I designed this air fried lemon garlic salmon recipe to be an easy, simple powerhouse – it is great for lunch or dinner, on its own or over a salad – for a healthy meal that you can get on the table in less than 20 minutes!

We’re using an air fryer to precision cook salmon filets with convection heat – not additional calories from butter or oil.

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!

Perfect Tender Air Fried Salmon

This air fryer lemon salmon recipe is here to change your busy night dinner routine – with an unforgettable flavor and crazy easy prep to get a healthy dinner on the table fast. Forget about hovering over a pan or preheating the grill – this recipe is the result of years spent perfecting a method that utilizes the magic of the air fryer to deliver consistently restaurant-quality salmon in a fraction of the time. It’s the dish I pull out when I want a fuss-free yet impressive meal that’s bursting with bright lemon flavor and perfectly cooked throughout.

Friends and family are constantly amazed by the simplicity and the results, and after you try it, you’ll understand why!

So ditch the stress and get your air fryer ready– it’s time to experience salmon like never before!

Check out my web story on this garlic lemon salmon!

Lemon Salmon Ingredients

To make this salmon, we will use the following ingredients:

• Salmon filets – salmon is perfect for the air fryer, since the high heat hits the
• Olive oil – olive oil adds fat to the salmon and allows it to crisp in the air fryer, so it has a delicious, crunchy outside and tender, juicy center.
• Garlic powder – garlic is a classic addition to salmon, as the pungent flavor enhances the mild, buttery flavor of salmon.
• Celtic sea salt – use a high quality sea salt – I personally love using maldon flakes, for the extra crunch.
• Cracked pepper – use fresh cracked pepper, as the strong, hot, earthy flavor fades quickly as pepper is stored.
• Lemon – lemon juice and slices of lemon help add sweet, bright, acidic flavor to salmon, cutting through the oily meat and fattier texture of the fish.
• Italian herbs – Italian herb seasoning is a blend of marjoram, thyme, basil, sage, and oregano

Can I use Frozen Salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon for air frying. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

How to make Salmon in Air Fryer 

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following method:

1. Prep. Drizzle olive oil over salmon and season generously. Slice 1/2 lemon into thin rounds, and juice the rest. Drizzle juice over salmon and season generously. Optional: marinate for up to 24 hours.
2. Air Fry. Air fry using the table below based on your desired doneness.
3. Serve.

Salmon cook times:

For salmon filets (no thicker than 3-4″ across), follow these times for desired doneness when air frying at 400 degrees: 

• -10 Minutes for salmon filets that have just a little bit of red in the very center (medium). 
• -12 Minutes for salmon with no red in the middle, but still soft. 
• -14 Minutes for well done salmon filets. 

Air Fried Salmon Tips and Tricks

To air fry salmon, I recommend following the tips below: 

• Don’t skip olive oil. This will help give your salmon a lightly fried texture and allow the oil to crisp on the salmon. Don’t skip the oil! 
• Arrange lemons to touch salmon while cooking. Lemons break down quickly, dousing your salmon in lemon juice that is sweet and tart, not bitter. 

Lemon Salmon Recipe Variations

Make it in the oven. If you think this recipe looks great – but you dont have an air fryer – no worries! You can easily make this recipe in the oven, too. Simply wrap the salmon and lemon in foil, and bake at 375 for 15 minutes, until top is speckled white but albumin (white fat) has not released. 

What to serve with this Salmon Air Fryer Recipe

This salmon is so easy and delicious – it goes with all sorts of side dishes.

We love serving a simple Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad, a Salade de Chèvre Chaud, delicious and super easy Baked Goat Cheese Balls, Roasted Acorn Squash, a Pineapple Strawberry Salsa for a bit of a tangy zip, or even some Easy Black Bean and Corn Salsa for a southwestern flair. Also try the options below:

Quinoa Salad: Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, and when mixed with fresh vegetables, it creates a light yet satisfying side that complements the salmon’s richness without overpowering it.

Roasted Asparagus: The natural sweetness of asparagus when roasted, along with a hint of crispiness, pairs beautifully with the tender texture and flavors of lemon garlic salmon.

Steamed Green Beans: Green beans, with their slight crunch and mild flavor, provide a simple yet refreshing contrast to the flavorful salmon, making the meal feel balanced.

Couscous with Lemon Zest: The light and fluffy texture of couscous, enhanced with some fresh lemon zest, can echo the lemony notes in the salmon, tying the dish together harmoniously.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and garlic flavor of the mashed potatoes complement the garlic notes in the salmon, offering a comforting and hearty side.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, grilled to perfection, add a smoky flavor and a variety of textures that enhance the overall dining experience with the salmon.

Wild Rice: The nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice provide a hearty base that contrasts nicely with the delicate flakiness of the salmon. Try this wild rice pilaf!

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover air-fried salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the salmon has cooled completely before sealing the container to maintain its quality.

Tips for Reheating

To reheat air-fried salmon, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the salmon for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps retain its crispy texture without drying it out.

Air Fried Salmon FAQs

Try these favorite sides:

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Baked Ranch Brussels Sprouts

Garlic Chinese Style Green Beans

Cheeseburger Stuffing

Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Easy Greek Stuffing

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