Easy Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon & Herbs

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — ready in under 15 minutes

If you're looking for a simple, nutritious dinner that is packed with protein and healthy fats, this Air Fryer Salmon is one of my favourite go-to meals.

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fats, which support heart health, brain function and help reduce inflammation. Paired with vegetables and a source of wholegrain carbohydrates, it makes a beautifully balanced meal that can be on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Serves: 4

Preparation Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

8–12 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (approximately 150g each)

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• 1 tsp garlic-infused olive oil (optional, low FODMAP friendly)

• 1 tsp dried dill or mixed herbs

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towel.

Place in a bowl or shallow dish and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Sprinkle over:

• lemon zest

• paprika

• dried herbs

• salt and pepper

Gently coat the salmon.

Step 2: Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C if required.

Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket.

Cook for:

• 8–10 minutes for medium salmon

• 10–12 minutes for well-done salmon

Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model.

The salmon should flake easily with a fork when cooked.

Step 3: Serve

Serve with:

• steamed broccoli

• sesame ginger greens

• roasted vegetables

• brown rice

• quinoa

• baby potatoes

• side salad

Nutrition Information

Per Serve (Salmon Only)

Approximate values:

• Energy: 320 kcal

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrate: 1g

• Fibre: 0g

• Fat: 20g

• Omega-3 fats: High

  
  

Meal Building Guide

Serve with:

• 2–3 cups non-starchy vegetables

• salad

• steamed/roasted greens

• Kimchi/fermented pickled vegetables

• cooked rice or quinoa

• roasted sweet potato/baby potatoes

Dietitian Tip 💛

One of the easiest ways to improve the nutritional quality of your meals is to build your plate around a quality protein source.

Salmon provides:

✔ High-quality protein

✔ Omega-3 fats

✔ Vitamin D

✔ Selenium

✔ Vitamin B12

Aim to include oily fish such as salmon 2–3 times per week where possible.

Variations

Asian-Inspired

Replace herbs with:

• grated ginger

• sesame oil

• tamari

• sesame seeds

• honey and miso

Mediterranean

Add:

• oregano

• parsley

• lemon

• olives

• cherry tomatoes

Honey Mustard

Mix:

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• lemon juice

  
  

Brush over salmon before cooking.

Created by

Ai Jerome APDAccredited Practising Dietitian

🌐 www.nourishwithai.com