cooking, finely chop your fresh dill and parsley together.
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6
Transfer the salmon to a plate and top with the fresh herb mixture. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
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7
Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets:2 pieces
- Olive oil:1.5 tbsp
- Salt:0.25 tsp
- Black pepper:0.25 tsp
- Garlic powder:0.25 tsp
- Fresh lemon:0.5 piece
- Fresh dill:1 tbsp
- Fresh parsley:1 tbsp
Tips & Notes
- Make sure your salmon fillets are similar in thickness so they cook evenly at the same time.
- Don't skip patting the salmon dry—moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- If your salmon skin sticks to the basket, spray the basket with cooking spray before adding the fillets.
- Frozen salmon works beautifully here; just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a pop of extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh thyme alongside the dill.
