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If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy salmon, this 15-minute air fryer recipe is a game-changer. The salmon is marinated and then air-fried to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s succulent, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious. Best of all, itโs zero Weight Watchers points, making it an ideal choice for a guilt-free meal. The air fryer gives the salmon a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky, creating a perfect texture balance. This recipe is a must-try for anyone wanting a fast, healthy dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
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For this recipe, you’ll need 4 salmon filets, totaling about 1 lb (454 g). Season the filets with ยผ teaspoon of salt (1.5 g) and ยผ teaspoon of black pepper (0.5 g). Prepare 2 cloves of garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon or 10 g), and mix with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (30 ml) and 1 teaspoon of olive oil (5 ml).
Preheat Air Fryer
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Preheat your air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 5 minutes.
Prepare Salmon
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Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture for better seasoning adherence.
Mix Seasoning
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Combine salt, black pepper, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
Marinate Salmon
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Place salmon in a shallow dish, drizzle with apple cider vinegar and olive oil, then sprinkle with seasoning. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Air Fry Salmon
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Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).
Finish and Serve
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Gently press the thickest part of a fillet with a fork to check for doneness. Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer, allow it to rest for a minute, and then serve with your favorite sides, enjoying the crispy exterior and flaky interior.
Variations and Substitutions
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- Marinade Customization: While apple cider vinegar offers mild acidity that preserves the salmon’s natural flavor, you can swap it with lime juice for a zestier kick if you prefer.
- Richer Taste: Substitute the oil with a tablespoon of melted butter to add richness to the salmon without significantly increasing the Weight Watchers points.
- Garlic Substitutions: If youโre out of fresh garlic, garlic powder works just as well. Onion powder can also be a good alternative.
- Herb Options: Consider adding herbs like oregano or tarragon to complement the fish and add an extra layer of flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Salmon
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- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before cooking to ensure a better sear on the salmon, giving it a crispy exterior.
- Cook Similar-Sized Fillets Together: Arrange fillets of similar size in the air fryer to ensure even cooking, avoiding any overcooked or undercooked pieces.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the salmon marinate for 10 minutes before air frying to enhance the flavor, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the fish.
- Easy Cleanup: After cooking, fill the air fryer basket with 3 liters of water, add a spoonful of liquid dish soap and a splash of lemon juice, and run it at medium-high heat for 20 minutes. This simplifies washing and helps eliminate any lingering fishy odors.
