This recipe for Air-Fried Salmon and Asparagus is not only a delicious and healthy meal option but also incredibly easy to prepare. The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you achieve a perfectly cooked salmon fillet with a crispy exterior and tender asparagus spears in no time. The combination of savory salmon, fresh asparagus, and a zesty yogurt-dill sauce creates a delightful culinary experience. In this guide, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions and essential tips to ensure your air-fried salmon and asparagus turn out flavorful and perfectly cooked.
INGREDIENTS:
- Two to six-ounce salmon fillets
- Black pepper and Kosher salt
- Two teaspoons avocado oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- One tablespoon finely chopped dill
- One clove of garlic, finely minced
- One lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- One bunch of asparagus
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preparing the Salmon and Asparagus:
- Place a small round of butter paper in the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Season the salmon fillets with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Brush each fillet with one teaspoon of avocado oil.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Set the air fryer to the “Fish” setting at 330 degrees Fahrenheit. Reduce the cooking time to 15 minutes for medium-rare or 20 minutes for medium to well-done salmon, depending on the thickness of the fish.
- Once the salmon is cooked to your desired level, carefully remove it from the air fryer, place it on a plate, and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
- Remove the piece of butter paper from the air fryer basket.
- Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and place them in the basket.
- Sprinkle the asparagus with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Optionally, brush them with a small amount of oil.
- Select the “Fry” setting at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce the cooking time to 8 minutes. Cook the asparagus until they reach your desired level of tenderness. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Preparing the Yogurt-Dill Sauce:
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, finely chopped dill, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small serving bowl.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
Serving:
- Serve the air-fried salmon and asparagus alongside the zesty yogurt-dill sauce for a delightful and healthy meal.
TIPS FOR MAKING AIR-FRIED SALMON AND ASPARAGUS:
- Choosing Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh salmon fillets that are two to six ounces each for even cooking.
- Seasoning: Season the salmon fillets generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Prevent Sticking: Placing a small round of butter paper in the bottom of the air fryer basket helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the surface.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time for salmon may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred level of doneness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Tender Asparagus: Trim the tough ends of the asparagus before air frying and cook until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
- Zesty Yogurt-Dill Sauce: Prepare the yogurt-dill sauce in advance to complement the flavors of the salmon and asparagus.
Enjoy the combination of crispy salmon, tender asparagus, and the refreshing sauce for a satisfying dining experience. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick and flavorful meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or healthfulness.