Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly cooked salmon fillet with a golden, crispy skin that crackles with every bite - and the best part? You can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen with just an air fryer and a few simple ingredients. This Air Fryer Salmon with Skin recipe is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner game, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 17 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets with skin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
- Season the salmon generously with salt and black pepper, focusing on the flesh side of the fillet.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Cook the salmon for 6-7 minutes for medium doneness, or 8-9 minutes for well-done, depending on fillet thickness.
- Check the internal temperature of the salmon, which should reach 145°F (63°C) at its thickest point.
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Always start with room temperature salmon to ensure even cooking throughout the fillet.
- Pat the salmon skin completely dry - this is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crispy exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each fillet enough space for hot air to circulate.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for the perfect 145°F internal temperature.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Experiment with different seasonings like lemon zest, dill, or garlic powder to customize your flavor profile.
- For extra crispy skin, you can lightly dust the skin with a thin layer of cornstarch before cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
