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The Easiest, Juiciest Salmon I’ve Ever Made (Thank You, Air Fryer)

The Easiest, Juiciest Salmon I’ve Ever Made (Thank You, Air Fryer)

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Say goodbye to dry salmon forever—this air fryer method guarantees juicy, flavorful fillets with minimal effort and even less cleanup. Done in under 15 minutes, it’s the weeknight dinner hack you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re a lemon-dill purist or a Cajun spice lover, this technique delivers perfect salmon every single time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional garnish: fresh dill or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Season the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over each piece, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange in Basket: Place fillets skin side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches 125–130°F internally.
  5. Serve: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • No flipping necessary: Skin-on salmon crisps up beautifully in the air fryer without flipping.
  • Flavor tip: Let the fillets sit with seasoning for 10–15 minutes before air frying for deeper flavor.
  • Variations: Try Cajun seasoning, teriyaki glaze, or lemon-pepper blends for different flavor profiles.
  • Frozen fillets: Thaw first for best results, but can be cooked from frozen with extra time.

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