Hey y'all! If you're craving a meal that's tender, juicy, and completely packed with bold flavors, this Air Fryer Garlic Herb Salmon is about to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. With a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth flaky center, it's perfect whether you're serving a dinner party, whipping up a quick family meal, or just treating yourself to something healthy and delicious. With minimal prep and effortless cleanup, you'll want to make this recipe again and again. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Herb Salmon
- Super quick and easy—ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Packed with bold garlic, herb, and lemon flavors in every bite.
- Yields beautifully crispy skin and tender, flaky salmon.
- Perfect for meal prep or a healthy weeknight dinner.
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs or spices!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Prep the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate & Preheat
- Rub the garlic herb mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure to coat both sides.
- Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes while you preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Air Fry the Salmon
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For extra crispy skin, cook for 10 minutes.
Serve
- Transfer cooked salmon to plates, garnish with lemon slices and extra herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- If your salmon fillets are extra thick (over 1 inch), add 1-2 more minutes of cooking time.
- Parchment liners can help prevent sticking in the air fryer and make cleanup a breeze.
- Don't overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking and perfect crispiness.
Variations
- Cajun Style: Swap the Italian herbs for Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Honey Mustard: Add 2 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the marinade for a sweet-tangy twist.
- Asian Fusion: Replace parsley and Italian herbs with cilantro and a splash of soy sauce.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Basting brush or spoon
- Tongs or spatula
Storage Instructions
Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or gently microwave in 30-second bursts. For meal prep, let the salmon cool completely before storing. Freezing is not recommended as texture may change.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve atop creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf.
- Add a side of garlicky green beans or roasted asparagus.
- Turn leftovers into a salmon salad or grain bowl for lunch.
Pro Tips
- Brush your air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking and promote crispy skin.
- Letting the salmon marinade for even 10 extra minutes intensifies the garlic herb flavor.
- Check for doneness by inserting a fork gently at the thickest part—the salmon should flake easily and appear opaque.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
- Yes! Thaw them completely first and pat dry before marinating and air frying as directed.
- Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
- Nope! Cooking skin-side down allows the salmon to crisp up beautifully without sticking or flipping.
- How do I know when the salmon is done?
- Salmon is perfectly cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
8-10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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2In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
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3Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and brush both sides with the garlic herb mixture.
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4Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
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5Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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6Serve warm with lemon wedges and garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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