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Introduction
The marriage of modern cooking technology with traditional Mediterranean flavors has given birth to this contemporary take on herb-crusted salmon. While salmon has been a staple of coastal cuisines for millennia, the air fryer brings a new dimension to this ancient fish, creating a perfectly crispy exterior that traditionally required high-temperature ovens or skillets. This method gained popularity during the healthy cooking revolution of the 2020s, as home cooks discovered they could achieve restaurant-quality results with significantly less oil. The combination of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme pays homage to classical Mediterranean preparation methods, where fish was often cooked with local herbs and citrus to enhance its natural flavors.
Ingredients
• 4 center-cut salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on, wild-caught preferred
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium lemons - 1 sliced thin, 1 for juicing
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cooking spray for air fryer basket
Step 1:
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 3:
Juice one lemon and mix with olive oil. Brush this mixture over the salmon fillets.
Step 4:
Spread the herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5:
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and preheat to 380°F (193°C).
Step 6:
Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Place lemon slices around the salmon.
Step 7:
Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking. May need 1-2 minutes additional cooking time.
Q: Why did my herbs burn?
A: If herbs are burning, loosely cover salmon with foil for the remainder of cooking time.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried (use 1/3 the amount).
• Farm-raised salmon can be used but may require slightly different cooking time.
• For dairy-free and gluten-free diets.
• Look for salmon with bright color and firm texture.
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning for better crispy exterior.
• Mediterranean herb blend can substitute individual herbs in a pinch.
• Choose lemons that feel heavy for their size for maximum juice.
Serve immediately with fresh lemon slices, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. The skin can be easily removed before serving if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F.
Prepare the herb mixture while the salmon comes to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer while applying the seasonings.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary
- Avoid moving the salmon during cooking to maintain the herb crust
- Check for doneness at 10 minutes as cooking time can vary based on fillet thickness
Try with different herb combinations like basil and thyme, or add a honey glaze for sweetness. For spicy version, increase red pepper flakes and add cayenne.
Serve with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Pairs well with roasted asparagus or a light Mediterranean quinoa salad.
Best in spring and summer when fresh herbs are abundant, but available year-round
Contains fish (salmon). Recipe ingredients are free from dairy, gluten, nuts, eggs, and soy. Check specific herb blend ingredients if using pre-mixed seasonings.
