Crispy Air Fryer Salmon (Printable)
Perfectly crisp salmon fillets and tender asparagus cooked effortlessly for a delicious meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 2 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each), skin-on, pin bones removed
→ Vegetables
02 - 9 oz asparagus spears, trimmed
→ Marinade & Seasoning
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - 1/2 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped)
→ Garnish
10 - Lemon wedges, to serve
11 - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried dill until well combined.
02 - Pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Brush both sides generously with the marinade, reserving 1 tablespoon of the mixture for the asparagus.
03 - Place the trimmed asparagus spears in a bowl and toss them with the reserved tablespoon of marinade until evenly coated.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
05 - Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket skin-side down, leaving space between them. Arrange the asparagus spears around the salmon.
06 - Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature 125°F–130°F) and the asparagus is tender and lightly crisped.
07 - Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with lemon wedges and optional fresh herbs.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The salmon skin gets genuinely crispy while the flesh stays butter-soft inside, which honestly shouldn't work but absolutely does.
- Everything finishes in under 25 minutes total, so you're eating before your hunger turns into desperation.
- It's naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, which means you can serve it to almost anyone without drama.
02 -
- Dry salmon is crispy salmon—if there's any moisture clinging to the skin, you'll get steamed results instead of that coveted crunch, so really commit to the paper towel step.
- Air fryers vary wildly in temperature accuracy, so the first time you make this, check the salmon at 10 minutes rather than waiting the full 12.
- Don't skip removing pin bones from the salmon or you'll bite down on one at the worst possible moment, which is a lesson I learned so you don't have to.
03 -
- If your air fryer has hot spots, rotate the basket halfway through cooking for more even browning—it's a small step that makes a real difference.
- Save the lemon halves after you've zested and juiced them to char slightly in the air fryer alongside the salmon for an elegant garnish that tastes incredible.