air fryer salmon fillets on plate with rice and broccoli

Easy Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryer salmon with lemon and dill takes advantage of air fryer convection style cooking for a classic salmon dish. Because, seriously, lemon and dill pair so nicely with salmon! Much like this Lemon Salmon Orzo Skillet. The fresh flavors and lean protein are great for any quick weeknight meal.

The salmon cooks quickly in the air fryer and you end up with a moist salmon full of flavor. You really can’t go wrong!

Lemon Salmon Orzo Skillet

lemon dill salmon fillets on plate with rice and broccoli

A Great Salmon Recipe

I think when most people think of using an air fryer, they typically focus on cooking chicken, or veggies. Cooking salmon in an air fryer works just as well. Salmon is best slightly on the medium rare side. Cooked too long and it becomes dry and stringy. It also becomes slightly bitter.

Usually when people say they don’t like salmon it is the result of never having enjoyed it properly cooked. At least from my experience, that is the case.

Serve these tender fillets over a large bowl of mixed greens for a Salmon Cobb Salad. Or try some Salmon Tacos or Salmon Sandwich for something different.

fresh salmon fillets, lemon slices, olive oil and dill on white table

How to Cook Salmon In An Air Fryer

Here are a few simple tips to cook your salmon to perfection in your Air Fryer.

Keep plenty of space around each portion. A half inch to an inch is recommended.

Make sure your air fryer is cleaned before you use it. You don’t want old rancid oils and fats from previous dishes coming back to haunt the flavor of your salmon.

Cook your salmon fillet to 145°F for the perfect doneness. Use an Instant Read Thermometer to cook your fish or meat to perfection.

air fryer basket with salmon fillets over lemon slices

salmon cooked over lemon in air fryer basket

Is Cooking Salmon In An Air Fryer Healthy?

Cooking just about anything in an air fryer is going to make a leaner and healthier version of any deep fried or sauteed alternative, as it allows the fat to drip off of food. From Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries to Air Fryer Chicken Strips, the Air Fryer allows you to cook with less fat.

When cooking salmon in your Air Fryer, just be sure to thoroughly clean out your entire Air Fryer basket when you are done cooking. When you go to cook your Air Fryer Pork Chops next time, you don’t want leftover fat and oils from salmon cooking with your fresh food.

hand holding plate full of salmon rice and broccoli

What Can I Substitute For Salmon?

I personally love salmon. It is one of those things I can eat almost daily. The hard part is just coming up with new ways to enjoy it. However, not everyone is a fan of salmon, and I get it. For those folks, there are alternatives to salmon that work just as well for this recipe. Lemon and dill go great with pretty much any type of fish actually.

So, if you prefer a white fish like halibut or sole, or enjoy marlin, trout, or a nice fillet of Minnesotan walleye from the lake, all will work great with this recipe. Just pay attention to the doneness of whatever fish you are cooking. The thicker piece of fish you use the longer you will need to cook it. A thin fillet of fish will be done quickly.

two lemon dill salmon fillets on dark plate

What to serve with Air Fryer Salmon?

If you are serving up lemon dill salmon fillets for dinner, here are a few suggestions that will pair great with salmon. Check out a few of these delicious side dish recipes for dinner inspiration!

Asparagus Quinoa Feta Salad – A light mix of fresh vegetables and whole grains in a light vinaigrette is the light side dish you need to try with any meat!

Roasted Lemon Broccoli – You can easily adapt this recipe to be made in your Air Fryer so you don’t have to start up your oven. The bright citrus flavors are perfect with this lemon dill salmon.

Honey Dijon & Dill Potatoes – You’ve already got fresh dill on hand for salmon, so use a little more for these flavorful potatoes.

Pressure Cooker Mushroom Risotto – If you want to prepare an elegant dinner, this creamy risotto made in your Instant Pot is just the thing!