Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon

A piece of cooked salmon with a fork flaking it in the front.

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon is a bright & fresh, flavorful, healthy main dish seafood recipe that takes only 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer! Easy and fast to make for a weeknight dinner.

Course Dinner, Main Course, Seafood

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer lemon pepper salmon, air fryer salmon, lemon pepper salmon

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 309kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Equipment

Ingredients

4 salmon filets (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil OR avocado oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
1½ teaspoons kosher salt OR sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Prep : Line a plate (or use a cutting board or clean counter top) with paper towel. Lay the salmon filets, skin-side down, and then lay paper towels over top the salmon flesh. Gently but firmly press on the salmon to soak up the excess moisture with the paper towel.
4 salmon filets
Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Coat each salmon filet in the oil mixture.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil OR avocado oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
In a separate small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub each salmon filet with the dried seasoning mix making sure to coat it well and use your fingers to press it into the salmon.
1½ teaspoons kosher salt OR sea salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place salmon filets, skin side down, into the basket.
^{* Don't have the salmon filets touching or overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do 2 batches.}
Cook at 400℉ for 9-12 minutes. Do not flip or rotate the salmon during the cook time.
^{* The salmon is done when the internal temperature reaches 145℉, the flesh is light pink, and the salmon is easily flaked with a fork.}
^{* If the salmon filets are thinner then they probably only need about 8-9 minutes cook time. For thicker or larger filets, closer to 10-12 minutes is normally good.}
You can peel the skin off before serving or leave it on. Garnish each salmon filet with a fresh slice of lemon and/or chopped fresh parsley (if wanted).

Notes

Olive Oil : Regular olive oil can be used if you prefer that. I prefer the milder flavor of extra-virgin olive oil. I use the light tasting' extra-virgin olive oil.

Salmon Filets : I buy the larger salmon filet at Costco and then cut it into 4-5 smaller filets. You can also buy just the individual filets. If using frozen salmon, place it in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minute to thaw quickly before cooking it. You can also let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition