Go Back

Crispy Garlic Crusted Air Fryer Salmon

This dish features a salmon fillet coated with a fragrant garlic crust, cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. The process involves creating a flavorful crust with garlic, oil, salt, and herbs, resulting in tender, flaky fish with a crunchy, golden exterior. The final presentation showcases a crackling crust that reveals moist, flaky salmon inside.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon fillets preferably skin-on
  • 3 cloves garlic freshly minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil
  • 1 lemon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs parsley or dill, chopped

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Bowl
  • Brush

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs until combined. This will form your flavorful garlic crust mixture.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then brush a thin layer of the garlic mixture evenly over the top and sides of each fillet, focusing on creating a good coating on the skin side for extra crispiness.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the crust crisps up quickly and evenly.
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow even air circulation and crisping.
  5. Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, checking around the 8-minute mark. Look for a golden, crispy garlic crust and listen for the sizzle. The fish should flake easily when gently pressed with a fork.
  6. Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute. The crust should crackle slightly as you cut into it, revealing tender, flaky fish inside.
  7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrus burst. Enjoy the crispy garlic crust with the tender, juicy salmon inside.