Tired of dry, bland salmon? Get ready to experience a culinary revelation with this incredibly simple and unbelievably delicious air fryer salmon recipe. Forget the oven – your air fryer is about to become your new best friend for perfectly cooked fish in a mere 10 minutes!
This recipe is a game-changer. I used to swear by oven-baked salmon, but let’s be honest, it often resulted in a dry, somewhat disappointing meal. The air fryer, however, has completely transformed my salmon-cooking experience. The result? Flaky, juicy, and incredibly flavorful salmon every single time. Prepare to be amazed!
Why This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Reigns Supreme:
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Speed:
Ready in just 10 minutes (or 13 for frozen fillets)! Perfect for busy weeknights.*
Flavor:
Simple seasonings deliver maximum taste without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the salmon.*
Moisture:
The air fryer ensures perfectly moist and flaky salmon, unlike its oven-baked counterpart.*
Ease:
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.*
Cleanup:
The foil liner makes cleaning your air fryer a breeze!Ingredients (Serves 2):
* Two salmon fillets (skin on or off – your choice!)
* One teaspoon paprika
* One teaspoon garlic granules
* One tablespoon olive oil
* Sea salt to taste
Instructions:
1.
Prep the Air Fryer:
Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. This brilliant hack simplifies cleanup and prevents lingering fish smells. The foil also makes it easy to lift the cooked salmon out.2.
Skin-On or Skin-Off?:
The choice is yours! For skin-on salmon, cook skin-side up and lightly grease the foil with oil to prevent sticking. If you prefer skinless salmon, you can remove the skin beforehand or cook it skin-side down and gently slide the fillet off the skin after cooking. I personally recommend cooking with the skin on; it adds extra moisture and flavor.3.
Create the Flavor Paste:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic granules, olive oil, and sea salt to create a flavorful paste. Use a pastry brush to apply this paste generously to your salmon fillets. Focus on the flesh side, but feel free to brush the skin as well if you’re keeping it on.4.
Air Fry to Perfection:
Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the prepared air fryer basket, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Air fry at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes. For frozen salmon, air fry for 5 minutes initially, then season and cook for a further 8 minutes.5.
Serve & Enjoy:
Your perfectly cooked air fryer salmon is ready! Serve it hot as part of a delicious pasta dish or enjoy it cold in a fresh salad. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Success:
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Don’t overcrowd the basket:
Ensure there’s enough space between the fillets for even cooking.*
Adjust cooking time:
Depending on the thickness of your fillets, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Start checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark.*
Experiment with flavors:
Get creative! Try adding other herbs and spices to your paste, such as lemon zest, dill, or black pepper.This air fryer salmon recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s quick, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your family and friends with this simple yet extraordinary dish!
