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Dinner doesn’t get simpler or more delicious than this Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus. It’s the perfect mix of juicy salmon and tender asparagus, all brought to life with a delicious, zesty lemon garlic honey sauce.
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Salmon And Asparagus
I’ve got a real winner for you today, another salmon recipe! My Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus recipe is a breeze to make, taking just 22 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for those hectic weeknights. You’ll love the combination of moist, flaky salmon and crisp, green asparagus, all tied together with a zesty lemon garlic sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
My Best Tip
Pay close attention to the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets might need a bit more time in the air fryer, while thinner ones will cook faster. To ensure perfectly cooked salmon, start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon Fillets: If you want you can substitute with trout fillets. You can use both skinless fillets or with skin on.
- Asparagus: Green beans or broccoli florets are great substitutes.
- Olive Oil: Any neutral oil like avocado or canola oil will do the trick as well.
- Salt and Pepper: Feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Lemon (zested and juiced): It gives a fresh, zesty kick to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is best. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a quick fix.
- Honey: Balances the tartness of the lemon with its sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Dijon Mustard: It adds depth and a slight tang. If you’re not a mustard fan, you could skip it, or use a bit of mayonnaise for creaminess.
Preheat The Air Fryer
Start by getting your air fryer warmed up. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Some air fryers require this, some don’t so it’s best to refer to the manual.
Prepare The Asparagus
Give the asparagus a quick toss with half the olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Next, arrange the asparagus in the air fryer basket, creating a nice, even layer. This forms a bed for the salmon to rest on and allows both to cook together beautifully.
Season And Add The Salmon
Brush the salmon fillets with the remaining olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Lay them carefully over the asparagus in the basket.
Cook The Salmon And Asparagus
Set the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. This is usually enough time for the salmon to cook through and the asparagus to get tender, but remember, the thickness of your salmon might change the cooking time a bit.
Prepare The Lemon Garlic Sauce And Finish The Dish
Whip up the lemon garlic sauce. Just combine the lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard. Once everything’s cooked to perfection, carefully take the salmon and asparagus out of the air fryer. Drizzle them with the lemon garlic sauce, garnish with lemon slices and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen salmon, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry to remove any excess moisture.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The color should be an opaque pink. It’s always a good idea to start checking a few minutes before the timer goes off, especially if your fillets are on the thinner side.
What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers all work great in the air fryer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose, as some may cook quicker or slower than asparagus.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the salmon and asparagus ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the air fryer.
Expert Tips
- Check for Doneness Early: Start checking the salmon for doneness a couple of minutes before the timer. Every air fryer is a bit different, and this ensures your salmon comes out perfectly cooked.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for the sauce. It gives a brighter, fresher flavor that really elevates the dish.
- Rest the Salmon: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the salmon even more moist and flavorful.
Storage
To store any leftovers of the salmon and asparagus, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon separately for up to a month; however, I don’t recommend freezing the asparagus as it can become mushy upon thawing. For reheating, gently warm the salmon in the oven or air fryer to maintain its texture.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes
- Salmon Wellington
- Bruschetta Salmon
- Baked Salmon With Mustard Glaze
- Baked Thai Salmon
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus
Ingredients
- 4 ounces salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
- 1 pound asparagus ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket, creating an even layer at the bottom.
- Brush the salmon fillets with the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon fillets on top of the asparagus layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender. The exact cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- While the salmon and asparagus are cooking, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon and asparagus from the air fryer. Brush the lemon garlic sauce over the salmon and asparagus. Garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Tips & Notes:
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your salmon fillets are thicker or thinner than average, adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re perfectly done.
- Lemon Zest Tip: Use a fine grater for the lemon zest to get the best flavor without any bitterness.
- Even Cooking: Shake the basket halfway through cooking the asparagus for even crispiness.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking, as the salmon is moist and the asparagus is at its crispiest.
- Sauce Variation: Feel free to tweak the lemon garlic sauce to your taste, adding more honey or mustard as you like.
