Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, delicious, and surprisingly quick meal? Then look no further! This lemon salmon recipe, cooked to perfection in your air fryer, is the answer to your weeknight dinner woes. It's bursting with fresh, zesty flavor and takes only minutes to prepare, making it the ultimate easy recipe for even the busiest of cooks. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Air Fryer Magic
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the salmon fillets with olive oil. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Arrange lemon slices on top of each fillet, and sprinkle with fresh dill.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Air fry the salmon for 8-12 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your air fryer model. Check for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the cooked salmon from the air fryer. Serve immediately and garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh dill, if desired. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple side salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Success:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding will prevent the salmon from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork to gently flake the salmon. It's done when it easily separates into flakes.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fillets will require a longer cooking time. Always check for doneness before assuming it's ready.
- Get creative with herbs: Experiment with other herbs and spices like parsley, thyme, or paprika for different flavor profiles.
Variations:
- Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Salmon: Use oregano, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil instead of dill.
- Garlic Lovers: Add a few minced cloves of garlic along with the garlic powder for extra garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on fillet size and added ingredients)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This lemon salmon recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on flavor or health. It's a perfect option for healthy meals that are both easy and satisfying. The air fryer makes it incredibly simple, resulting in perfectly cooked, flaky salmon every time. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe! It's sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.