Description
This Easy Air Fryer Salmon with Flavor-Packed Leafy Greens recipe offers a quick and healthy meal featuring perfectly cooked salmon fillets paired with a mix of tender spinach and kale. The salmon is seasoned with garlic powder, lemon juice, and herbs, then air fried to juicy perfection while the greens remain crisp and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 ounces Salmon Fillets (Fresh salmon fillets, about 4 to 6 ounces per serving)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Used to coat the salmon and greens)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Enhances the flavor profile)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Adds acidity to balance the richness of the salmon)
- To taste Kosher Salt (Enhances natural flavors)
- To taste Black Pepper (Freshly cracked for seasoning)
Leafy Greens
- 4 cups Mixed Leafy Greens (Combination of spinach and kale)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs (Such as dill, parsley, or thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking environment for the salmon and greens.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle them with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for enhanced flavor.
- Marinate with Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon fillets and allow them to marinate for 5-10 minutes. This adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the fish.
- Season the Leafy Greens: In a large bowl, toss the mixed spinach and kale with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme for a flavorful side.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the salmon fillets skin side down in the air fryer basket. Arrange the seasoned leafy greens evenly around the salmon to cook simultaneously.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the greens should be tender yet crisp.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the basket from the air fryer and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes to lock in juices and improve flavor.
- Serve: Plate the salmon fillets alongside the cooked leafy greens, garnishing with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired for an extra pop of freshness.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your specific air fryer model.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the salmon seasoning.
- Use skin-on salmon to help keep the fillets moist during cooking and for easier handling.
- The leafy greens can be swapped for any combination of your favorite greens such as Swiss chard, arugula, or mustard greens.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
