Air Fryer Garlic Salmon

Oh, let me tell you about this air fryer garlic salmon—it’s just amazing! Picture it: tender, flaky salmon, perfectly seasoned with garlic, and ready in no time. The kind of meal that smells so good while cooking, you’ll find yourself salivating before it’s even on your plate. Seriously, it’s so simple, but the flavors… wow. You really gotta try it, maybe even tonight?

Why You’ll Crave It

• It cooks so fast! Like, dinner is ready in about 20 minutes… what more could you wish for?
• The crispy exterior? It’s next level, honestly, and that moisture inside makes every bite feel so indulgent.
• Super healthy! Salmon is packed with omega-3s, so it’s good for you while tasting so rich… I mean, it’s a win-win!
• Easy to customize—change up the spices, throw on some lemon, or add a little kick with chili flakes. Endless possibilities!
• Your kitchen will smell incredible—garlic, lemon—it’ll feel like a cozy restaurant night in!

My family fights over the last piece every single time… it just disappears!

What You’ll Need

• Salmon fillets: 2, make sure they’re skin-on if you can, they keep the fish moist and tasty
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, a nice drizzle to help everything stick
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for that lovely garlic flavor
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, fresh or bottled, whatever you have!
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, because you need a little seasoning, right?
• Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon, adds a nice little kick
• Fresh parsley: for garnish, totally optional but super pretty!

Easy How-To

Prep the Salmon

First things first, make sure your salmon is thawed if it was frozen. And then, pat them dry with some paper towels—like really dry, you want that moisture gone so they can get crispy! It’s a small step but makes a big difference, trust me.

Season the Fillets

Alright, grab a small bowl and mix your olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper all together. Just rub that mix generously over the salmon fillets—you want every little piece to get that flavor. Feel free to get your hands in there, it’s all good food vibes!

Preheat the Air Fryer

Now, preheat your air fryer… about 400°F should do it. Just let it run for 5 minutes or so—this helps the salmon cook evenly and really crisp up.

Arrange the Salmon in the Basket

Gently place those gorgeous fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t squished together; you want air to circulate around them, so they cook nicely. If you’ve got a small fryer, you might have to do this in a couple of batches.

Air Fry the Salmon

Cook those beauties for about 8 to 10 minutes… depends on how thick the fillets are. Just keep an eye on them! When they’re done, the internal temperature should hit 145°F. I usually poke at them with a fork, and if they flake easily, it’s go time!

Serve It Up

Once cooked, carefully lift the salmon out of the air fryer with a spatula—you don’t want to break it! Serve right away with a squeeze of fresh lemon over top and maybe your favorite sides… I usually go for a nice salad or some roasted veggies.

Good to Know

• Cooking times can really differ based on your air fryer’s model, so check a few minutes early… just to be safe.
• If you’re using skin-on salmon, be sure to place them skin-side down in the basket. The skin helps keep everything juicy!
• Leftovers? No problem! Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days, and reheat gently before digging in.

Serving Ideas

• This salmon is awesome with some steamed broccoli and rice. Super simple, yet satisfying and healthy!

Top Tricks

• Always preheat your air fryer! It really helps give that crispy texture everyone loves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Yep, you can! Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. A great way to save time in meal prep!

What marinade works best for air fryer salmon?

A homemade marinade, maybe something with soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice, is wonderful! It adds so much depth to the salmon.

How long does it take to cook salmon in the air fryer?

It usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes—so you really can get a delicious meal on the table in no time!

Can I cook other types of fish in the air fryer?

Absolutely, you can! Things like cod or even trout work really well in the air fryer too. Just follow similar steps.

What should I serve with air fryer salmon?

Oh, the options are endless! You could go for something simple like rice and steamed veggies, or get fancy with a quinoa salad or even a sweet potato mash.

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So, there you have it—a little slice of how this air fryer garlic salmon comes together! I can’t wait for you to give it a shot. It could totally become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine!