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Citrus-Marinated Air Fryer Salmon

This dish features salmon fillets marinated in a zesty citrus blend, cooked in an air fryer to achieve a crispy skin and tender flaky flesh. The high heat crisps the skin beautifully while infusing the fish with bright, tangy flavors, resulting in an appealing glossy finish and vibrant aroma.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Seafood
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon fillets preferably skin-on and wild
  • 1 lemon lemon for zest and juice
  • 1 orange orange for zest and juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for balancing acidity
  • to taste salt and pepper seasoning to preference
  • 2 tablespoons citrus zest lemon and orange combined
  • 1/4 cup citrus juice freshly squeezed from lemon and orange
  • Optional fresh herbs dill or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Grater or zester
  • Juicer or lemon squeezer
  • Basting brush

Method
 

  1. Zest the lemon and orange using a grater or zester, then squeeze out the juice and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together citrus juice, zest, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and brush them lightly with some of the citrus marinade using a basting brush.
  4. Place the marinated salmon fillets in a shallow dish or tray, then pour the remaining marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for proper air circulation.
  7. Baste the fish with a little more citrus marinade if desired, then cook for 10-12 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden, and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Halfway through cooking, flip the fillets gently or brush with additional marinade for extra flavor and crispiness.
  9. Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let rest for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if using.
  10. Serve immediately, enjoying the crispy skin and tender, flavorful flesh with a burst of citrus aroma.

Notes

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the salmon with oil before air frying. Keep an eye on the fish to prevent burning the citrus glaze, especially toward the end of cooking.