Salmon is a versatile and popular ingredient, pairing well with countless sides. Achieving the perfect texture, however, can be tricky. Overcooked salmon often ends up dry and rubbery, a culinary tragedy. Thankfully, the air fryer offers a solution for achieving perfectly flaky, tender salmon in just 6 minutes. This recipe utilizes minimal ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality results.
For this air-fried salmon recipe, you’ll need only a few ingredients: salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Begin by seasoning the salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and the spices. Ensure all sides are evenly coated.
Next, place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 200 degrees for six minutes. For those with a meat thermometer, ensure the internal temperature reaches 63 degrees. Depending on the air fryer model, additional cooking time may be needed. For frozen salmon, increase the cooking time by two minutes.
The beauty of this air fryer method lies in its simplicity. No flipping is required, preserving the delicate salmon. The result is a flaky, juicy salmon, free from dryness, often encountered when using the oven. The seasoning blends perfectly with the fish, creating a flavor explosion.
Serve this delicious air-fried salmon with creamy mashed potatoes and tender stem broccoli for a satisfying and healthy meal. Enjoy the convenience and exceptional results of this air fryer salmon recipe.