Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry and place fillets skin-side down on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts across the fillet about ½ inch apart, without slicing all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush or rub the spice mix over the salmon, making sure to get into the cuts.
- Insert thin lemon slices into some of the slits for flavor and presentation.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon in the basket with space around each piece.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped herbs and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne to control spice level.
- Use chili flakes or sriracha for a different kind of heat.
- Top with panko in the last 2 minutes for crunch.
- Substitute with honey-lime glaze for a sweet-spicy variation.
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
