Crispy Air Fryer Salmon

This dish features salmon fillets cooked in an air fryer to achieve a perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh. The process involves seasoning, oiling, and air frying the fish, resulting in a shiny, golden crust with a moist interior. It’s a quick, healthy, and visually appealing way to enjoy salmon with minimal fuss.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Healthy, Seafood

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 fillets salmon fillets skin-on preferred for crispiness
1 tablespoon olive oil for coating the fish
to taste salt and pepper or paprika, garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon zest optional, brightens the flavor
Optional fresh herbs dill or parsley, for garnish

Equipment

Air fryer
Basting brush or fingers
Tongs or spatula

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready to go.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin.
Place the fillets skin-side down on a plate and brush the tops lightly with olive oil, making sure to coat evenly without tearing the flesh.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and lemon zest evenly over the fillets for flavor and enhanced crispness.
Gently lift each fillet and place them skin-side down into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching for proper air circulation.
Cook the salmon at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy, and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. You’ll hear a gentle sizzle as it cooks.
Use tongs or a spatula to carefully lift the fillets out, revealing a beautifully crisped, golden crust on the skin.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, lightly oil the basket or the skin side of the fish before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure maximum crispness.