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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Easy Lemon Dill for Tender Bite

crispy air fryer salmon - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe featuring crispy skin and a bright lemon-dill marinade, perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice separated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, focusing on the skin side (5 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined (3 minutes).
  3. Brush the marinade evenly over all sides of the salmon fillets, focusing on the skin and flesh. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors (5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) (3 minutes).
  5. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding (1 minute).
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, then check for doneness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork but remain moist. For extra crispness, flip fillets skin-side up and cook an additional 1-2 minutes (8-10 minutes).
  7. Once cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and serve immediately (1 minute).

Notes

Patting the salmon skin dry is essential for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Adjust cooking time for thicker fillets and watch closely to prevent drying out. Flipping is optional but can increase skin crispiness. Fresh dill is preferred; parsley can be used as a milder substitute. Add lemon zest for bright flavor.

Nutrition

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