This air fryer salmon with courgette fries is the perfect dish to bring a taste of summer to your table, no matter the season. So the salmon pieces are perfectly cooked, tender on the inside, and lightly crispy on the outside, offering a burst of flavour with every bite. Paired with courgette fries, this dish provides a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Giving you that satisfying crunch without the guilt. Courgette fries are a wonderful way to enjoy a lighter version of fries. As they are lower in calories and packed with nutrients, yet still offer that crispy texture you crave.
Served with a light salad on the side, this dish is both refreshing and filling. Making it a great choice for those looking for a wholesome meal that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. The combination of the rich, flaky salmon and the fresh, vibrant courgette fries creates a balanced meal that is perfect for any day of the week. Plus, it is quick and easy to make in the air fryer, ensuring you can prepare this dish even on the busiest of nights.
So I had the pleasure of cooking this air fryer salmon with courgette fries recipe with Alexis Conran on the Channel 5 TV show Air Fryers: An Easy Way to Lose Weight, which first aired on 28th February 2024. Since then, so many of my followers on social media have asked for the recipe, and I am thrilled to share it with you! With its light yet full of flavour, this air-fried salmon with courgette fries is sure to become a staple in your healthy eating repertoire.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 10 to 15 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowl.
Ingredients for air fryer salmon pieces
4 salmon pieces
2 tablespoons of red or green pesto
2 sliced lemon for the base
For the fries:
3 courgettes
1 teaspoon of paprika
Seasoning
Vegetable spray oil
Side salad:
Spinach
Tomatoes
Pecan nuts
Extra lemon to serve
For the dip:
6 table spoons of Greek yogurt
Handful of chopped fresh mint
Squeeze of lemon
Seasoning
Method
Start by slicing your courgette into large fries, about the size of your finger, and set them aside. These courgette fries will serve as a light and healthy side, pairing perfectly with the rich salmon.
Next, place the sliced courgettes into a bowl, spray them lightly with oil, season to taste with salt and pepper, and then sprinkle over some paprika for a little extra flavour and colour. Toss everything together so that the courgettes are evenly coated.
For the salmon, spread a generous layer of pesto on top of each piece. The pesto will add a burst of herby flavour and complement the richness of the salmon. Slice a lemon into thin discs and place them into the air fryer drawer as a base. Lay the salmon pieces on top of the lemon slices, allowing the citrus to infuse the fish with a zesty fragrance as it cooks. Scatter your seasoned courgette fries around the salmon in the air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 185°C and cook everything together for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the courgette fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
While the salmon and fries are cooking, prepare your refreshing dip by placing yogurt in a bowl, adding chopped mint, squeezing in the juice of half a lemon, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Then, rinse your salad leaves and place them into a large bowl. Slice your beef tomatoes and scatter them on top of the salad, finishing with a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added crunch.
Once the salmon and courgettes are cooked, serve them with your yogurt dip and side salad. This light yet filling dish is packed with vibrant flavours and textures – perfect for a satisfying meal.
Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Pieces
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Pieces
Air fryer salmon pieces are quick, healthy, and packed with flavour. Whether you’re tossing them on a salad, rice bowl, or serving as a main, here’s how to get restaurant-quality salmon at home in under 15 minutes.
1. Cut evenly-sized pieces
Slice your salmon into bite-sized chunks or strips of even size so they cook uniformly. Aim for about 1–1.5-inch pieces for the best texture.
2. Pat dry for crisp edges
Use kitchen paper to pat the salmon dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps the outside get beautifully crisp while the inside stays juicy.
3. Marinate for extra flavour
A quick 15–30 minute marinade with soy sauce, honey, garlic, lemon, or your favourite spices can infuse the salmon with amazing flavour. Keep it light to avoid overpowering the fish.
4. Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 2–3 minutes before adding the salmon. This helps to start crisping the surface immediately.
5. Use a liner or lightly oil the basket
To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket or use a silicone liner. It also makes clean-up easier.
6. Don’t overcrowd
Spread the salmon pieces in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of crisping.
7. Cook quickly
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
8. Finish with a glaze (optional)
Brush with teriyaki, sriracha mayo, or garlic butter during the last 1–2 minutes for a glossy, flavourful finish.
9. Serve straight away
Air fryer salmon is best served hot for maximum flavour and tenderness. Try it over rice, noodles, salad, or in wraps!
Similar recipes
If you love these healthy air fryer salmon pieces then you might also like to try my easy air fryer salmon on rye recipe.
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