There’s something about the first bite of salmon that just feels like a mini celebration after a long day. I remember one evening when I was juggling work calls and cooking dinner—not the easiest combo. The kitchen was a bit cluttered, and I almost forgot to preheat the air fryer. But once the salmon was in, the aroma of garlic, dill, and lemon filled the room, and I could finally breathe. That brief pause while the fish cooked felt like a tiny reward. When I plated it, the skin was crisp, the flesh flaky and tender, and the fresh dill added a bright punch that made the whole thing feel lighter than my usual weeknight meals. It wasn’t perfect—my lemon wedges were a bit unevenly cut, but honestly, the taste made up for it.
Why You’ll Love It
– The air fryer makes cooking salmon almost foolproof and cuts down on cleanup.
– The fresh dill and lemon keep the flavors fresh and vibrant, not heavy or overwhelming.
– It’s quick to prepare, which is great for those nights when you’re short on time but want something nourishing.
– It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients needed.
– If you’re not a dill fan, this recipe still leaves room to swap in other herbs without losing the essence.
Sometimes, you just want a meal that feels like you put in effort but didn’t actually take forever. This salmon recipe fits that bill perfectly.
PrintAir Fryer Salmon with Dill
A quick and flavorful air fryer salmon recipe seasoned with fresh dill, lemon, and garlic for a perfectly tender and flaky fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, skin on
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, lemon zest, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the olive oil and herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer 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).
Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes.
Serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side.
Kitchen Notes
Using an air fryer makes this salmon super straightforward, even if you don’t have a ton of experience with fresh fish. I usually just set the temperature and walk away, which is nice. For serving, a simple side of roasted veggies or a light salad balances the richness of the fish really well. If you want to switch things up, you could experiment with swapping the dill for tarragon or basil, though I haven’t tested all the variations. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, a little sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a subtle depth, but that’s just me tinkering. The lemon wedges are a must though — they brighten everything up.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
A: You can, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry; otherwise, the air fryer may not crisp the skin as nicely.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh dill?
A: Dried dill works in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference to the brightness of the dish.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F, but the air fryer timing usually nails this every time.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, just make sure not to crowd the air fryer basket so the salmon cooks evenly.
If you’re craving a straightforward, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, this air fryer salmon with dill might just become your new go-to. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for that lemon wedge more often than you think.