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Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon Fillets

crispy air fryer lemon herb salmon fillets - featured image
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A quick and easy healthy dinner recipe featuring crispy salmon fillets with a bright lemon herb flavor, cooked perfectly in an air fryer alongside tender asparagus.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), fresh and preferably wild-caught
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried if fresh unavailable)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed and tough ends snapped off
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh thyme, rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir well.
  3. Brush the herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, focusing on the skin side. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while preparing the asparagus.
  4. Toss the trimmed asparagus in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper for a light coating.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and run empty for 3 minutes.
  6. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Arrange asparagus around the fillets without overcrowding.
  7. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare. The skin should be crisp and the flesh opaque.
  8. If the air fryer cooks unevenly, flip asparagus halfway through cooking but leave salmon skin down to keep crispiness.
  9. Remove salmon and asparagus carefully. Let salmon rest for 2 minutes to let juices redistribute.
  10. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (125°F for medium-rare). Rest salmon 2 minutes before serving. Optional to finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness. Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently to preserve skin texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, air fryer, lemon herb, healthy dinner, crispy salmon, asparagus, quick recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/crispy-air-fryer-lemon-herb-salmon-fillets-easy-healthy-dinner-recipe/