Air Fryer Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with bright lemon-dill crust, served with tender-crisp asparagus spears. This mediterranean-inspired air fryer (low-carb) ready in about 32 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, zested and juiced lemon, finely chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bunch (12 oz), trimmed asparagus
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Mix lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp dill, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub evenly over salmon skin.
- Step 2: Place asparagus in air fryer basket, drizzle with 1/2 tsp olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Step 3: Arrange salmon skin-side down in air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Add asparagus to basket, cook 5 minutes more until crisp-tender with slight char at tips.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Air Fryer Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (15 min prep + 17 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Air Fryer Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zested and juiced lemon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Air Fryer Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Air Fryer Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.