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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with Garlic Herb Crust

crispy air fryer salmon - featured image
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This easy air fryer salmon features a crunchy garlic herb crust and juicy, flaky fish in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each), skin on or off
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko/crushed crackers)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, snipped (or green onions)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (or dairy-free butter)

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, chives, lemon zest, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Add melted butter and mix until the texture resembles damp sand.
  3. Press a generous layer of the garlic herb crust onto the top of each salmon fillet, pressing gently to help it stick. Optionally, spritz the crust lightly with oil spray.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Arrange salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, crust side up. Leave space between fillets; cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness (9 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets). The crust should be golden brown and salmon just opaque in the center. Internal temperature should reach 125°F for medium-rare.
  7. If the crust isn’t crisp enough, add another minute. If browning too quickly, tent with foil.
  8. Let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Squeeze extra lemon juice over the top if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for a crispy crust. Use panko for best texture; gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions work well. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Watch closely in the last minutes to avoid burning. Leftovers keep for 2 days in the fridge and reheat well in the air fryer. Herb and spice swaps are encouraged for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, garlic herb crust, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, quick salmon, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-air-fryer-salmon-recipe-with-garlic-herb-crust-easy-dinner/