Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients

• 4 center-cut salmon fillets, 5 to 6 oz each
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, half sliced and half cut into wedges
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Check the salmon carefully for pin bones, remove any with clean tweezers, and pat the top and skin completely dry with paper towels.
2. Step 2.Combine salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, then brush the flesh lightly with olive oil and season it evenly.
3. Step 3.Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly oil the basket only if its manufacturer recommends doing so for delicate fish.
4. Step 4.Place the fillets skin-side down in a single layer with space between them, then lay a thin lemon slice over each seasoned portion.
5. Step 5.Cook without turning for 7 minutes, then begin checking because thin tail pieces can finish several minutes before thick center cuts.
6. Step 6.Measure the thickest point and remove salmon at 145°F for fully cooked fish, when the flesh flakes readily but remains moist inside.
7. Step 7.Move each fillet carefully with a wide spatula and rest for 2 minutes, leaving any skin stuck to the basket behind if preferred.
8. Step 8.Finish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice, then serve immediately while the edges are lightly crisp and the center stays tender.