Zesty Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon with Asparagus!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon with Asparagus — written out in a clean, easy-to-follow format. Perfect for printing, saving, or sharing!

🍋 Zesty Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon with Asparagus 🐟

Quick • Healthy • Delicious | Ready in 15 Minutes | Serves 4

This bright and flavorful dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner — tender, flaky salmon paired with crisp, seasoned asparagus and infused with zesty lemon and garlic. All done in the air fryer in just minutes!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each), skin on or off

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley, dill, or chives)

• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat 🔥

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.

2. Make the lemon garlic marinade:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

3. Prep the salmon:
   Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them in the air fryer basket, skin side down (if using skin-on). Brush generously with the lemon garlic mixture.

4. Add the asparagus:
   Arrange trimmed asparagus around the salmon in a single layer. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper (or toss them in a bowl first with oil and seasoning for more even coating).

5. Air fry:
   Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Asparagus should be crisp-tender.

6. Serve & garnish:
   Transfer to plates, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.

💡 Tips & Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or over the top before cooking.

• Switch the veggie: Try green beans, broccoli florets, or zucchini for variety.

• Add grains: Serve over quinoa, rice, or couscous for a more filling meal.

• Meal prep–friendly: Store cooked salmon and veggies separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven.

🥄 Nutritional Highlights (approx. per serving):

Calories: ~300–350 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 20g
(Values will vary depending on salmon size and added sides.)

🫶 Who Will Love It?

This is a hit with kids, adults, picky eaters, and seafood lovers alike. Light, flavorful, and so satisfying — without the hassle.