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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Recipe

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This crispy air fryer salmon with lemon features a perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy panko crust with tender, buttery fish underneath, brightened by fresh lemon. It’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that converts even the most stubborn salmon skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon dry: Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator about 10 minutes before cooking. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Make the coating: In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Stir until evenly distributed.
  4. Prepare the salmon: Brush each salmon fillet lightly with olive oil on all sides.
  5. Coat the salmon: Press each oiled fillet into the panko mixture, coating all sides. Use fingers to gently press the coating onto the fish.
  6. Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place coated fillets in a single layer, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets, ensuring they are not touching.
  7. Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness. Do not flip. Check for doneness at 8 minutes; salmon should be opaque and flake easily, or internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  8. Rest and finish: Remove salmon carefully with tongs. Let rest on a plate for 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not skip drying the salmon; moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Watch cooking time closely as air fryers vary. Do not overcrowd the basket. Use a thermometer for consistency. Let salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and add extra panko plus nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, lemon salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, quick dinner, seafood, panko crusted salmon

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/crispy-air-fryer-salmon-with-lemon-recipe/