Best Ever Air Fryer Salmon

Best Ever Air Fryer Salmon

This recipe delivers perfectly cooked salmon fillets that are crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. It’s a breeze to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it a weeknight dinner winner.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (around 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless (your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures the seasoning sticks better and crisps up the skin (if using).
2. Season the salmon: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
3. Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
4. Air fry the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
5. Cook the salmon: Air fry the salmon for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for well-done. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
6. Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and transfer it to plates. Garnish with lemon wedges (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• For thicker fillets: If your salmon fillets are thicker than 1 inch, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes, checking for doneness at the halfway point.
• Frozen salmon: You can use frozen salmon fillets, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator before air frying. Add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
• Don’t overcrowd: Avoid placing the salmon fillets too close together in the basket. This prevents proper air circulation and can result in uneven cooking or steamed fish.
• Cooking time variations: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets and your specific air fryer model. It’s always best to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
• Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations. Try a Cajun seasoning, a maple Dijon glaze, or a simple lemon pepper rub.