Some weeknights call for comfort food, while others call for something that feels a little lighter without adding extra work.

That’s exactly why this garlic herb air fryer salmon has become one of my favorite easy dinners.

The air fryer cooks salmon beautifully, giving it a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky. Pair it with roasted broccoli, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s ready in about 15 minutes.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it feels a little fancy, even though it’s incredibly simple. The garlic and herbs add plenty of flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients, making it perfect for busy evenings.

If you’re new to cooking salmon, don’t be intimidated. The air fryer makes it surprisingly easy and takes much of the guesswork out of getting perfectly cooked fish.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier dinner option or just want something different from chicken, this recipe is a great one to add to your weekly meal rotation.

Easy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Salmon

We love salmon at our house. And this recipe is sure to be something everyone will enjoy.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salmon

• 4 salmon filets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt, pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• lemon wedges for serving

Broccoli

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper

Method

 

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
3. Brush the salmon with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over each fillet.
5. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Place the salmon and broccoli in the air fryer basket, making sure they are arranged in a single layer.
7. Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until it flakes easily with a fork.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Thicker salmon fillets may need an extra minute or two.

Fresh or frozen salmon both work well (thaw frozen salmon first).

Avoid overcrowding the basket so the broccoli roasts evenly.

This recipe pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.

Suggested Pairings

• Steamed rice
• Quinoa
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Side salad
• Dinner rolls
• Fresh fruit

Final Thoughts

Healthy dinners don’t have to be complicated.

This Garlic Herb Air Fryer Salmon is one of those recipes that feels fresh, satisfying, and easy enough to make on even the busiest weeknights. If you’re trying to add more seafood to your meal plan without spending a lot of time in the kitchen, this recipe is definitely worth keeping on hand.