Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe

If you love quick weeknight dinners that feel a bit fancy without all the fuss, you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe. It’s bright, flavorful, and comes together in about 15 minutes flat — perfect for those busy days when you want something healthy but delicious. I absolutely love how the lemon and dill complement the rich salmon, and the air fryer gives it a perfectly tender and flaky finish every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list here is delightfully simple but packs in all the flavor. I always recommend getting fresh dill if you can—it makes a noticeable difference. And selecting center-cut salmon fillets ensures nice, even cooking.

• Salmon fillets: Opt for center-cut pieces to get even thickness, which helps them cook consistently in the air fryer.
• Lemons: Fresh lemons sliced thin create the perfect citrus bed without being overpowering.
• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for that subtle fruitiness it adds to the salmon.
• Fresh dill: Fresh is best here; it brightens up the whole dish and pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Salt and pepper: Season well but don’t overdo it—you want the salmon and herbs to shine.

Variations

While I love the classic lemon and dill combo, I’m all for making this recipe your own. Play around with different herbs or additions to suit your taste buds or what’s in the fridge! It’s a flexible recipe that’s hard to mess up.

• Herb swap: I once swapped dill for fresh tarragon, and it brought a lovely licorice note that my family went crazy for.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper before air frying for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Garlic butter glaze: If you want to indulge a bit, brush melted garlic butter over the salmon before cooking—so rich and delicious.
• Seasonal citrus: Swap lemon slices with orange or even grapefruit for a sweeter, more aromatic flavor variation.

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Lemon Bed

Start by slicing your lemons super thin—about an eighth of an inch thick. Lay these slices flat inside the air fryer basket to create a natural bed for the salmon. I found this trick keeps the fish from sticking and infuses it with gentle citrus flavor. Plus, it makes cleanup way easier!

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on top of the lemon slices. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the fish, then sprinkle generously with freshly chopped dill, salt, and pepper. I like to be generous here, but if you have a delicate palate, you can always adjust the dill quantity to your liking.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook the salmon for about 8 to 10 minutes. Timing depends a bit on your fillet thickness, so look for that signature bright pink color and flaky texture when it’s done. An internal temperature of 145°F is the sweet spot. I use an instant-read thermometer to be sure — you don’t want to overcook and dry out your salmon!

Step 4: Serve with a Squeeze

Once cooked, remove the salmon fillets and lemon slices onto your plate. Give those tender lemon slices a little squeeze over the salmon to add an extra zing of fresh citrus flavor. It’s a game changer!

Step 5: Store Any Leftovers

If you have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Salmon like this reheats nicely if you follow my tips below.

How to Serve Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill and a wedge of lemon on the side for a pop of color and extra zing. Sometimes, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple to keep the spotlight on the salmon: roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. I find these complement the flavors and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests or special occasions, I like serving the salmon on a bed of quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and lemon zest, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. It’s a stunning presentation and always impresses!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let the salmon cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually put a little lemon slice back on top to keep the flavor fresh. This keeps the salmon moist and ready for a quick meal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked air fryer salmon with success by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months, but I recommend eating it within that time for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the salmon back into the air fryer at 300°F for about 3-4 minutes. This prevents it from drying out like the microwave sometimes does. The skin crisps up nicely again, and the salmon stays juicy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to meals — not just because it’s tasty and healthy, but it feels special with almost zero effort. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how incredibly tender and flavorful the salmon turned out, thanks to the magic of that lemon bed and fresh dill. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family and I do! It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a busy day.

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