Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
Flaky salmon fillets with a zesty lemon-herb glaze, paired with tender, charred asparagus spears. This mediterranean-inspired air fryer ready in about 26 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon lemon juice, teaspoon dried dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 130 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 (4 ounces each, about 1 pound total), skin-on salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bunch (about 12 ounces), trimmed asparagus
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets (1 pound total) dry with paper towels, then brush 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Step 2: Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl; rub this mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, then arrange 1 bunch asparagus (12 ounces, trimmed) around the salmon.
- Step 4: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus has tender-crisp spears with slightly charred edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 26 minutes (12 min prep + 14 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 Lemon Herb 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Lemon Herb 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 Lemon Herb 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.
What goes well with Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus?
Mediterranean air fryer like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 14-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
