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To make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon, you will need: - 4 salmon fillets - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 teaspoons black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These fresh ingredients give the salmon its bright taste. The lemon zest and juice add a nice zing. The spices bring depth to the dish. To cook this dish, you will need: - An air fryer - A small bowl for mixing - A whisk or fork - A shallow dish or zip-top bag for marinating - A spatula for serving These tools help you prepare the salmon easily. The air fryer is key for that crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. Each serving of Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon has: - Calories: 280 - Protein: 25g - Fat: 18g - Carbohydrates: 1g - Fiber: 0g This salmon dish is high in protein and healthy fats. It fits well into many diets. Enjoy this tasty meal without guilt! First, gather your ingredients. You need olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add 2 teaspoons of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, sprinkle in salt to taste. This marinade will pack a punch of flavor for your salmon. Now, it's time to marinate the salmon. Place your 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Make sure to cover every inch for the best flavor. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is key for infusing the salmon with that zesty lemon pepper taste. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This process takes about 5 minutes, but it is essential. Preheating helps the salmon cook evenly, giving it a crispy texture on the outside and tender meat inside. Once your air fryer is hot, place the marinated salmon fillets in the basket. Make sure they are skin-side down. Cook the salmon for 10-12 minutes. Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the fillets. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. After cooking, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also add an extra wedge of lemon for a fresh touch. For a lovely presentation, serve the salmon on a bed of steamed asparagus or quinoa. Drizzle any leftover marinade on top for added flavor. Enjoy your meal! To get that flaky and tender salmon, follow a few key steps. First, always marinate your salmon for at least 15 minutes. This adds flavor and helps with texture. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking. Place the salmon skin-side down in the basket. This method helps the fish cook evenly and stay moist. Many home cooks make a few common errors. One mistake is not using enough oil in the marinade. This can lead to dry salmon. Another mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. Make sure to leave space for air to flow. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning. Use enough salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Want to boost the flavor? Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or basil. A touch of honey can balance the lemon's tartness well. If you like spice, try adding red pepper flakes for a kick. You can also serve the salmon with a sauce like tzatziki or a simple garlic butter. Each of these options adds new layers of flavor to your dish. {{image_2}} You can mix up the flavors of your lemon pepper salmon. Try adding fresh dill or basil for a fresh twist. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a kick. For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked salt instead of regular salt. You can even experiment with Cajun seasoning for a southern flair. If you do not have an air fryer, don’t worry. You can easily bake the salmon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Grilling is another option. Heat your grill to medium-high. Grill the salmon for about 5-7 minutes per side. This method gives a lovely char and flavor. Pair your salmon with simple side dishes for a complete meal. Steamed asparagus or green beans work well. Quinoa or brown rice adds a hearty touch. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette is also a great choice. Drizzle any leftover marinade over your sides for extra flavor. To keep your leftover salmon fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. When you’re ready to eat the leftover salmon, take it out of the fridge. Heat it in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F. This will help keep it moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but be careful not to overcook it. If you want to freeze your salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen salmon can last for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. You should marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in well. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 30 minutes. Longer marination adds even more flavor. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the frozen salmon in the fridge overnight to thaw it safely. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave to defrost it, but be careful not to cook it. Lemon pepper salmon pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with steamed asparagus or fluffy quinoa. You can also add a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a colorful plate. Drizzle any leftover marinade on top for added flavor. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C). When you see the flesh turn from translucent to opaque, it’s a good sign it’s ready. Absolutely! You can use other fish, like trout or cod. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. Each fish has its own flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment! You now know how to make tasty lemon pepper salmon. We covered fresh ingredients, tools, and nutrition. The step-by-step guide helps you marinate and cook salmon perfectly. I shared tips to improve texture and flavor while avoiding common mistakes. You learned variations for herbs and cooking methods, plus smart storage tips. Use this knowledge to create a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon

Discover the delightful flavors of Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon! This easy recipe combines fresh lemon zest and pepper for a tangy twist that elevates your salmon dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick air fryer method, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests! Click to explore the full recipe and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. This mixture will coat the salmon perfectly.

    Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure each fillet is coated evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.

      Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures an even cook and crispy texture.

        Air Fry the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

          Garnish and Serve: Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra wedge of lemon if desired.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salmon on a bed of steamed asparagus or quinoa to complement the flavors. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top for added zest and visual appeal.