Name: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lemon; 0.5 tsp sea salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tbsp avocado oil; 2 wild salmon fillets

This Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon is a bright and flavorful main dish seafood recipe that takes only 10 minutes to cook in your air fryer! Delicious, simple to make and perfect when you need a quick weeknight dinner!

Seafood

20 m

American

Project Meal Plan

June 10, 2026

Projectmealplan.com

From the Cook

1/6

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon

Project Meal Plan Verified

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon

Instructions

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest (from 1 lemon) and sea salt (1/2 teaspoon). Use the back of a spoon to lightly grind and mix together for 10-15 seconds. Add remaining spices to the bowl including the fresh ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) and garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon), and mix to combine.

Place room temperature salmon fillets out on a plate or cutting board. Use a paper towel to pat dry both sides. Next, coat all sides of the filets (2) liberally with oil (1/2 tablespoon) using a pastry brush or your fingers. Place the salmon skin side down and divide the seasoning evenly over each salmon fillet. Use your fingers to coat the salmon on the top and sides with the lemon pepper seasoning mix.

Place the salmon skin side down in the air fryer, taking care not to let the portions overlap or touch. Air fry the salmon at 350F for 8-12 minutes. Cook until the salmon easily flakes with a fork or until the internal temperature reaches 145F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Let the salmon cool on a cutting board for a couple minutes, then peel off the skin and serve with lemon wedges. Watch for bones, depending on the quality of the cut. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold from the fridge or reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 4-5 minutes.

Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Pat Salmon Dry for Crispy Skin 🎯
Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the salmon fillets before air frying—this removes surface moisture that prevents crisping and ensures a golden, textured exterior in just 10 minutes.
Oil the Air Fryer Basket, Not Just the Fish 🛢️
Lightly coat your air fryer basket with avocado oil before adding salmon to prevent sticking and promote even heat circulation for perfectly cooked fillets.
Bloom Garlic Powder in Oil First ✨
Mix your garlic powder with the avocado oil and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before applying to salmon—this releases aromatic compounds and creates deeper, more complex flavor.
Lemon Zest Before Juice for Maximum Brightness 🍋
Apply lemon zest directly onto the seasoned salmon before air frying, then finish with fresh lemon juice after cooking to preserve bright citrus notes without cooking off the volatiles.
Check Salmon at 8 Minutes for Perfect Doneness 🌡️
Peek at your salmon at the 8-minute mark since air fryer models vary—the flesh should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F internally for ideal texture without drying out.