Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus
Marci LoehnerThis Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus recipe is hands down one recipe that I could eat every night of the week and not get bored with it!
Why Marci Loves This Recipe
- An easy keto/low carb meal!
- It's all made together in the air fryer.
- Very little clean up.
- Packed full of flavor.
- I'll use leftovers in a salad with strawberries the next day!
Ingredients for Salmon and Asparagus
- 1 lb salmon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 2 tbsp Texas Seasoning or favorite steak seasoning
- 1 lb. asparagus washed and trimmed
How To Make Salmon and Asparagus in the Air Fryer
First, drizzle olive oil all over the salmon evenly. This will help the seasonings to stick and create a crust on the skin of the salmon.
Next, season your salmon generously with lemon pepper, garlic salt and Texas seasoning.
Place the asparagus into the bottom of an air fryer basket. Drizzle or spray the asparagus with olive oil. Next, season the asparagus with lemon pepper and garlic salt.
Place the salmon on top of the asparagus. Air fry at 350° for 15-18 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus
- Arrange the salmon and asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket gently or turn the asparagus to ensure they cook evenly.
- For an extra zest, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and asparagus just before serving.
- Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dill to add variety to your meal.
How to Tell When Salmon is Done
Determining when salmon is perfectly cooked can be a bit tricky, but there are a few telltale signs to look out for.
The salmon should change from a translucent, raw color to an opaque pink throughout.
Another method is to gently press down on the top of the salmon with a fork; if it flakes easily, it's ready.
The internal temperature should also reach 145°F (63°C) when checked with a food thermometer at the thickest part of the fillet.
Remember, the salmon will continue to cook slightly after it's removed from the air fryer due to residual heat, so it's often best to err on the side of slight undercooking and allow it to rest before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Let the salmon and asparagus cool to room temperature before storing them to avoid condensation that can make the vegetables soggy. Use airtight containers to keep the moisture out and store in the refrigerator.
The salmon and asparagus will stay fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes can help restore the crispiness, making your meal almost as good as when it was freshly made.
FAQS
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and doesn't end up overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.
Q: How do I prevent the asparagus from becoming soggy?
A: Make sure to pat the asparagus dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture. Also, be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket with too many vegetables, as this can cause them to steam instead of roast.
Q: Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with a variety of fish such as cod, tilapia, or trout. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the fillet.
