Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly cooked salmon fillet, its exterior beautifully crisp and golden, infused with the bold, smoky flavors of Spanish cuisine. This air fryer salmon recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-quality meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also ridiculously easy to prepare. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast looking for a quick and impressive dish, this Spanish-inspired salmon will become your new go-to recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp exterior.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Brush the salmon fillets evenly with the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage on both sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Cook salmon for 7-8 minutes, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove salmon from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give each fillet enough space to allow hot air circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Experiment with the seasoning blend by adding herbs like fresh dill or thyme for extra flavor complexity.
- If your salmon has skin, keep it on during cooking for added crispiness and protection from direct heat.
- Clean your air fryer basket immediately after cooking to prevent seasoning buildup and maintain optimal performance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 367kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
