Sometimes, the day slips away faster than expected, and suddenly it’s dinner time with no elaborate plans. This air fryer salmon and shrimp recipe is exactly what you need when you want something healthy, tasty, and ready in a flash.
One evening last week, I barely remembered to start cooking until my stomach reminded me with a loud growl. I grabbed the salmon fillets from the fridge and peeled the shrimp while the air fryer preheated. The smell of garlic and paprika hitting the hot olive oil was already making me impatient. I set the salmon skin-side down, arranged the shrimp around it, and hit start. The kitchen filled with a warm, inviting aroma that made me forget the chaos of the day. When it was done, the salmon flaked perfectly, and the shrimp had that just-right pink glow. I squeezed some lemon over everything, and honestly, it was almost too good to believe it came together so quickly. I’m pretty sure I’ll be making this on those other nights when time is tight but hunger is real.
- Quick turnaround: From prep to plate in about 22 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Balanced flavors: Garlic, lemon, and paprika bring brightness without overwhelming the natural seafood taste.
- Simple but satisfying: It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
- Healthy and light: Skin-on salmon plus shrimp delivers protein and omega-3s without weighing you down.
If you’re worried about overcooking or whether the shrimp will stick, just keep an eye through the air fryer basket window. I usually check around 10 minutes, but every model’s a little different.
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Air Fryer Salmon and Shrimp
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and delicious air fryer recipe featuring perfectly cooked salmon fillets and shrimp seasoned with garlic and lemon, ideal for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the salmon fillets with half of the seasoned olive oil mixture on all sides.
In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
Arrange the shrimp around the salmon fillets in a single layer.
Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
After 10 minutes, check the shrimp and salmon for doneness. The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the salmon should flake easily with a fork.
If needed, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Remove the salmon and shrimp from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.
Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the seafood and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Don’t worry about fancy gear here—an air fryer with a decent basket size will do the trick. I usually serve this with a quick side salad or some roasted veggies, but sometimes I just go straight for the bread to soak up those lemony juices. Sometimes I toss in a sprinkle of chili flakes or swap parsley for dill if that’s what’s on hand. And if you feel like mixing it up, cooking the shrimp a minute or two less keeps them juicier, though I haven’t tested all timing possibilities yet.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw them fully and pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have paprika? You can skip it or replace with smoked chili powder for a different twist.
Is it okay to cook the salmon and shrimp together? Definitely—just keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
Ready to skip the fuss and get dinner done? Save this recipe, print it out, and keep it handy for your next busy night craving something fresh and flavorful.