Air Fryer Salmon In A Warm Spring Salad
In this recipe, I show you just how easy it is to cook salmon in an air fryer. Then, we’ll go on to make a delicious, substantial warm salad that features the beautiful fresh spring produce that’s coming into season. You’ll love the irresistible flavour, texture – and the fact that you can have it ready in less than 30 minutes
This is also a great budget friendly way to enjoy salmon – flaked over a delicious and healthy salad that’s fantastic for this time of year. Spring is in the air but it’s still distinctly chilly, especially in the early mornings and evenings, so we’re not quite ready for light leafy salads. That means we need something a little more substantial – with potatoes. And if you enjoy salmon, you may also want to give this Miso Glaze Spiced Thai Coconut Salmon a try.
Oh, Mega Health Benefits!
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty oils that are thought to improve bone and joint health and may reduce inflammation, assist in preventing age related mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease, supports skin health, improves cognitive function, promotes better sleep and necessary for eye health. It’s also high in protein and includes large amounts of vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins.
Plus, it’s really tasty!
Air Fryer Salmon Made Simple
Many people are intimidated at the thought of preparing fish at home. And when it comes to salmon, it does tend to be on the pricier side, so not wanting to make a mess of it is understandable. Then there’s the fishy smell that seems to permeate your whole house. And how on earth do you know whether it’s properly cooked?
So, here are a couple of things to keep in mind when cooking salmon.
- Always place the salmon skin side down. This protects the more delicate flesh from being overcooked.
- Remember to season the salmon with salt and pepper just before putting it into the air fryer. If you season it and leave it standing, the salt starts to draw out moisture and break down the proteins.
- The fishy smell tends to happen when you overcook the fish. Follow the recipe and this won’t be a problem. And if you’re in the market for a new air fryer, the * Instant Vortex air fryer with Clearcook and OdourErase features two air filters that remove odours while cooking.
- And easy way to check whether your salmon is done is to press down on it with a fork, or your finger. If the salmon flakes easily along the white lines, it’s done – remove it from the heat.
- And how do you know it’s overdone? It will be super-firm to the touch, with white stringy albumen all over it.
My air fryer salmon recipe is super simple, suitable for beginners, and promises tasty, juicy, perfectly cooked salmon.
The Best Dressed List
This warm spring salad with salmon would definitely make it onto a best dressed list, because it features not one, but two dressings. I know – it sounds terribly decadent – but fortunately they’re wonderfully healthy options. The zingy vinaigrette dressing features fresh, zesty lemon, vinegar and red onion. It’s absorbed by the warm baby potatoes so they’re deliciously flavourful.
The sharpness of the onion is countered by the creamy coolness of the herbed yoghurt dressing, which brings everything together beautifully.
Easy, Effortless Entertaining
I love making delicious food that doesn’t require hours of prep – bonus points if it’s a healthy option – and even better if it uses fresh seasonal produce. This air fryer salmon recipe ticks all the boxes, leaving you time to relax, chill and catch up with friends. Perfect for mid-week entertaining, or those days when you want all the yum but without too much effort.
Did it Go Swimmingly?
Did you try out this easy Air Fryer Salmon? Did you enjoy perfect results? I’d love to hear your take on it – and I’d be super grateful if you’d leave me a rating.
Remember to tag your photo#theculinarycartel on Instagram so we can see what you come up with.
Also, check out the recipe video.
It Makes Cents!
* In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve included an affiliate link in this post which will earn me a small commission – at no extra cost to you – should you choose to buy the product.
I think it’s worth mentioning that I don’t just endorse products on a whim, these are products that I’ve tried and tested and often use every day in my home and business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
This dish is gluten-free! Enjoy!
Must I use Salmon?
No. This recipe works well with salmon, but it also works well with other oily fish like trout, herring and mackerel.
Air Fryer Salmon in a Warm Spring Salad
- Total Time: <30 mins
- Yield: Serves 2-3
Description
In this air fryer Salmon recipe, I show you just how easy it is to cook salmon in an air fryer. Then, we’ll go on to make a delicious, substantial warm salad that features beautiful fresh spring produce that’s just coming into season. You’ll love the irresistible flavour, texture – and the fact that you can have it ready in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
- 1/2 Red onion
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Lemon – zest of 1 full lemon; juice of 1/2 lemon (set aside the other 1/2 for the salmon)
- Pinch sugar
FOR THE SALMON
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Salmon fillets
- 1/2 Lemon, sliced
VEGETABLES
- 120g Asparagus
- 100g Tenderstem Broccoli
- 500g Baby Potatoes
HERBY YOGHURT DRESSING
- 2/3 Cup yoghurt (or 140g)
- 6g Dill (1/2 for dressing, 1/2 for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by making the dressing: finely dice the red onion, add the sugar, oil and vinegar together, stir to combine. Add the zest of a lemon, and the juice of half the lemon into the dressing. Set aside and allow the red onions to pickle.
- Thinly slice the other half of the lemon and place the slices onto a baking tray. Then place your salmon fillets on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Boil your kettle, then pour the boiling water into a pot and add the potatoes. Cook until soft.
- Place the salmon into your air fryer and cook at 160 C for 10-12 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are soft you can add the broccoli and asparagus to the boiling water and blanch until al dente (approximately 30 seconds – 1 minute). Drain, then rinse under cold water to prevent from cooking further and turning brown.
- Cut the broccoli and asparagus into bite-sized pieces and halve the potatoes. Toss together with the vinaigrette dressing.
- Finley chop the dill and combine ½ with yoghurt, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- It’s time to plate up! Smear the herby yoghurt dressing at the bottom of a plate, then top with the broccoli, asparagus and potatoes. Finish with chunks of salmon, and garnish with the rest of the dill.
Notes
An easy way to combine ingredients for a salad dressing is to add all the ingredients to a jar (a cleaned jam jar with a lid is ideal), simply add the ingredients, secure the lid and shake vigorously to combine. Give it a good shake before pouring it over the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Mains
- Method: Air fry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3
- Calories: 637.12kcal
- Sugar: 6.27g
- Sodium: 117.48mg
- Fat: 30.91g
- Saturated Fat: 5.73g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19.52g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54.35g
- Fiber: 5.09g
- Protein: 36.17g
- Cholesterol: 82.74mg
One Response
Thanks for an awesome recipe Jess. This was SO tasty and easy to make. Will no doubt be a weekly staple.