Air Fryer Salmon (in 10 minutes!)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
7 mins
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Total Time
12 mins
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Servings
2
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Calories
281 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Air Fryer Salmon (in 10 minutes!)
Description
This recipe starts by coating 6-ounce salmon fillets with a mixture of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. The salmon is seasoned generously with fine sea salt and black pepper. Cooking in an air fryer at 400ºF for seven minutes allows the fish to cook evenly with a lightly crisp exterior while retaining moisture inside. The internal temperature is monitored to reach a safe 140-145ºF, ensuring doneness with an opaque appearance and easily flaked texture.
The lemon and garlic flavor penetrate the salmon subtly, balancing the natural richness of the fish. The short cooking time makes this method practical for a quick yet satisfying meal. The salmon pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or salad sides.
If cooking from frozen, precook at a lower temperature to thaw the fish before seasoning and finishing the cook. Be aware that the edges may cook faster than the center when starting with frozen fish, so additional brief cooking may be needed for even doneness.
Ingredients
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon about 1 1/2-inches thick, fillets
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- ½ teaspoon salt fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF if your machine requires it. (Not all do; you can skip this step if you prefer.) In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Stir well, then spoon the mixture over the fish.
- Sprinkle each fillet generously with salt and pepper. I use roughly ¼ teaspoon of salt on top of each filet, and then a heavy sprinkle of black pepper. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, if desired. Arrange the two fillets about 1 inch apart from each other in the air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for 7 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is complete, check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach at least 140ºF in the thickest part, and when you take it out to rest it should reach 145ºF. (The recommended safe temperature by the FDA.) The fish should look opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it's not done yet, return it to the air fryer for 1 to 2 more minutes or until it reaches your desired doneness level.
- Let the salmon rest briefly, then serve warm with your favorite side dishes. You can store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Nutrition info provided is an estimate per 6-ounce fillet.
- To cook frozen salmon, preheat the air fryer to 360ºF and cook frozen fillets for 7 minutes to thaw before adding seasoning.
- After thawing frozen salmon, add the lemon garlic mixture and season before cooking an additional 7 minutes at 360ºF.
- The outer edges of frozen salmon cook faster than the center; an extra 1 to 3 minutes may be needed for even doneness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 281kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 657mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 851mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 70IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.