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Recipe from Simpler Savory

The recipe

Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon

Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min
Servings
4 servings

Nutrition Facts

Serving multiplier

Nutrition values scale; ingredient amounts stay as written.

Original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
280

2× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
560

3× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
840
Values are reproduced from the source recipe; this site only applies the selected linear multiplier and does not estimate nutrients.

Ingredients

  • 4 fillets salmon fillets — center-cut, 5–6 oz each; skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil — or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest — from 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice — freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic — finely minced or grated (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika — sweet or smoked
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt — plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper — optional, for heat
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill — optional, or use fresh to finish
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter — optional, to melt over hot salmon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs — chopped parsley, chives, or dill, for garnish
  • 1 lemon — thinly sliced, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets very dry with paper towels, especially along seams if previously frozen, to encourage crisp edges.
  2. Preheat the air fryer at 390°F for 3–5 minutes to heat the basket and reduce sticking.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne or dried dill if using.
  4. Rub the mixture over the salmon on all sides. If skin-on, keep the skin side with only salt and pepper to avoid scorching the garlic.
  5. Lightly oil the air fryer basket or use a perforated parchment liner.
  6. Place salmon in the basket with a little space between pieces, skin side down if using skin.
  7. Air fry at 390°F for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness and whether the salmon is wild (cooks faster) or farmed.
  8. Begin checking around minute 6; the color should turn opaque and the fish should feel springy. Aim for 125–130°F internal temperature for medium.
  9. Let the salmon rest 2 minutes in the basket or on a plate so juices redistribute.
  10. Top with a small pat of butter if desired, scatter fresh herbs, and serve with lemon slices.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for up to 3 days. Reheat gently: air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water for about 3 minutes. Or enjoy cold over salads or in lettuce cups.

Source: https://simplersavory.com/low-carb-air-fryer-salmon/