Air Fryer Salmon Swiss Chard (Printer-friendly)

Crispy-skinned salmon over garlicky Swiss chard, ready in just 22 minutes for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

# What You Need:

→ Fish

01 - 2 salmon fillets, skin-on, 5-6 oz each
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
06 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges

→ Vegetables

07 - 1 large bunch Swiss chard, about 8 oz, stems trimmed and leaves chopped
08 - 2 teaspoons olive oil
09 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 - ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Steps:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season flesh side with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
02 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
03 - Place salmon fillets skin-side up in air fryer basket. Cook for 7-9 minutes until skin is crisp and flesh flakes easily with a fork. Remove and rest for 2 minutes.
04 - While salmon cooks, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Add Swiss chard and toss with garlic. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
06 - Plate sautéed Swiss chard, top with crispy-skinned salmon, and serve with lemon wedges.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The salmon skin gets crispier than stovetop methods without any splattering or smoke filling your kitchen.
  • It takes less than 25 minutes start to finish, perfect for weeknights when you want something impressive but easy.
  • The garlicky Swiss chard adds color and nutrients without extra fuss or dishes.
  • Clean up is almost nonexistent compared to pan-searing fish in oil.
02 -
  • Always pat the salmon completely dry before oiling or the skin will steam instead of crisp.
  • Resist the urge to flip the salmon midway, the skin needs constant direct heat to get that shattering crunch.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking the delicate flesh.
03 -
  • Rub a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the flesh before seasoning for a subtle tangy depth that doesn't scream mustard.
  • If your air fryer basket has wide gaps, line it with a perforated parchment liner to prevent smaller pieces from falling through.
  • Let the cooked salmon rest for 2 minutes before plating so the juices redistribute and the flesh stays moist.
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