These perfectly crispy salmon fillets, paired with roasted baby new potatoes, tender asparagus, and a creamy yogurt dressing, make the ultimate air-fryer dinner. Sometimes, you just need a quick and easy meal that requires minimal effort and time. And this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s simple to prepare but also bursting with flavour. Making it the ideal choice for lunch and dinner. Best of all, this meal is ready in just 15 minutes! That’s why it has become a go-to meal in our household and a favourite among everyone.
The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking salmon. It ensures that your fillets come out perfectly tender in no time at all. Air frying salmon is an efficient and effective method that keeps the fish moist while locking in its rich, flavorful taste. Plus, if you leave the skin on your salmon fillets, it crisps up beautifully, adding a delicious texture to the dish. The crispy skin and tender interior are what make this method so popular.
To achieve that crispy skin while maintaining a tender centre, it’s important to set the right temperature and time in the air fryer. The high heat cooks the salmon quickly, giving it that crispiness on the outside without overcooking the fish inside. Paired with roasted baby new potatoes and crisp-tender asparagus, this meal is nutritious and mouth watering. And the creamy yogurt dressing ties everything together, offering a refreshing contrast to the savoury elements of the dish. This salmon recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also a breeze to make. Ideal for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 12 to 15 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer a mixing bowl and kitchen roll
Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
2 fresh salmon fillets
100g of fresh asparagus
200g of baby new potatoes, chopped
A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
Olive oil spray
Seasoning
The juice of a Lemon (half for the yogurt dressing and half to squeeze on the fish after serving)
Method
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry using kitchen roll – this helps the oil and seasoning stick better, and gives you a nicer texture when cooked. Lightly spray each fillet with olive oil and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Next, chop your baby new potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate. Add them to a mixing bowl, spray with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Give them a good toss to make sure they’re well coated.
Place both the seasoned potatoes and salmon fillets into your air fryer basket. Keep a bit of space between everything so that air can circulate and help them crisp and cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 190°C and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure the potatoes brown evenly and don’t stick.
While everything is cooking, prepare your simple and refreshing yogurt dip. In a small bowl, add natural or Greek yogurt, the juice of half a lemon, and a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper, then stir well until smooth. This tangy dip pairs beautifully with the rich salmon.
Trim the woody ends off your asparagus spears, spray lightly with olive oil, and season with a little salt. When the salmon and potatoes have about 4 minutes left, open the air fryer basket and carefully add the asparagus on top or to the side.
Once everything is cooked – salmon flaky, potatoes golden, and asparagus tender – plate up and serve immediately. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the salmon, a dollop of yogurt dip on the side, and some warm crusty bread if you fancy. A simple, healthy, and delicious meal!
Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
1. Choose even-sized fillets
Use fillets that are similar in size and thickness so they cook evenly. Skin-on fillets work well and hold their shape better in the air fryer.
2. Pat dry before seasoning
Blot the salmon with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes caramelisation.
3. Don’t skip the seasoning
A simple mix of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs works beautifully. You can also use spice rubs, teriyaki glaze, or honey mustard for different flavours.
4. Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and preheat for 2–3 minutes for a crisp exterior and juicy centre.
5. Place skin-side down
Cook with the skin-side facing down so it crisps up and helps protect the flesh from direct heat.
6. Use parchment or a liner
This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up much easier. Just make sure it doesn’t block airflow.
7. Don’t overcook
Salmon cooks quickly in the air fryer so 8–10 minutes is usually enough depending on thickness. It should flake easily with a fork and have a slightly translucent centre.
8. Use a thermometer if unsure
The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) for safe, perfectly cooked salmon.
9. Rest before serving
Let the fillets rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices and improves texture.
10. Finish with flair
Add a squeeze of lemon, a spoon of herb butter, or a drizzle of soy glaze just before serving to elevate the flavour.
Similar recipes
Enjoyed these perfectly cooked Air Fryer Salmon Fillets? Whether you are making a healthy weeknight dinner or a light, flavour-packed lunch, these air fryer recipes are the perfect way to round out your meal. Each one pairs beautifully with salmon and offers simple, tasty ideas to keep things fresh.
Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these classic air fried roast potatoes are a satisfying side for salmon. Add herbs or garlic butter for extra flavour.
Air Fryer Broccoli
So tender with slightly crispy edges, air fried broccoli brings a fresh and wholesome touch to your plate. It’s fast, healthy, and delicious with fish.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Sweet, buttery corn pairs beautifully with savoury salmon. Cooked in the air fryer until lightly charred, it adds colour and crunch to your meal.
Air Fryer Kedgeree
This is a lightly spiced rice dish made with smoked fish, boiled eggs, and fragrant curry flavours. It is such a hearty option that also works as a creative way to use up leftover salmon.
Air Fryer Courgettes
Soft and caramelised, these air fried courgettes are a great low-carb side dish that complements the richness of salmon without overwhelming it.
So together, these recipes make it easy to create balanced, restaurant-quality meals with your air fryer. With super simple prep, delicious results, and no oven required.
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