If you’re craving a quick, wholesome dinner that’s packed with flavor and practically hassle-free, this Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus Recipe is a game changer. I love making it on busy weeknights when I want something that feels a bit fancy but comes together in a snap. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, giving you a perfectly cooked salmon with tender, slightly crisp asparagus all in one basket.
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In the Kitchen
This recipe comes together with minimal effort but maximum satisfaction. Once you've seasoned the salmon and asparagus, you simply arrange everything in the air fryer, set the timer, and relax. I appreciate how the air fryer locks in the salmon’s moisture while giving it a slight golden crust. Meanwhile, the asparagus roasts gently underneath, soaking up the savory spices and olive oil for a perfect bite every time.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Air frying at the right temperature keeps the salmon flaky without drying it out.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The top layer of salmon develops a lovely, slightly crisp surface while the asparagus gets roasted to perfection.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Lemon pepper and Texas seasoning bring bold flavor without needing complicated prep.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: This dish is elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a cozy Tuesday dinner.
Ingredients at a Glance
Quality here makes a difference—you want fresh salmon with good color and firm texture, and vibrant green asparagus for that snappy bite. The seasoning is key too, so I recommend using fresh spices or a trusted blend.
- Salmon: Aim for wild-caught if possible for better flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin for that fruity, rich aroma.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Adds a zesty brightness that complements the fish and veggies.
- Garlic Salt: Balanced seasoning without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Texas Seasoning: Or any bold steak seasoning, bringing a smoky, peppery kick.
- Asparagus: Fresh, firm stalks with closed tips are best for roasting.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus Recipe
Step 1 — Season Salmon Like a Pro
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick better. Then, generously coat both sides with lemon pepper, garlic salt, and your Texas seasoning. I like to press the spices gently into the flesh so they don't just dust off when cooking. This combo brings a bright, savory punch that’s balanced with a subtle kick.
Step 2 — Prep and Arrange the Asparagus
Wash and trim the woody ends off your asparagus—you'll notice the stalks naturally snap at the right point when bent gently. Spread the asparagus flat in the bottom of the air fryer basket, then drizzle or spritz with olive oil to encourage crisping and flavor absorption. Give it a sprinkle of lemon pepper and garlic salt so the asparagus carries the seasoning notes through the dish.
Step 3 — Layer Salmon on Top and Air Fry
Next, place the seasoned salmon fillets directly on top of the asparagus. Layering it this way lets the salmon juices drip down, flavoring your veggies beautifully as they cook together. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 15–18 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork — that’s your cue it’s done perfectly.
Things to Remember
This Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus Recipe is forgiving but some pointers help you nail it every time. Knowing when your salmon is perfectly cooked and how to keep the asparagus crisp is key. Don't rush the cooking, and use the air fryer's space wisely to promote even heat circulation.
- Doneness Cue: Salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout—avoid overcooking or it dries out.
- Temperature Trick: 350°F is the sweet spot to cook salmon gently without burning the asparagus.
- Make-Ahead Move: Season your fish and asparagus up to an hour ahead and keep refrigerated—just pat dry before cooking to prevent sogginess.
- Common Pitfall: Crowding the basket leads to uneven cooking; give some space between the salmon pieces.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I adore finishing this Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus Recipe with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or dill. It adds a lively, fresh note that brightens the dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after cooking also helps meld the flavors beautifully. If you like a little heat, a dash of red chili flakes works wonders too.
Plays Well With
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy couscous, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a tangy quinoa salad. I sometimes throw together a simple side of roasted baby potatoes or a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the salmon and the charred asparagus.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For an elevated look, arrange the asparagus tips pointing in the same direction on the plate, then nestle the salmon on top. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers for a fresh, restaurant-worthy vibe that’s still easy to pull off at home.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Salmon tends to get a bit denser after refrigeration, but reheating gently helps retain moisture. Keep the asparagus separate if you can, or enjoy it cold in a salad for a change of texture.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze cooked salmon and asparagus, but texture might shift slightly—the asparagus can become mushier. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend for keeping that wonderful texture intact: set it to 300°F and warm for about 5 minutes. If you’re using a microwave, cover the dish loosely and heat at medium power in short intervals, adding a tiny splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture. Oven reheating at 275°F wrapped in foil also works well if you aren’t in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw the salmon completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Cooking from frozen will extend the time and can result in uneven texture.
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic that smoky, peppery flavor.
Look for bright green color and a tender but still firm bite. The tips might get a little crisp but the stalk should snap gently when bitten.
Absolutely! Just cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding, which can affect texture and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus Recipe has been a favorite part of my dinner rotation. It’s one of those meals where you feel like you spent more time relaxing than cooking, but the result looks and tastes like you put in a lot of effort. With straightforward ingredients and a simple process, it’s perfect when you want healthy, delicious, and fuss-free in one package. I hope you’ll enjoy this as much as I do—it’s truly one of those recipes that makes the air fryer shine.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus Recipe
This Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal. Salmon seasoned with lemon pepper, garlic salt, and Texas seasoning is cooked perfectly atop fresh asparagus in the air fryer, ensuring juicy fish and tender-crisp vegetables with minimal effort and cleanup.
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 lb salmon
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoon Texas seasoning (or favorite steak seasoning)
Asparagus
- 1 lb asparagus, washed and trimmed
- olive oil for drizzling or spraying
- lemon pepper seasoning for sprinkling
- garlic salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Generously coat the salmon fillet with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic salt, and Texas seasoning on all sides to infuse it with bold flavors.
- Prepare the Asparagus: Place the washed and trimmed asparagus evenly in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Drizzle or spray the asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning and garlic salt to season.
- Assemble in Air Fryer: Lay the seasoned salmon fillet gently on top of the asparagus to allow the flavors to mingle and ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F and cook for 18 minutes. Cook until the salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Serve: Carefully remove the salmon and asparagus from the air fryer and plate immediately for a delicious, healthy meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if fillets are thicker or thinner than average.
- For an extra lemony flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving.
- Texas seasoning can be substituted with your favorite steak or Cajun seasoning blend.
- Make sure asparagus spears are evenly trimmed to ensure uniform cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
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