This Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon is a main dish and side dish all-in-one, and it’ll be ready in just 15 minutes! The salmon is tender and flaky, while the Yukon potatoes are cooked to perfection, all coated in a zesty lemon pepper marinade.
Serve this easy meal at your next dinner party, date night, or for a healthy weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Lemon Pepper Salmon
This dish, just like my Mediterranean Salmon recipe, is an evergreen recipe! The air fryer makes this such a quick and easy option for a wholesome weeknight meal, or for hosting a dinner party. The marinade covers both the salmon and potatoes, so all you need is maybe another vegetable/side dish – like green beans! – to complete the table.
The lemon pepper marinade is bursting with fresh flavor, but it’s oh-so-easy to make! This is truly one of those recipes that takes minimal effort but tastes elegant and restaurant-worthy. You could also make a little extra marinade to toss into a simple salad, or drizzle over the cooked salmon for extra flavor.
You’re going to adore this juicy salmon straight out of the air fryer, but make sure you don’t underestimate those leftovers! Shred it up with your fork to enjoy in a salad for lunch the next day, or add it to a Buddha bowl. Enjoy!
Ingredients
This recipe is comprised of salmon, Yukon potatoes, and a marinade. Luckily, the marinade goes on both the salmon and potatoes to keep this recipe simple and cohesive.
Start with salmon and some baby gold Yukon potatoes. The remaining ingredients are to make the lemon pepper marinade and to garnish.
- Lemons – juiced and zested
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh oregano – minced
- Kosher salt
How To Make This Lemon Pepper Salmon Air Fryer Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Salmon Filets
If needed, cut the salmon into 3-4 filets and check for any bones in the flesh. Set the salmon aside and make the marinade.
Step 2: Make Marinade
In a medium sized bowl, mix together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano. Brush half of this mixture over the salmon filets while you preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Step 3: Dress Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the other half of the marinade until they’re all well coated.
Step 4: Air Fry Salmon
Add 2-4 salmon filets to the preheated air fryer basket, depending on how large your air fryer can accommodate. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket as you add half (or all) the potatoes surrounding the salmon.
Step 5: Air Fry
Cook your salmon and potatoes at 400 F for 10 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and golden brown. If the potatoes are not fork tender, you can remove the salmon and then continue to cook them for 2-3 minutes. Garnish your dish with ½ a lemon and extra cracked black pepper.
FAQs
How can you tell if your salmon is boneless?
Run your fingers down the length of your salmon filet. You should be able to easily feel the bones. If you feel one, you’ll likely feel another few in quick succession. Use your fingers (or better yet – tweezers) to carefully pull the bones out of the salmon.
What temperature to cook a salmon filet in an air fryer?
Air fry your salmon at 400 degrees F. Keep in mind that you need to allow the air fryer to preheat, and check the salmon’s doneness with a fork. Air fryers vary based on brand and the cook time will vary based on how much your air fryer can hold, so it’s always best to check the fish for flakiness with a fork before determining if it needs more time.
How do you cook salmon in an air fryer without it sticking?
You can use parchment paper in the air fryer, or lightly coat the air fryer basket with a spray or oil.
Are you supposed to flip salmon in the air fryer?
No, there’s no need to flip salmon in the air fryer because it cooks so quickly and the air fryer’s heat surrounds the fish instead of coming from one direction.
How long is this salmon good for?
Allow your salmon to cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon is perfect for a dinner party! You can have your salmon and potatoes marinating a few hours before your guests arrive and while you’re serving them drinks, and then all you have to do is pop everything in the air fryer about 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve it up. Here are some additional serving ideas!
- Drinks: Offer a refreshing strawberry lemon mocktail for anyone who may not be drinking alcohol, but a limoncello spritz or limoncello martini would be great for those who want a cocktail.
- Pairings: This recipe is simple and can be served as-is with an additional vegeable side dish like roasted maple bacon brussels sprouts, or even an orzo pesto salad. However, you can also add this salmon to another recipe like salmon and leek risotto, a salmon quinoa bowl, or salmon stir-fry. These would be great options for using leftover salmon!
- Desserts: Stay on theme with lemon and citrus flavors by offering a refreshing key lime cake, lemon poppy seed loaf cake, or a lemon blueberry layer cake with lemon buttercream. Yum!
More Salmon Recipes To Try
- Blood Orange Salmon and Ginger Garlic Stir Fry
- Pineapple Salmon
- Cedar Plank Salmon
- Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Salad
- Asian Ginger Garlic Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
If you make this Lemon Pepper Salmon, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!
I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon
ingredients
- 1 lb salmon cut into 4 pieces
- 1 lemon zested
- 1 ½ lemons juiced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano minced
- 1/2-1 lb baby gold yukon potatoes
- kosher salt
instructions
- If needed, cut salmon into 3-4 filets and check for any bones in the flesh. Set aside and make the marinade.
- In a medium bowl mix together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano. Brush 1/2 the mixture evenly over the salmon filets. Preheat the air fryer to 400 F.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the other half of the marinade until well coated.
- Add 2-4 salmon filets to the preheated air fryer basket, depending on how large your air fryer can accommodate. Add 1/2 or all of the potatoes surrounding the salmon but being mindful not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even browning.
- Cook at 400 F for 10 minutes or until the fish is flaky and golden brown. If the potatoes are not fork tender you can continue to cook for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with ½ lemon and extra cracked black pepper.
notes
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