Sometimes lunch calls for something that feels a little special but doesn’t swallow your afternoon whole. This Air Fryer Salmon Caesar Salad hits that sweet spot. The salmon cooks up with a crisp, golden edge while staying tender inside, and the romaine is dressed just right—not soggy, but coated enough to deliver that creamy Caesar punch.
One afternoon, I was juggling emails and a buzzing phone when the craving hit—something green, something with a bit of protein, something that didn’t require too much hands-on time. I pulled the salmon out, patted it dry, and seasoned it while wondering if I’d left the oven on somewhere else. The air fryer did its magic in what felt like no time. The first bite was worth the slight distraction: flaky, juicy salmon with a hint of paprika, mingling with crunchy croutons and that tangy Caesar dressing. I squeezed a lemon wedge over everything, and suddenly the whole lunch felt like a little celebration, even if the rest of the day was a bit chaotic.
It’s not every day that a salad feels like a treat, but this one manages it without fuss.
- Quick enough for a busy lunch but comforting enough to look forward to.
- The air fryer gives salmon a crispy edge that’s hard to achieve on the stovetop.
- The creamy dressing and croutons add texture and richness, but it’s not over the top — it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- Portion size fits well for two, but leftovers can be a bit tricky if the salad sits too long.
Even if you’re not usually a salad person, this might be the one that changes your mind.
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Air Fryer Salmon Caesar Salad
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A delicious and healthy Air Fryer Salmon Caesar Salad featuring perfectly cooked salmon with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin removed, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup Caesar dressing
1/2 cup croutons
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
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.
Season the salmon fillets evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
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.
While the salmon cooks, place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.
Add the Caesar dressing to the lettuce and toss gently to coat evenly.
Divide the dressed romaine lettuce between two serving plates.
Top each salad with half of the cooked salmon fillet.
Sprinkle croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each salad.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Using the air fryer means you don’t have to babysit the salmon, and it cooks evenly without extra cleanup. I usually serve this with some crusty bread or a glass of white wine, but it’s great on its own if you need something light. If you want to switch things up, you could try swapping romaine for kale or adding a handful of cherry tomatoes. Sometimes I toss in capers for a briny twist, but I haven’t tested all these combos enough to say which is best. Just trust yourself and go with what feels right in the moment.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. This helps get that nice crisp exterior.
Is it okay to dress the lettuce ahead of time? I usually don’t because it can wilt, but if you’re in a rush, dressing it right before serving works best.
Can I swap the Caesar dressing for something else? Sure, a lemon vinaigrette or even a light ranch could work if you prefer.
Give this Air Fryer Salmon Caesar Salad a try next time you need a lunch that’s quick, satisfying, and a little bit special. You might just find yourself making it again sooner than you expected.