Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon: A Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful Delight

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon recipe! Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritional powerhouse. The air fryer cooks it to perfection in minutes, leaving it moist, flaky, and infused with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic. This recipe is so easy to make, even on the busiest of evenings, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

## Why Air Fryer Salmon?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, and for good reason! Here’s why it’s the perfect method for cooking salmon:

* **Speed:** Air frying is significantly faster than baking or pan-frying, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Even Cooking:** The circulating hot air ensures that the salmon cooks evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfectly cooked fillet every time.
* **Crispy Skin (Optional):** If you love crispy salmon skin, the air fryer delivers! Just make sure to pat the skin dry before cooking.
* **Less Oil:** Air frying requires very little oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
* **Easy Cleanup:** The air fryer basket is easy to clean, saving you time and effort.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand:

* **Salmon Fillets:** Choose skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, depending on your preference. About 6-8 ounces per fillet is a good serving size. Look for salmon that is bright in color and has a fresh, clean smell.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is the base of the marinade and helps to keep the salmon moist.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright, zesty flavor that complements the richness of the salmon. Use organic lemons if possible, especially if you plan to use the zest.
* **Dried Herbs:** A combination of dried herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, adds depth of flavor. Italian seasoning also works well.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season the salmon to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, dill, or lemon wedges for serving.

## Detailed Recipe Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to make perfectly cooked lemon garlic air fryer salmon:

**Yields:** 2 servings
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 8-12 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 2 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, dill, lemon wedges

### Equipment:

* Air fryer
* Small bowl
* Whisk or fork
* Basting brush (optional)

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Salmon:**

* Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is especially important if you want crispy skin.
* If using skin-on salmon, score the skin lightly with a sharp knife. This helps to prevent the skin from curling up during cooking and allows the marinade to penetrate better.

**2. Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano (or other herbs), salt, and pepper.
* Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.

**3. Marinate the Salmon:**

* Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or on a plate. You can also use a zip-top bag.
* Pour the lemon garlic marinade over the salmon fillets, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
* If using a zip-top bag, seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the salmon.
* Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times will result in a more flavorful salmon.

**4. Preheat the Air Fryer:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly.

**5. Air Fry the Salmon:**

* Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking.
* Carefully place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook the salmon in batches.
* If using skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. This will help the skin to get crispy.
* Cook the salmon for 8-12 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the power of your air fryer.
* Check the salmon for doneness after 8 minutes. If it is not cooked through, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, and check again.
* The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the air fryer basket.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or lemon wedges, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon:

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket:** Overcrowding the basket will prevent the salmon from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust Cooking Time Based on Thickness:** Thicker salmon fillets will require a longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Pat the Salmon Dry:** Patting the salmon dry before marinating helps the marinade adhere better and promotes crispy skin (if using skin-on salmon).
* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Check the salmon for doneness frequently during cooking.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients, such as lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, will enhance the flavor of the salmon.
* **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheating the air fryer ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly.
* **Grease the Air Fryer Basket:** Greasing the air fryer basket will prevent the salmon from sticking.
* **Let the Salmon Rest:** Allowing the salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps to retain moisture and improves the texture.

## Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe is easy to customize to your liking. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
* **Honey Garlic Salmon:** Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Maple Glazed Salmon:** Substitute maple syrup for the honey in the Honey Garlic Salmon recipe.
* **Soy Sauce Glaze:** Replace the lemon juice with soy sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, rosemary, or thyme, to find your favorite combination.
* **Add Vegetables:** Air fry some vegetables alongside the salmon, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Add them to the air fryer basket a few minutes before the salmon is finished cooking.
* **Use Different Types of Fish:** This recipe can also be used with other types of fish, such as cod, halibut, or tuna.

## Serving Suggestions:

Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides.

Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the salmon over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Pair the salmon with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
* **Salad:** Serve the salmon with a fresh green salad or a Mediterranean salad.
* **Pasta:** Toss the salmon with pasta and a light sauce, such as pesto or lemon butter sauce.
* **Potatoes:** Serve the salmon with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or baked potatoes.
* **Lemon Wedges:** Always serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the salmon.

## Nutritional Information:

(Approximate values per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Storage and Reheating Instructions:

**Storage:**

* Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Air Fryer:** Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the salmon.
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

## Conclusion:

This Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon recipe is a winner! It’s quick, easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The air fryer cooks the salmon to perfection, leaving it moist, flaky, and delicious. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!