Some nights, you just want something straightforward that feels like a treat without the fuss. This air fryer salmon with quinoa fits that perfectly — it’s a quick, nourishing meal that sneaks in flavor without needing a ton of hands-on time.
I remember the first time I tried this combo — I was a little distracted by a phone call and almost forgot to check on the salmon. When I finally did, the kitchen smelled like something special was happening, even though I had barely lifted a finger. The salmon skin came out crisp, while the inside stayed tender and flaky. The quinoa, with its subtle lemon and parsley kick, was just bright enough to balance the richness without being overpowering. I wasn’t sure if I’d want leftovers, but somehow I found myself looking forward to the next day’s lunch.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s fast and fuss-free — the air fryer does most of the work, which means less time in the kitchen and more time to relax.
- The salmon turns out juicy on the inside with a nicely crisped skin, but you might need to keep an eye on your air fryer’s quirks to avoid overcooking.
- The quinoa adds a light, refreshing contrast, but it’s simple enough that it won’t steal the spotlight.
- Perfect for a casual weeknight or when you want something healthy but satisfying.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated ingredients or techniques, just honest food.
If you’re feeling a bit unsure about air frying salmon, don’t worry — it’s easier than it looks, and you can always adjust the seasoning to your taste.
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Air Fryer Salmon with Quinoa
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A healthy and delicious meal featuring perfectly cooked air fryer salmon served alongside fluffy quinoa. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with protein and nutrients.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, skin on
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 cup dry quinoa
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
While the quinoa cooks, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket skin side down, making sure they do not overlap.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
When the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley.
Serve the air fryer salmon fillets on a plate alongside the lemon parsley quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually rely on a basic air fryer basket, nothing fancy, and it works fine. When serving, a squeeze of extra lemon on the salmon never hurts, especially if you like a bit more brightness. If you want to switch things up, you can try swapping the parsley in the quinoa for fresh dill or basil — I haven’t tested all the herbs, but it’s easy to experiment. Another idea is tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch, though that’s definitely optional. And if you’re short on time, you could cook the quinoa in advance and just reheat it gently.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen salmon fillets? Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
Is the quinoa difficult to cook? Not really, just rinse it well and keep an eye on the water absorption.
Can I double the recipe? You can, but avoid crowding the air fryer basket to keep the salmon crispy.
Ready to bring simple, healthy flavor to your table? Give this air fryer salmon with quinoa a try and see how it fits into your weeknight rotation.