Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe with you because it’s truly one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together in under 20 minutes — perfect for weeknights or when guests pop in unexpectedly. The fresh dill and bright lemon slices give the salmon this fresh, vibrant flavor that feels like sunshine on a plate, without any fuss.

What I love most is how the air fryer creates a perfectly flaky, tender salmon with just a hint of crispness on the edges. If you’ve been looking for a quick, healthy, and reliable way to make salmon that still feels special, this recipe will be your new go-to. Plus, it’s a hands-off cooking method, so you can get other things ready or just relax while it cooks itself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients work beautifully together — the olive oil helps keep the salmon moist, while the dill and lemon add a classic, refreshing flavor that brightens up every bite. When shopping, try to find the freshest salmon possible and fresh dill for the best flavor.

• Salmon fillets: Choose center-cut portions about an inch thick for even cooking.
• Olive oil: A light drizzle helps keep the salmon juicy and adds a subtle richness.
• Fresh dill: Chopped just before cooking for maximum aroma and flavor.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavor of the salmon.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked for a mild kick and depth.
• Lemons: Thinly sliced to place on top, adding zesty brightness and a hint of acidity.

Variations

I often like to tweak this Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. It’s pretty flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Using smoked paprika: Adding a pinch gives the salmon a subtle smoky warmth that I’ve grown to really enjoy.
• Substitute parsley for dill: If you’re not a dill fan, fresh parsley works just as well and gives a different but delicious herbal note.
• Spicy kick: Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat — great if you like spicy flavors.
• Honey glaze: A light drizzle of honey mixed with lemon and dill before air frying creates a sweet-savory glaze that’s irresistible.
• Different fish: Tried it with trout and cod as well, with great results, so this recipe isn’t limited to salmon alone.

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Seasonings

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel — this helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming. Then, brush each fillet with olive oil on all sides for moisture. Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper evenly over the salmon. Next, sprinkle the chopped fresh dill right on top for that signature herbal aroma. Finally, place thin lemon slices directly on each piece; they add moisture and infuse subtle citrus as the salmon cooks.

Step 2: Air Fry It to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). Lay the salmon fillets in the basket skin-side down — give them some space so the hot air can circulate well. Cook for about 7-9 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork but still feels moist inside. If you’re unsure, a quick tip is to check the thickest part; it should be opaque but tender.

How to Serve Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill and sometimes a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to add a personal squeeze. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving elevates the texture beautifully and adds a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp arugula salad. Sometimes, I throw together a quick quinoa pilaf or garlic butter green beans to keep it balanced but flavorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the salmon on a bed of lemon-infused couscous and garnished with edible flowers and microgreens. It not only looks stunning but also emphasizes that fresh citrus-dill theme. Small touches like these can make a simple dinner feel like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts well for up to 2 days—just keep in mind salmon is best enjoyed fresh, so don’t wait too long!

Freezing

I recommend freezing the salmon before cooking if you want to prep ahead. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and air fry just like the fresh version. Cooking from frozen isn’t ideal here because the lemon and dill won’t infuse as well.

Reheating

To reheat, I find popping the leftovers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes brings back the texture beautifully, far better than a microwave which can dry it out. Keep an eye so it doesn’t overcook!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it delivers all the fresh flavors of a gourmet dish with half the effort and time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a busy day or entertaining friends, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it comes together and the joyful “wow” it gets every time. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—just like I do.

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