Air Fryer Salmon Salad: Easy Recipe in Under 20 Minutes!

air fryer salmon salad. The very words conjure up memories of lazy summer afternoons spent by the coast, the salty air mingling with the aroma of freshly grilled salmon. It's comfort food reimagined, a light yet satisfying dish born from my love for healthy eating and my eternal quest for easy weeknight meals. This air fryer salmon salad is so good, you will want to make it again and again. I can't wait to share this gem with you!

Growing up, salmon was a special occasion dish. My grandmother, with her effortless cooking style, would bake it to perfection, flaked it over crisp lettuce, and drizzled it with a lemon vinaigrette. This air fryer salmon salad is my modern take on that classic, using the air fryer for perfectly cooked salmon in a fraction of the time. It's a dish that connects me to my past while embracing the joys of quick and healthy cooking.

Why You Will Love This air fryer salmon salad Recipe

This air fryer salmon salad recipe is a game changer for several reasons. First, the air fryer cooks the salmon to flaky perfection in under 15 minutes. Forget dry, overcooked salmon this air fryer method delivers moist, tender fish every time.

Plus, it's incredibly versatile. You can customize the salad with your favorite greens, vegetables, and dressings. I love adding avocado, cucumber, and a sprinkle of dill for a fresh, vibrant flavor. It's a crowd pleaser for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a potluck contribution. This dish brings comfort, speed, flavor and ease all in one package.

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Ingredients Needed for This air fryer salmon salad Recipe

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious air fryer salmon salad:

• For the Air Fryer Salmon:

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Salad:

  • 6 cups mixed greens
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)

• For the Lemon Dill Vinaigrette:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This air fryer salmon salad Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for a perfect air fryer salmon salad.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the salmon. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the salmon fillets with the olive oil mixture, ensuring they're evenly coated.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if using skin on fillets. Ensure they are in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon. You can also use this method to test Air Fryer Cod Salad.
6. While the salmon is cooking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper for the vinaigrette.
8. Once the salmon is cooked, let it cool slightly, then flake it into bite-sized pieces.
9. Add the flaked salmon to the salad bowl and gently toss everything together.
10. Drizzle the lemon dill vinaigrette over the salad and toss again to coat.
11. Garnish with extra fresh dill, if desired.

How to Serve This air fryer salmon salad Recipe

This air fryer salmon salad is a complete meal on its own, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a crusty baguette or a side of quinoa.

Consider serving this refreshing salad at your next brunch. Or maybe you’d like a variation using Air Fryer Shrimp Salad. Enhance the dish by adding toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutritional value. A sprinkle of feta cheese can also add a tangy twist. For a fun plating idea, serve the salad in individual lettuce cups for an elegant presentation.

How to Store This air fryer salmon salad Recipe

Store leftover air fryer salmon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to store the vinaigrette separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in the air fryer or microwave if desired, although it's also delicious cold. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the salmon and vegetables.

Tips to Make This air fryer salmon salad Recipe

*For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon seasoning or the vinaigrette.

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, or even roasted sweet potatoes would be delicious additions.
• Success Tips: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the salmon. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the salmon will result in a dry, less flavorful dish. Use a fork to check for doneness; it should flake easily.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure they get nice and crispy in the air fryer.

Helpful Notes for This air fryer salmon salad Recipe

If you don't have fresh dill on hand, dried dill can be substituted, though the flavor won't be quite as vibrant just use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill. The salmon fillets can either be skin on or off. Air frying it without the skin will take about 2 minutes less than air frying with the skin on. This would also be a great way to use the salmon in a Air Fryer Turkey Salad recipe.

Variation of This air fryer salmon salad Recipe

For a Mediterranean twist, add Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of Greek yogurt dressing. For an Asian inspired variation, substitute the lemon dill vinaigrette with a sesame ginger dressing and add edamame, shredded carrots, and sliced almonds.

For a summer version, use grilled corn and peaches. You can also make it a spicy version by adding jalapenos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This air fryer salmon salad it's more than just a salad; it's a celebration of fresh flavors and easy cooking. Imagine yourself enjoying this dish on a sunny afternoon, the taste of the salmon perfectly complementing the crisp vegetables and tangy vinaigrette. I hope this recipe inspires you to experiment and create your own delicious variations. I can't wait to hear how yours turns out!

Air Fryer Salmon Salad: Easy Recipe in Under 20 Minutes!

This air fryer salmon salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Flaky air fried salmon is combined with fresh greens, vegetables, and a tangy lemon dill vinaigrette.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 30g

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush salmon with the mixture.
4. Place salmon in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Combine mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl.
7. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper for the vinaigrette.
8. Let the salmon cool slightly, then flake it into bite sized pieces.
9. Add the flaked salmon to the salad bowl and gently toss everything together.
10. Drizzle the lemon dill vinaigrette over the salad and toss again to coat.
11. Garnish with extra fresh dill, if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon seasoning or the vinaigrette.
• You can substitute your favorite vegetables.
• Store leftover air fryer salmon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the vinaigrette separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.