How To Use Your Air Fryer To Make the Quickest, Crispiest Salmon Yet

When it comes to eating salmon, the phrase “there are other fish in the sea” loses all meaning. Because, while yes, there are objectively all shapes and sizes of tilapia, cod, and snapper swimming about—none of them quite pack the same benefits as the beloved pink fish with all the omega-3s. And with this crispy, health air fryer salmon recipe, you can reap all the benefits of this exceptional filet in under 20 minutes.

When cooked poorly, salmon has a slimy, chewy texture that’s not exactly palatable. Meanwhile, well-baked (or, in this case, well-air fried) salmon gets a lot of its nutrients through the cooking process. That’s because heat activates an enzyme called thiamine—a B vitamin that boosts your energy. In every bite, you’ll also get a hearty amount of protein (over 20 grams per 3.5 ounce serving), brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and a whole slew of other vitamins and minerals that keep your body and brain sharp. To be straight up with you: It’s a swimming addition to your menu twice a week.

So that you never, ever, ever have trouble cooking this fish again, below you’ll find a recipe worth referencing every time you’re in the mood to cook up a side of steaming-hot garlicky asparagus and mashed potatoes with your go-to brain food. And because the air fryer is a miraculous device sent from the food gods themselves, get ready for every perfectly crusty bite to remind you just what a sea-star salmon is. Below, Chris Riley and Ligia Lugo—the cooking duo behind Daring Kitchen—share their go-to, 15-minute recipe for lemon dill salmon filets.

The 15-minute air fryer salmon recipe you’ve wanted all your life

Riley and Lugo recommend serving this salmon a fresh Mediterranean salad, roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or snap peas, and/or couscous.

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the filets:

• 2 4-ounce salmon filets
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp olive oil

For the lemon dill sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 6 cloves of roasted garlic, crushed into a paste
• 2 Tbsp fresh dill, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. 1.
   Preheat your air fryer.
2. 2.
   Cut the salmon filets in half and season them with salt and pepper. Brush the tops with olive oil.
3. 3.
   Cut pieces of parchment paper the size of the filets, making sure each piece has a uniform thickness (so they all cook evenly).  Place the salmon on the paper, skin side down, in the air fryer. Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer. This can result in a more soft, not crispy salmon. If you are preparing to cook for more people, separate the filets in batches.
4. 4.
   Cook the salmon at 375°F for eight minutes or until ready. To check for doneness, use a fork to see if the salmon flakes off with ease. (Cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model.)
5. 5.
   While the salmon is cooking, prepare the lemon dill sauce by combining all ingredients in a small bowl.
6. 6.
   Serve the salmon fillets with the sauce on top or on the side.