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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

crispy air fryer salmon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy skin salmon cooked in an air fryer, served with a bright and tangy lemon-dill sauce. Ideal for healthy weeknight dinners with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170g each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Lightly brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for smoky heat.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  5. Cook the salmon for 7-9 minutes depending on thickness, until the skin is golden and crisp and the flesh flakes easily.
  6. While the salmon cooks, combine Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped dill, and honey in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Let the cooked salmon rest for 1-2 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Serve the salmon skin-side up with the lemon-dill sauce spooned over or on the side. Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is crucial for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Fresh dill is preferred for the sauce but dried dill or other herbs like parsley or chives can be used. For dairy-free sauce, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or vegan mayo. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, lemon dill sauce, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, easy salmon recipe