If you’re craving a fresh, healthy dinner that comes together in a snap, you’ll love this zesty salmon dish. The air fryer works its magic, creating a beautifully crisp crust on the fish while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside, all without needing much oil. Plus, you’ll toss in plenty of colorful vegetables for a meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups assorted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli), chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry to help the seasoning adhere. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon zest, half of the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant, tangy mixture will give the fish a punch of flavor while adding just enough moisture to keep it from drying out.
Coat each fillet with a spoonful of the seasoned oil, making sure to reserve a bit for the vegetables. Transfer the salmon to one side of the air fryer basket, leaving room for the vegetables. Then, toss your chopped vegetables in the remaining herby oil before placing them on the other side of the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer and how many servings you’re making, you might need to cook the fish and veggies in batches.
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the salmon and vegetables for 10 to 12 minutes, checking halfway through. You’ll know the salmon is finished when it flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender with a golden exterior. Be careful not to overcook the fish—salmon becomes dry and chalky if it stays in too long.
Once done, transfer everything to a plate and drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the salmon. Garnish with extra lemon wedges, if you like, for a final citrusy kick. Serve hot and enjoy this crisp, flavorful meal.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to keep dinnertime quick, healthy, and fuss-free. The clean flavors of lemon and herbs work wonderfully with salmon, and you can easily swap in other proteins (like chicken or tofu) or switch up the vegetables to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a solo dinner, this air-fryer meal fits seamlessly into a balanced lifestyle and can be adapted to vegan or gluten-free needs with a few simple adjustments. With minimal oil and maximum flavor, it’s a satisfying choice for just about anyone wanting a nourishing dinner in a pinch.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
