This Air Fryer Salmon is ready in 30 minutes – you’ll love the delicious lemon garlic marinade! Pair it with some veggies for easy meal prep.
Salmon is one of my favourite proteins for busy weeknights because it cooks so quickly. The air fryer makes it almost foolproof, and the lemon garlic marinade is so fresh and delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfect air fryer salmon: The air fryer cooks the salmon until it’s flaky, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.
- Healthy 30-minute dinner: A quick, high-protein meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Prep ahead and watch how fast it comes together.
- Meal prep friendly: Pair it with rice and veggies for healthy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Lemon zest – you can replace this with half a tablespoon of lemon juice or extract instead.
- Lemon juice – either freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice will work.
- Olive oil – use any other neutral cooking oil like grapeseed, avocado or canola oil.
- Soy sauce – tamari or coconut aminos are the best substitutes for soy sauce.
- Fresh dill – you can try using tarragon but it will have a slightly different flavour.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic is best but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch.
- Ground black pepper – white peppercorn would also work here.
- Salmon filet – use any kind of salmon or another fish like trout or tuna.
How to make salmon in the air fryer
- Make the marinade.
- Marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit.
- Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges and serve.
Health benefits of salmon
Salmon is a super healthy meal option and full of important nutrients. It’s a great source of protein and is high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, folic acid, potassium and more. It can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve brain function. All in all, it’s a delicious and nutritious protein option!
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to flip salmon in the air fryer?
No, you don’t need to flip the salmon with this recipe. All you have to do is stick is in the air fryer basket, let it cook for 8-10 minutes and enjoy!
What temp does the air fryer need to be at?
You’ll need to set the temperature of the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. This will make sure your salmon is cooked through and crispy on the outside while still being nice and moist on the inside.
Can I use frozen salmon?
You can use frozen salmon, but I recommend letting it thaw ahead of time so it cooks more evenly. You’ll also need to cook the salmon a bit longer if you’re cooking it from frozen. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit.
Can I reheat this recipe in the air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer is a great option for reheating your salmon. Set it to 360° Fahrenheit and reheat for 4 to 5 minutes.
Storing and reheating
Meal prep: Portion the salmon with your favourite rice and veggies into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Storing: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 4 to 5 minutes, or in the oven at 275°F for 15 minutes, covered with foil to help keep the salmon moist. You can also microwave it if needed, but the texture may change.
Freezing: Freeze raw or cooked salmon in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can even freeze the raw salmon in the lemon garlic marinade for an easy make-ahead dinner.
Defrosting and reheating: Defrost in the fridge overnight and cook or reheat in the air fryer.
More fish recipes
- The Easiest Baked Salmon Recipe
- Easy BBQ Salmon with Avocado Salsa
- Miso Sesame Tuna Rice Bowls
- Salmon Salad
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this salmon into leftovers.
- I own and love the Philips Digital Airfryer XXL.
- Freeze this recipe in glass microwave-safe bowls for up to 3 months.
Air Fryer Salmon {30 Minute Meal}
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 4-6 oz salmon filets
- Fresh dill and lemon wedges for garnish, option
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, dill, garlic, and ground black pepper.
- In a large container or zip top bag, combine the marinade and salmon fillets. Make sure the salmon is covered entirely and seal the container. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour.
- Remove the salmon and drain any excess marinade. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Place salmon in the basket, allowing at least half an inch of space between the fillets. If they are packed in too closely, they will steam instead of getting crispy.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the internal temperature of the salmon is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges and serve immediately.
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