When the day stretches on and the clock nudges dinner time closer, I reach for this Lemon Air Fryer Salmon recipe. It’s quick, healthy, and always delivers that perfect balance of zest and tenderness without the fuss.
One evening, after a long day at work, I remember the first time I tried this recipe. As the air fryer hummed softly, the bright scent of lemon filled the kitchen, mingling with a hint of garlic and paprika. The salmon sizzled gently, its skin crisping just right. When the timer beeped, I lifted the fillet onto my plate and took that first bite—juicy, flaky, and bursting with fresh citrus notes. It was like a mini celebration on a busy night, a simple pleasure that felt anything but ordinary.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bright lemon flavor adds freshness without overpowering.
- Air fryer cooks salmon tender inside with a crisp skin outside.
- Simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
- Light, healthy, and satisfying meal option.
If you’re worried about fishy smells lingering, this method keeps the kitchen fresh and clean—plus, the lemon zest and juice brighten the whole experience.
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Lemon Air Fryer Salmon
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A quick and healthy Lemon Air Fryer Salmon recipe that is tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked with a bright citrus twist. Ready in under 20 minutes, this salmon is ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of each salmon fillet.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and transfer to serving plates.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salmon fillets before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon? Absolutely. Just thaw it fully before air frying for even cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake it in the oven at 400°F, but you might miss out on that crisp skin.
How do I know when the salmon is done? Look for flakes that separate easily with a fork and an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I double the recipe? Yes! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Give this Lemon Air Fryer Salmon a try tonight. It’s one of those simple recipes that quickly becomes a staple—bright, flavorful, and ready exactly when you need it.