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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Dill Sauce

crispy air fryer salmon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy skin salmon cooked in the air fryer, served with a bright and tangy lemon dill sauce. Perfect for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on, preferably wild-caught
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Stir well until smooth. Taste and add salt, pepper, and optional honey to balance the flavors. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between fillets for even air circulation.
  5. Cook for 7-9 minutes depending on thickness until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque and flaky.
  6. Check doneness by gently flaking the thickest part of the fillet with a fork. If needed, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes but avoid drying out the fish.
  7. Transfer salmon to plates and spoon the lemon dill sauce on top or on the side. Garnish with extra fresh dill or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Preheat air fryer for best results. Do not overcrowd the basket to allow air circulation. If air fryer basket sticks, lightly oil it before cooking. Leftovers can be reheated in air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness. Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead for deeper flavor. For dairy-free sauce, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, lemon dill sauce, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, easy salmon, seafood recipe