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- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon sea salt - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each serving has approximately: - Calories: 350 - Fat: 20g - Protein: 34g - Carbohydrates: 2g This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are good for your heart and brain. It has high protein content, which helps with muscle growth. The lemon adds a fresh zing that brightens the dish. Tracking your nutrition can help you stay on top of your health goals. The lemon pepper seasoning gives flavor without adding many calories. You can enjoy this meal guilt-free, making it perfect for any diet. Did you know that fresh herbs like parsley can boost your meal too? They add color and nutrients. Fresh parsley is a great addition to this dish, both for taste and garnish. If you want to explore more healthy recipes, check out my other articles. They offer a variety of options to keep your meals exciting and nutritious! - Patting salmon fillets dry First, take your salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key. Dry fillets will crisp up better in the air fryer. Make sure to remove all excess moisture. - Mixing the marinade ingredients Next, grab a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Stir until everything combines well. This marinade packs a punch of flavor. - Preheating the air fryer Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This only takes about 5 minutes. Preheating helps cook the salmon evenly and keeps it juicy. - Cooking salmon fillets in the air fryer Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook the salmon for about 8-10 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F (63°C). The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. - Garnishing and resting the salmon Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Just before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and some extra lemon zest if you like a zesty kick. Enjoy your delicious air fryer lemon pepper salmon! To get a nice crisp on your salmon, you must start by drying the fillets. Before marinating, use paper towels to pat the salmon dry. This step removes extra moisture. When moisture is gone, the fillets can crisp up better in the air fryer. You can customize the flavor of your salmon by adding more spices. If you want a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. For a fresh taste, consider dill or thyme. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. This makes the dish truly your own. Using a thermometer is key for perfect cooking. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). When the salmon reaches this point, it is safe to eat. It should flake easily with a fork. This method ensures you avoid overcooking or undercooking your salmon. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your lemon pepper salmon with different spices. Try using smoked paprika for a smoky taste. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh herbs like dill or thyme for a fresh twist. Each spice brings a new taste, making the dish fun and exciting. Mix and match until you find your favorite flavor. To make your meal even better, serve your lemon pepper salmon with tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Fresh green salad These sides will balance the flavors and give you a full plate. They complement the bright taste of the salmon while adding color and nutrition. If you want to serve more people, it’s easy to adjust the recipe. Just double or triple the ingredients as needed. Make sure your air fryer can fit the fillets without crowding them. Cook the salmon in batches if needed. This will ensure every piece cooks evenly and stays juicy. Enjoy sharing this delicious dish with friends and family! To store leftover salmon, let it cool first. Then wrap each fillet in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped salmon in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure it is cooled completely before wrapping. If you want to freeze salmon, follow these steps. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped salmon in a freezer bag or container. Remove as much air as you can from the bag. Label it with the date. You can freeze salmon for about three months without losing flavor. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat air-fried salmon, you have a few good options. The best way is to use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This keeps the salmon crispy and moist. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat it on low power for short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious salmon just like fresh! The best internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). At this point, the salmon is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the fish. When it reaches this temperature, the salmon is cooked and safe for you to enjoy. Cooking it to this level ensures it stays juicy and flaky. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just add extra cooking time. When using frozen salmon, keep it in the air fryer longer, about 12 to 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C). If you can, thaw the salmon first for better flavor. You can tell the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Look for a nice, opaque color. If it is still translucent, it needs more time. The perfect salmon will be moist, not dry. Always check the internal temperature to be sure. This blog post highlights a simple and tasty lemon pepper salmon recipe. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. The air fryer makes cooking quick and easy. I shared variations to customize flavors and suggested side dishes. For storage, you now know how to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy trying this recipe and making it your own. Cooking doesn’t have to be hard. With these tips, you can create a meal that’s both delicious and healthy. Get cooking!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon

Savor the flavors of Zesty Lemon Pepper Crispy Salmon with this quick and delicious recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up tender salmon fillets that are perfectly seasoned with lemon zest and spices, making for an irresistible meal. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and get cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon sea salt

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer.

    In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt until combined. This is your marinade.

      Brush both sides of the salmon fillets generously with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.

        Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes.

          Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

            Cook the salmon in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

              Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

                Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional lemon zest, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2