Some nights call for food that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t weigh you down. This air fryer salmon and sweet potatoes dish fits that need perfectly. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something nourishing but don’t have the energy for a long cooking session. The air fryer does most of the work, turning sweet potatoes into golden, slightly crispy cubes while the salmon cooks up juicy and flaky right on top.
I remember the first time I made this—it was a weekday evening, and I was halfway through a book I’d been meaning to finish for weeks, but hunger kept pulling me away. I tossed the sweet potatoes in the air fryer without much thought, then realized I forgot to preheat and had to pause with a sigh. It wasn’t perfect timing, but the smell of smoked paprika and garlic soon filled the kitchen, distracting me from my impatience. The salmon skin crisped just right while the flesh stayed tender, and the sweet potatoes were soft with a bit of caramelized edge. It all felt cozy, simple, and just enough.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s quick without sacrificing flavor—ready in about 30 minutes, which suits busy evenings.
- The air fryer makes cleanup easier, but you do lose some of that classic oven-roasted depth. It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point.
- Sweet potatoes and salmon create a balanced meal with natural sweetness and savory richness.
- Cooking the salmon on top of the potatoes means you get a little extra flavor mingling without extra dishes.
If you’re worried about the salmon skin sticking or the potatoes not crisping enough, don’t stress. The air fryer tends to be forgiving, and a quick shake or gentle lift with a spatula goes a long way.
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Air Fryer Salmon and Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A quick and healthy meal featuring perfectly cooked salmon fillets and tender sweet potato cubes, all made effortlessly in the air fryer.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin on
1 large sweet potato (about 12 ounces), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
While the sweet potatoes cook, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush the salmon fillets with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
After the sweet potatoes have cooked for 10 minutes, carefully remove the basket and place the salmon fillets skin-side down on top of the sweet potatoes.
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Remove the salmon and sweet potatoes from the air fryer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually just use whatever air fryer I have on hand—no fancy gadgets needed. Serving this with a wedge of lemon brings brightness that cuts through the richness nicely, and I like to pair it with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli when I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes I switch up the seasoning on the sweet potatoes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne if I’m in the mood for something different, though I haven’t tried those every time. Also, if you want to skip the skin on the salmon, that’s perfectly fine, but I find it crisps up so well in the air fryer it’s worth keeping on.
FAQ:
Can I make this for more than two servings? You can, but it might require cooking in batches or using a larger air fryer so everything fits without overcrowding.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can work in a pinch, though the smoky flavor is definitely a highlight here.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes? Fresh is best for texture, but if you do use frozen, just keep an eye on the timing as they might cook a bit faster or become softer.
If you’re ready for a meal that’s fuss-free but still feels like you put in effort, give this air fryer salmon and sweet potatoes a try. It might just become your weekday go-to.