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Baked salmon fillets in air fryer. Easy recipe for healthy dinner.
Lady Maria

Perfect Salmon: Two Ways (Baked and Air Fried)

This recipe offers two simple and delicious methods for cooking salmon to perfection. Choose between baking for tender, flaky results or air frying for crispy skin and a moist interior. Both techniques are quick, easy, and guarantee flavorful salmon every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 salmon fillets 6-8 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, sliced optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder optional
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil if air frying
  • Lemon wedges, for serving optional

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • paper towels
  • small bowl
  • Whisk (optional)
  • spoon
  • Air fryer (optional)
  • Oven
  • Fork
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Method
 

  1. **For Baked Salmon:**
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
  5. Brush the salmon with olive oil or melted butter.
  6. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
  7. Place lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets (optional).
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  9. Rest for a few minutes before serving.
  10. **For Air Fryer Salmon:**
  11. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  12. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
  13. Brush the salmon with olive oil or avocado oil.
  14. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  15. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure the fillets are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
  16. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the skin is crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  17. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon. Don't overcook the salmon, as it will become dry. If using skin-on salmon for baking, place the skin-side down on the baking sheet for crispier skin. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize the flavor. Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.