Quick and Easy Air Fryer Salmon: A Restaurant-Quality Weeknight Dinner

Achieve tender, flaky salmon with a crisp skin using this quick and simple air fryer recipe. Taking just 9 minutes, this low-carb, low-calorie dish is perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner and offers a taste that rivals restaurant-quality seafood.

Key Information

• Serves: 2 people
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cooking Time: 9 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (approximately 120g each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Small pinch of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-style vegetables and quinoa. For the best flavour and texture, we highly recommend Merchant Gourmet Spanish Quinoa.

Preparing the Salmon

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C to preheat.
2. Season the Fillets: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over both salmon fillets. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper over the fillets.
3. Rub in the Spices: Gently rub the seasoning into the fillets to infuse the flavours.

Recommended Equipment

• Air Fryer: We used the Ninja AF400UK Dual Zone Air Fryer
• Microwave: Any microwave will do, we need this to prepare the quinoa

Co-ordinating the Cooking (For those using a Dual Zone Air Fryer)

1. Cook the Veg: In the first cavity of your air fryer, cook your chosen Mediterranean-style vegetables at 200°C for 9 minutes, tossing halfway through.
2. Prepare for the Salmon: After the initial 9 minutes, give the vegetables another toss. Then set both cavities to 200°C for 11 minutes.
3. Add the Salmon: After 2 minutes, the second cavity should be preheated. With 9 minutes remaining, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the second cavity. Cook for the remaining time, flipping the fillets halfway through.
4. Microwave the Quinoa: While the salmon and vegetables are cooking, prepare your quinoa according to the microwave instructions on the package. Aim to have it ready at the same time as your salmon and vegetables.
5. Assemble the Dish: Serve the quinoa alongside the vegetables, and place the cooked salmon fillets on top.

Tips for Success

1. Consistent Fillet Thickness: Ensure all salmon fillets are of a similar thickness for even cooking.
2. Check for Doneness: Use a fork to check that the salmon flakes easily.
3. Preheating is Key: Preheat your air fryer for a crispier salmon skin.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: Place the salmon fillets in such a way that they don't touch each other, ensuring crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which Air Fryer is Best?: We recommend Ninja Dual Zone Air Fryers based on user reviews and our own experience.
• Why Use an Air Fryer?: It's a healthier cooking method compared to traditional frying.
• How Long Does it Keep?: The dish can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, although it tastes best when fresh.

Enjoy!