Crispy Air-Fried Salmon with Lemon-Dill Avocado Sauce
A perfectly crisp-skinned salmon fillet with a bright, creamy avocado-based sauce that's rich in healthy fats and under 5g net carbs per serving. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 22 minutes blends (170g), skin-on salmon fillets, avocado oil, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 412 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 6 oz (170g), skin-on salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 medium avocado
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 6 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Place seasoned salmon skin-side down in the basket, drizzle with 1 tbsp avocado oil, and air fry for 10-12 minutes until skin is crisp and salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While salmon cooks, scoop 1/2 medium avocado flesh into a small bowl, add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth and creamy, adding 1 tsp water if too thick.
- Step 4: Serve air-fried salmon immediately with 1/4 cup of the lemon-dill avocado sauce spooned over the top, ensuring the skin is crackling crisp and the flesh is moist and flaky.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Air-Fried Salmon with Lemon-Dill Avocado Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Crispy Air-Fried Salmon with Lemon-Dill Avocado Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Air-Fried Salmon with Lemon-Dill Avocado Sauce?
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 Crispy Air-Fried Salmon with Lemon-Dill Avocado Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Crispy Air-Fried Salmon with Lemon-Dill Avocado Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
