Ella Walter
Air fryer lemon pepper salmon is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is a great way to enjoy salmon with a bright, zesty flavour. The air fryer cooks the salmon to perfection, resulting in seared edges and a tender, flaky centre. The cooking process is also hands-off, with no need to hover over a stove or guess the oven time. The recipe is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients, including salmon fillets, lemon, olive oil, and common spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Salmon fillets, lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, butter |
| Preparation | Pat salmon dry with paper towels, brush with butter or oil, sprinkle seasoning |
| Cooking Method | Place salmon skin-side down in air fryer, cook at 350-390°F for 8-12 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Rice, salad, lemon wedges, lemon butter sauce, parsley |
| Storage | Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients and preparation
To make lemon pepper salmon in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh lemon
- Wild salmon fillets, preferably center-cut and about 1-inch thick
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt, preferably sea salt
- Pepper, preferably fresh cracked pepper
- Other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs
For the preparation, follow these steps:
- Mix lemon zest and salt in a small bowl, using a spoon to grind them together and release more lemon zest flavor.
- Add other desired spices to the bowl and mix well.
- Place your room-temperature salmon fillets on a plate or cutting board.
- Use a paper towel to pat dry both sides of the fillets.
- Coat all sides of the fillets liberally with oil or butter. You can use a pastry brush or your fingers for this step.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and divide the seasoning mix evenly among them.
- Use your fingers to coat the salmon on the top and sides with the lemon pepper seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F–400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or touch.
- Air fry the salmon for 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired doneness.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges, being careful of any bones.
Note that you can also add foil to the bottom of the air fryer basket and spritz it with cooking spray before placing the salmon. Additionally, you can serve the salmon with a lemon butter sauce and garnish with parsley.
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Cooking method
Firstly, take your salmon fillets out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Place them on a plate or a chopping board and pat them dry with a paper towel. It is important to remove any moisture as this will ensure the salmon doesn't become soggy during cooking.
Next, prepare the seasoning. In a small bowl, mix lemon zest and sea salt together, grinding them with the back of a spoon to release more of the lemon zest flavour. Then, add the rest of your spices to the bowl and mix. The spices you use are up to you, but a simple combination of lemon pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a popular choice. You can also add some olive oil to the seasoning mix, or brush it directly onto the salmon fillets.
Now, it's time to season the salmon. Place the fillets skin-side down and divide the seasoning evenly over each one. Use your fingers to coat the salmon on the top and sides with the seasoning mix. If you're using olive oil, brush it onto the salmon fillets or coat them with oil using your fingers.
Once the salmon is seasoned, it's ready to go into the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-390°F and spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with foil. Place the salmon fillets in the basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch. Set the air fryer to 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. If you're cooking from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
When the air fryer goes off, remove the salmon and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This will allow the salmon to finish cooking and reach the desired internal temperature of 135°F-145°F. Serve the salmon with lemon wedges and enjoy!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for lemon pepper salmon in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the salmon fillets, the desired doneness, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
For a preheated air fryer set to 390°F (198°C), the cooking time for salmon fillets is typically 9-12 minutes for well-done salmon. The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for well-done, or 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary between different models of air fryers, so it is advisable to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer.
If you prefer your salmon with a crispy texture, it is recommended to cook it skin-side down in the air fryer. The circulating hot air will cook the salmon evenly on both sides. However, for extra crispiness, you can flip the salmon halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, to retain moisture and prevent the salmon from drying out, it is best to let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking before serving.
For frozen salmon fillets, the cooking time will be longer. It is not necessary to thaw the salmon before air frying, but it is crucial to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
When reheating leftover lemon pepper salmon, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the salmon for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispy texture without drying out the salmon.
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Serving suggestions
Lemon pepper salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the flavours of the salmon and make a well-rounded meal:
Grains
Rice is a popular choice to serve with salmon, providing a hearty base for the dish. Try Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, or Turmeric Rice Salad for a flavourful and colourful option. Other grains such as couscous, barley, or farro can also be a good source of carbohydrates to accompany the protein-rich salmon.
Vegetables
Salmon pairs well with a variety of vegetables, and you can even cook them in the air fryer alongside the salmon for convenience and to add a smoky flavour. Grilled vegetable skewers with bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes add a variety of textures and enhance the dining experience. Broccoli is another healthy option to serve on the side.
Salads
A fresh salad can be a refreshing counterpart to the salmon. Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad. The avocado provides a creamy texture, while the corn and tomato add sweetness to the dish.
Sauces
A classic pairing with salmon is tartar sauce, but you can also get creative with Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce. For a zesty kick, make a lemon butter sauce by drizzling melted butter and lemon juice over the salmon. Alternatively, sprinkle some lemon zest over the salmon before serving for a burst of citrus flavour.
Seasonings
While lemon pepper is a great choice for seasoning, you can also experiment with other spices and herbs. Try a Cajun-style seasoning for a spicy kick, or go for a simple herby twist with dried oregano and thyme. For a bolder flavour, use crushed chilli flakes or paprika.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the salmon for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through, to retain its crispy texture.
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Storage and reheating
Lemon pepper salmon is best enjoyed the day it is made, as salmon can dry out when reheated. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them 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.
To reheat leftover salmon, it is suggested to reheat individual portions, either in the microwave on low power or in a skillet. Let the salmon come to room temperature before reheating. 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.
If you want to keep your leftover salmon for longer, you can freeze it. Remove the salmon from the skin and freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. From here, you can use it in any recipe that calls for canned salmon, toss it into a pasta, or use it to make salmon patties.
If you want to keep the skin on your salmon while storing it, that is also an option. The skin peels off easily after your salmon is cooked, so you can remove it before storing or reheating if you prefer.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 8 to 12 minutes to cook lemon pepper salmon in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F or 350°F.
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Place the salmon fillets at room temperature and pat them dry. Then, coat the fillets with oil and season them with lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
Lemon pepper salmon goes well with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a lemon butter sauce and garnish with parsley.
