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- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly cracked) - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When I prepare Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon, I start with the freshest salmon fillets. The skin-on fillets keep the meat moist and add flavor. I love using olive oil for its rich taste and healthy fats. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a bright, zesty kick to each bite. Black pepper gives heat, while sea salt enhances all the flavors. Minced garlic adds a savory touch that complements the fish. Lastly, I always garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness. - Air fryer - Mixing bowl - Cooking brush - Measuring spoons An air fryer is a must for this recipe. It cooks the salmon quickly while keeping it crispy outside and tender inside. I use a mixing bowl to blend the marinade ingredients. A cooking brush helps to coat the fillets evenly. Measuring spoons ensure I add just the right amount of each ingredient for perfect flavor. Having these tools ready makes the cooking process smooth and fun. Preheating is key to great air-fried salmon. It helps cook the fish evenly. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This small step makes a big difference. Mixing the marinade is simple but important. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, sea salt, and minced garlic. Use a whisk or a fork to blend well. This helps all flavors mix together. For the best taste, use fresh lemon juice. Fresh ingredients work wonders for flavor. Now it's time to marinate. Take your salmon fillets and coat them well with the marinade. Make sure every side gets some. Marinate the fillets for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This helps the flavors soak in better. If you have time, longer marinating can add more taste. When marinating is done, it’s time to cook. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Do not crowd the basket; space them out. This ensures even cooking. Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Check that the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) inside. This means it’s done and safe to eat. To know when your salmon is done, look for a few signs. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Using a food thermometer can help you check this. Insert it into the thickest part of the fish for an accurate reading. If you want to change the lemon pepper seasoning, consider using garlic herb seasoning. You can also try spices like paprika or dill for a unique twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the taste as well. Experiment to find what you love! For a beautiful plate, serve the salmon on a white platter. Add lemon wedges beside the fish and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. Pair your salmon with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. These sides complement the flavors of the salmon perfectly. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors with different seasonings. Garlic herb seasoning adds warmth and depth. Mix garlic powder, dried herbs, and a bit of salt for a tasty twist. If you like heat, try Cajun seasoning. This spice mix packs bold flavors and a nice kick. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can use other fish instead of salmon. Trout or tilapia work well in this recipe. They cook quickly, just like salmon. For trout, cook for about 8-10 minutes. For tilapia, check it at 8 minutes. Always check the fish for doneness with a fork. It should flake easily when cooked right. This dish is naturally gluten-free, so it’s great for anyone with gluten issues. For sides, serve with steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans. These add color and nutrition. If you want low-carb options, try a fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette. This keeps your meal light and tasty. You can also pair the salmon with cauliflower rice for a nice low-carb plate. To keep your salmon fresh, use airtight storage containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Allow the salmon to cool completely before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavor intact. For longer storage, freeze cooked salmon. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place wrapped fillets in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. This keeps the salmon from getting freezer burn. Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight. This method preserves flavor and texture. When reheating, aim to keep the salmon moist. The best method is to use a microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on low for about one minute. Check for warmth, then add more time if needed. You can also reheat in the oven. Set it to 275°F (135°C) and heat for about 15 minutes. Both methods help prevent dryness while keeping your salmon delicious. You should marinate salmon for about 15-20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you want a stronger taste, you can marinate it longer. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as it can change the texture. Yes, you can cook salmon without skin in the air fryer. Skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist. If you prefer skinless, just adjust the cooking time slightly. Skinless fillets may cook faster than skin-on ones. Lemon pepper salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Quinoa or rice - Fresh salad These sides add color and balance to your meal. Air frying salmon can be healthier than baking. The air fryer uses less oil, which cuts down on fat. It also cooks faster, helping retain the fish's nutrients. You get a crispy texture without the extra calories. Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can check this with a food thermometer. The fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque. If it’s still pink in the middle, it needs more time. In this blog post, we explored how to prepare delicious lemon pepper salmon using an air fryer. We covered the essential ingredients and equipment needed, along with clear step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking the salmon. Tips for perfect texture and flavor enhancement were also included, along with variations and storage advice. Remember, cooking salmon is simple and rewarding. With these methods, you'll enjoy tasty meals that impress. Dive into this easy and flavorful recipe!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon

Experience a burst of flavor with this Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe! Perfectly cooked salmon fillets are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon, and garlic, making for a quick and healthy meal. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious dish. Don't miss out on this easy recipe—click to discover the full instructions and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets, skin-on

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly cracked)

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, sea salt, and minced garlic to create a marinade.

      Coat each salmon fillet with the marinade, ensuring they are evenly covered on all sides. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

        Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Ensure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.

          Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

            Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

              Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salmon fillets on a white platter with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a vibrant, appealing look.