Air Fryer Herb Crusted Salmon with Green Beans
If you're looking for a quick and healthy dinner option, this air fryer herb-crusted salmon recipe is just what you need. It's not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor, thanks to a zesty herb blend and perfectly cooked green beans.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make the Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Brush this mixture generously on top of the salmon fillets.
- Prepare the Green Beans: Toss the trimmed green beans with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Cook the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the air fryer basket after the salmon has been cooking for about 4 minutes. This will allow them to cook simultaneously, becoming tender yet crisp.
- Serve: Plate the salmon and green beans together, garnished with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Cook’s tips
- Pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp crust.
- Preheat the air fryer for a full 5 minutes to guarantee even cooking.
- Add the green beans halfway through cooking so they stay tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Check the salmon at the 7-minute mark; thick fillets may need up to 10 minutes, but thin ones cook faster.
- For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon right before serving.
Substitutions
- Use asparagus or broccoli instead of green beans, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Swap dried oregano and thyme for fresh herbs (use 3 times the amount).
- Replace olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter.
- Use skinless salmon fillets if you prefer, but reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a spicy kick.
Storage & reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before seasoning. Increase the cooking time by about 2-3 minutes.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Can I add other vegetables to the air fryer?
Absolutely, but adjust cooking times. Quick-cooking veggies like zucchini or bell peppers can be added at the same time as the green beans; root vegetables may need a head start.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake the salmon and green beans in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, but the texture will be less crispy.
