Name: Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Herb Crust
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Lemon wedges for serving

Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Herb Crust

Perfectly cooked air fryer salmon with a lemon herb crust in under 15 minutes. Crispy exterior, moist interior — the easiest weeknight dinner in your rotation.

5 min Prep Time

10 min Cook Time

15 min Total Time

4 Servings

Easy Difficulty

Air fryer salmon is one of the fastest weeknight dinners you can make — restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes total. The circulating hot air creates a lightly crisped exterior while keeping the interior moist and flaky, which is notoriously difficult to achieve with pan-searing or baking.

We tested this recipe in both the Ninja AF101 and COSORI Pro Gen 2. Both produced excellent results at 400°F for 9 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets. The COSORI’s digital display made it easier to set precise temperatures, while the Ninja’s compact size was convenient for cooking 2 fillets at a time.

How to Tell When Salmon Is Done

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork at the thickest part and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For medium doneness (slightly translucent in the center), pull it at 130-135°F. Overcooked salmon turns dry and chalky — err on the side of undercooking and add 1-2 minutes if needed.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 fillet)
Calories	340
Protein	38g
Fat	19g
Omega-3	2.5g
Carbohydrates	2g

Instructions

Pat dry and make herb mixture

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

💡 Pro tip: Drying the salmon ensures the herb crust adheres properly and the exterior crisps rather than steams.

Coat salmon with herb mixture

Brush the herb mixture generously over the top and sides of each salmon fillet.

💡 Pro tip: Be generous — the herb crust is the star of this dish.

Preheat air fryer to 400°F

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes. Line the basket with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

💡 Pro tip: Parchment paper makes cleanup much easier and prevents the herb crust from sticking.

Air fry skin-side down

Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each fillet. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes depending on thickness.

💡 Pro tip: Do not flip the salmon — the skin protects the bottom from overcooking and releases easily when done.

Check for doneness

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature. A 1-inch thick fillet takes about 9 minutes.

💡 Pro tip: For medium doneness (slightly translucent in center), pull at 130-135°F. Overcooked salmon is dry and chalky.

Serve with lemon wedges

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.

💡 Pro tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before eating brightens all the flavors.

Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Herb Crust

Ingredients

Nutrition (per serving)

Best Made With: Air Fryer

How to Tell When Salmon Is Done

Nutrition Information

Instructions

Pat dry and make herb mixture

Coat salmon with herb mixture

Preheat air fryer to 400°F

Air fry skin-side down

Check for doneness

Serve with lemon wedges

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Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Herb Crust

Ingredients

Nutrition (per serving)

Best Made With: Air Fryer

How to Tell When Salmon Is Done

Nutrition Information

Instructions

Pat dry and make herb mixture

Coat salmon with herb mixture

Preheat air fryer to 400°F

Air fry skin-side down

Check for doneness

Serve with lemon wedges

You Might Also Like

Tropical Mango Smoothie Bowl

Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Cast Iron Frittata with Vegetables

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