Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

This easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with sautéed spiralized vegetables is the secret to getting a healthy dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Salmon cooked quickly in an air fryer remains juicy with a gorgeous outer crust. The fish is seasoned with a combination of spices that makes it taste like a million bucks.

Whether you’re a fan of air fryer chicken or simply love tasty salmon recipes, there’s a host of healthier recipe options, including many air fryer recipes, here on the blog. My aim is to create approachable recipes for everyday home cooks who love to eat with their eyes as well as their stomachs.

Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

This gluten free and dairy free salmon recipe is easy and delicious! You can make it in a jiffy with minimal meal prep. All you need are some salmon fillets, a tasty seasoning mix, and an air fryer.

The salmon comes out incredibly juicy and tender. It has a wonderfully savoury flavor, with a bit of crispiness on the outside. Plus, cooking in an air fryer is so easy, there’s no messing around with greasy pans or hot ovens. This is one of my favourite recipes when I’m pressed for time because it is ready in under 30 minutes (and even less time without the vegetable side).

Serve this air fried salmon with a side of incredibly easy spiralized sautéed vegetables for the perfect meal. It’s also delicious on top of rice, buttered noodles or with air fryer potatoes. The combination of the savoury salmon and fresh veggies will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Plus, air frying salmon is a much healthier option than deep fried or even pan-fried salmon. You don’t have to worry about all that excess oil or overcooking and you will still feel full and satisfied. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to make a healthy meal, try out this air fryer salmon recipe.

Ingredients for this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

For this air fryer salmon, you’ll need four salmon filets, olive oil, lemon juice and spices. The spice mix includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It’s so simple but oh, so flavourful!

The vegetable side dish is optional but it is the perfect flavour compliment to the fish and it takes very little time to prepare.

All you’ll need for the side dish is a few carrots, a zucchini, and more olive oil and some dried herbs. The cilantro garnish is entirely optional but adds a nice touch. You can also finish the dish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions.

• Salmon Fillets
• Olive Oil
• Lemons
• Smoked Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Ground Coriander
• Ground Fenugreek
• Mixed Dried Herbs
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Salt
• Pepper

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to use fresh and flavourful spices to achieve the best flavour in every recipe. Dried herbs and spices should be kept in an airtight jar away from heat and light, as exposure reduces their potency. Old, stale or improperly stored spices will not impart the same flavour as fresh ones.

You can play around with the spices in this recipe, though I find that smoky spicy paprika creates amazing flavour when seasoned with the garlic powder, coriander, and ground fenugreek.

For the vegetables, you can use a trio of your favourite dried herbs (I like thyme, oregano, and basil) or purchase a special veggie blend, like ‘Tuscan Herb’ at a specialty grocery store.

How to Buy Salmon Fillets

When it comes to buying salmon fillets, fresh is always best. Look for bright pink flesh and a mild smell. If you can still see the scales on the fish, that’s even better—it means it was caught very recently. Avoid any salmon with discoloration or an overly fishy smell, as this could mean the fish is not fresh.

If you choose frozen salmon, look for vacuum-packed fillets that are frozen solid (not soft or bendable) and free of any ice crystals. Avoid buying if the package is open, torn, or crushed on the edges.

It’s also important to consider the sustainability of the fish you buy. Many types of wild-caught salmon are overfished, causing serious damage to their population in the wild. Try to use sustainable sources, like farmed salmon that is raised using responsible methods. Look for the Oceanwise label on fish packaging that indicates the fish was caught or farmed using sustainable methods.

Health Benefits of Salmon

I’ve got great news! Salmon is a great source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce inflammation and improve brain health. Plus, salmon is packed with vitamins like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and selenium that can help boost your immune system.

Eating this air fryer salmon regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight while also providing your body with important essential nutrients. So, not only is it delicious and easy, but it’s also incredibly good for you!

Overall, this air fryer salmon recipe is an amazing combination of healthy and tasty. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side of rice or buttered noodles. A great dinner doesn’t have to be low carb as a little bit of balance is also important in life.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

Let’s get cooking! Begin by removing any pin bones with a pair of tweezers. Next, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towel then place them in a shallow bowl. Drizzle the fillets with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon juice. Next, season the fillets with salt and spices.

Allow the salmon to sit while you prepare the spiralized vegetables. Start by washing and peeling them and then cutting off the ends. Next, use a handheld or countertop spiralizer to make long noodles with each vegetable. Place spiralized vegetables in a bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the dried herbs, then season them with salt.

Cooking the Salmon

Preheat air fryer to 350 F (160 C). Place fish skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook salmon for 10-12 minutes, depending on how thick the fillets are. Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a thermometer. When it reaches an internal temperature of 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the centre it is perfectly cooked to medium doneness.

While the salmon is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and then add the spiralized zucchini and carrots. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if needed. Plate the salmon with the vegetable noodles on top or to the side and enjoy!

So there you have it—an easy and healthy air fryer salmon recipe. Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it also packs a ton of health benefits. Plus, you get all the added nutrients from the vegetables, making this one of the healthiest meals you can make.

If you make this Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and/or a recipe rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe, please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making! Thank you so much for reading my blog.