Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with one of the simplest and most flavorful seafood dishes you can whip up in your kitchen: Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon. Imagine tender, juicy salmon fillets kissed with olive oil, vibrant oregano, and a hint of garlic, then crisped to perfection in the air fryer—all finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. This recipe is my go-to for weeknights and dinner parties alike: it’s unfussy, fast, and delivers Mediterranean sunshine right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even a dish packed with Mediterranean flair can start with the humblest ingredients! Each element of Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon is carefully chosen for its role—olive oil brings silkiness, oregano and garlic infuse aromatic warmth, and lemon adds sparkle. They all come together to create a rich yet refreshing flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Salmon fillet (6 oz): Use center-cut wild or farmed salmon for juicy, flaky texture and luscious flavor.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon): Adds moisture and helps the seasoning create that crave-worthy golden crust.
- Garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon): Delivers gentle garlic notes without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Oregano or Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings the signature Mediterranean aroma—oregano is classic, but Italian herbs add a fun twist!
- Lemon (1/4 lemon): A generous squeeze at the end brightens everything and ties together all the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances every nuance of the salmon and seasoning.
- Pepper: Just a little gives depth and a mild kick.
How to Make Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon
Step 1: Prep the Salmon Fillet
Start by patting the salmon fillet dry with paper towels—this makes sure you get a beautiful, golden exterior. If you spot any stray bones, gently pull them out with tweezers for a perfectly enjoyable bite. Lay the fillet on a plate, then drizzle it with olive oil and use your fingers (or a brush) to coat it evenly for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Season to Perfection
Now, generously sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. It’s time for the aromatic heroes: dust garlic powder over the surface, followed by the oregano (or Italian seasoning if you’re feeling adventurous). These seasonings are what make Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon sing, so don’t be shy!
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Before you cook, either brush or spray your air fryer basket lightly with oil, or line it with air fryer parchment paper. This prevents the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Place the seasoned fillet in the basket, skin-side down if it has skin.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Slide in the basket and let the magic happen! The fillet will cook in about 7 to 10 minutes; thinner fillets may be done closer to 7, while thicker ones take a bit longer. When the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque on the inside, it’s absolutely perfect.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Plate
Once your salmon is done, carefully transfer it to a plate. Take a fresh lemon wedge and squeeze that gorgeous juice all over—this last step elevates the whole flavor profile and gives Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon its signature burst of freshness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon
Garnishes
This salmon loves a finishing touch: scatter fresh parsley, basil, or even a few capers over the top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving brightens every bite, and an extra lemon wedge on the side lets everyone adjust the zing to their preference.
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon is a superstar with simple sides. Try fluffy couscous, a colorful Greek salad with tomatoes and cucumber, or roasted baby potatoes. If you want something light, a bed of leafy greens with a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar truly complements the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the salmon over toasted pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki and a quick cucumber relish. Or flake the salmon into pieces and use it as the center of a vibrant grain bowl—quinoa, olives, feta, and pickled onions are all welcome. Presentation is part of the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon left (a rare occurrence in my house!), let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to two days without losing much of its flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon. Wrap the cooled fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months—just label with the date for easy tracking!
Reheating
To reheat, your air fryer for a few minutes at 350 degrees will revive the texture wonderfully without overcooking. Microwaving is convenient but can make the salmon a bit dry, so always cover with a damp paper towel if you go that route.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon?
Yes! Just let your salmon fillet thaw completely in the fridge and pat it extra dry before seasoning. This ensures even cooking and the best crispy edges.
What’s the best way to tell if my salmon is done?
Look for the flesh to turn opaque and gently flake with a fork. If you’re using a thermometer, an internal temperature of 145 degrees means the salmon is cooked perfectly.
Can I make Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon without the skin?
Definitely. Skinless fillets work just as well—be a little extra careful when lifting out of the air fryer so the fillet stays intact.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Every ingredient in Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this salmon?
This dish is not spicy at all, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or serve with a little harissa if you like a gentle heat.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon yet, now’s the time to add it to your repertoire—it’s fresh, fast, and has all the flavors of a coastal getaway without leaving your kitchen. Let your air fryer do the work while you kick back and savor a meal that feels special, every single time.
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Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare salmon with a Mediterranean twist. The salmon comes out perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior and moist interior, infused with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 oz salmon fillet
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/4 lemon
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillet dry: Use paper towels to dry the salmon and remove any bones. Place it on a plate and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it in.
- Season the salmon: Salt and pepper the salmon, then sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano.
- Prepare the air fryer: Oil the basket or use parchment paper. Place the seasoned salmon in the basket.
- Cook the salmon: Air fry at 400 degrees for 7-10 minutes, adjusting for thickness.
- Finish and serve: Plate the salmon and squeeze fresh lemon juice over it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon, Mediterranean Salmon Recipe, Air Fryer Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe
