Air Fryer Crispy Lemon Herb Salmon & Asparagus
Moist, flaky center-cut salmon fillets with a savory lemon-herb crust, cooked alongside tender-crisp asparagus in just 10 minutes in the air fryer.
Why This Recipe Works
- Air Convection Power: Circulating superheated air crisps the exterior crust while locking in the natural rich omega-3 oils.
- Dijon Herb Glaze: A thin brush of Dijon mustard helps garlic, dill, and lemon zest adhere to the salmon flesh.
- One-Basket Efficiency: Asparagus spears roast in the exact same 10-minute window, minimizing cleanup.
Air Fryer Crispy Lemon Herb Salmon & Asparagus
Moist, flaky center-cut salmon fillets with a savory lemon-herb crust, cooked alongside tender-crisp asparagus in just 10 minutes in the air fryer.
Ingredients (US Customary)
-
2 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
-
1 bunch fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
-
1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest plus fresh lemon wedges for serving
-
0.75 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
1Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
-
2Season the Salmon & Veggies
Pat salmon dry with paper towels. In a small dish, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Brush generously over the salmon fillets. Toss trimmed asparagus in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil with a pinch of salt.
-
3Air Fry to Perfection
Place salmon in the center of the air fryer basket (skin-side down if applicable) and arrange asparagus around the sides in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
-
4Garnish & Enjoy
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and asparagus. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Kitchen Notes & Chef Tips
Thickness Check: 1-inch thick fillets need about 9-10 minutes. Thinner tail fillets cook in 7-8 minutes.
Skin-On Advantage: Skin protects the delicate fish from drying out against the hot air fryer grate.
Meal Prep: Flake leftover salmon over crisp garden greens for a high-protein lunch the next day.