Easy Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables

Air fryer salmon and vegetables is a nutritious and convenient dish made with seasoned salmon fillets and fresh vegetables air fried to perfection. The crispy fish and veggies are finished with a sweet and savory umami glaze.

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My air fryer has become my new favorite kitchen tool. When I first got it, I started off with the basics, fried fish, fried potatoes, and other vegetables. Recently I tried using it to make a whole meal. I was looking for something on the healthier side so I experimented with this salmon and vegetables recipe. It turned out SO good.

This air fryer meal has been a staple in our home on weeknights for a few reasons. First, it takes less than 30 minutes to make. Second, there's minimal dish clean up when you're done. Third, everyone loves it and it's healthy too! It's very similar to a baked salmon with vegetables recipe but everything can be made easily in the air fryer.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works So Well
• Equipment Needed
• Ingredient Notes
• Other Vegetables You Can Use
• How It's Made
• What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables
• Must Try Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Air Fryer Recipes
• Easy Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Even Cooking: The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures even cooking and browning for both the salmon and vegetables, resulting in a consistent texture and flavor throughout the dish. Plus it's easy to toss the vegetables mid way through and place the basket back into the air fryer without worrying about making a mess.

Crispy Texture: The air fryer's rapid cooking process creates a crispy outer layer on the air fryer roasted salmon and vegetables, adding a satisfying crunch while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

Quick Preparation: The air fryer's efficient heating reduces cooking time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Don't worry about waiting for the oven to preheat or standing over a stove to make sure everything has cooked perfectly.

Healthy Option: Air frying requires less oil and it also helps to retain the nutritional value of the salmon and veggies. You don't have to worry about a soggy or oily dinner with an air fryer.

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer: This is the main piece of equipment for cooking. Choose an air fryer big enough for salmon and vegetables.

Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping, slicing, and preparing the vegetables.

Mixing Bowl: For tossing the veggies with seasonings and oil before air frying.

Sauce Pan: To cook the sauce.

Mixing Spoons: To mixture vegetables and stir the sauce.

Ingredient Notes

Skinless Salmon Filets - I recommend using fresh salmon filets. It's going to taste better than frozen and if used immediately you won't have as much of that fishy flavor.

Red Bell Pepper - For color and sweetness. You can use yellow pepper or orange pepper instead.

Head of Broccoli - For added nutrition and

Olive Oil - I used an extra virgin olive oil. You can use any oil you have on hand. Try sesame oil, avocado oil, or canola oil.

Salt and Black Pepper - To enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.

Sauce

Soy Sauce - For the umami and savory element of the sauce. It also gives the sauce a nice rich dark color. You can substitute with liquid aminos for a gluten free alternative in the air fryer salmon recipe.

Brown Sugar - To balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and bring sweetness to the sauce. It makes the sauce taste more like a sweetened teriyaki.

Garlic Cloves - Fresh minced garlic cloves are going to be best for this recipe. Using pre-minced may give a slightly different flavor. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can be substituted if you don't have fresh cloves on hand.

Sesame Oil - A delicious oil packed with flavor. It takes the sauce to the next level. Don't have sesame oil? You can use canola or vegetable oil instead.

Corn Starch - To thicken the sauce giving it more of a glaze texture.

Red Pepper Flake - For heat. Adding red pepper flake is one of my favorite ways to add spice to a dish without changing the flavor. You can always add a little bit of sriracha instead.

Garnish 

Sesame seeds and fresh chives - To add a touch of crunch and freshness to the salmon and vegetables

Other Vegetables You Can Use

I decided to use red bell pepper and broccoli in this salmon air fryer recipe for a few reasons. One, I had these two vegetables on hand already. Two, I wanted to put an asian spin on this recipe and felt that red pepper and broccoli would go great with a sweet teriyaki inspired sauce.

However, don't feel limited to the vegetables you can use in this recipe. Evaluate what you have on hand and use that instead. Have an empty fridge? Consider using vegetables that are currently in season when you're making this.

Below are a few of my favorite veggies to use when I'm cooking in the air fryer. Let me know if you end up trying any of these.

Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears cook quickly and pair beautifully with the salmon recipe.

Zucchini: Sliced zucchini becomes wonderfully crispy in the air fryer and complements the salmon's flavors. This is also a great choice for the summer.

Cauliflower: Cauliflower florets provide a delicious and nutritious option with a satisfying crunch.

Carrots: Sliced or baby carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color. These cook up very nicely in the air fryer.

Green Beans: Crispy green beans offer a refreshing and nutritious component.

Onions: Sliced onions can caramelize and add depth to the dish's flavors.

Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can bring a rich umami flavor and pleasant texture.

Snow Peas: These offer a crispy and sweet addition to the dish.

Keep in mind the cooking times of different vegetables may vary. Consider layering the vegetables in the air fryer basket accordingly or add them at different times during the cooking process to ensure everything cooks evenly.

How It's Made

Step 1. Place the bell peppers and broccoli in a bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Add to the air fryer basket. Set aside. 

Step 2. Place salmon filets on a dry surface. Pat dry both sides with a paper towel. Gently rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil all over the salmon and top both sides of each filet with salt and pepper to taste. Place in the air fryer basket on top of the vegetables. Set aside.

Step 3. Place all of the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and whisk until the corn starch is well combined with the sauce. 

Step 4. Heat over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. 

Step 5. Pour half of the sauce over the salmon and vegetables. Place in the air fryer and cook at 390 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Gently stir the vegetables half way through. 

Step 6. Once done remove the salmon and vegetables from the air fryer. Pour the rest of the sauce over top of the air fried salmon and vegetables. Top with sesame seeds and fresh chives. Serve immediately. 

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables

Air fryer salmon and veggies is a wholesome and balanced dish on its own, but you can complement it with various side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for sides that pair well with this dish:

Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon and vegetables over cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty and filling meal. Air fryer salmon and rice with vegetables can be a delicious and complete meal.

Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the warm salmon and vegetables.

Roasted Potatoes: Roasted or air-fried potatoes make a delicious and comforting side dish.

Couscous: Fluffy couscous is quick to prepare and works well as a neutral base for the salmon and vegetables.

Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread can be a flavorful accompaniment to the salmon and vegetables.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting contrast to the crispy salmon and vegetable recipe.

Grains and Legumes: Serve the salmon vegetable recipe with a side of cooked lentils, chickpeas, or your favorite grains for added protein and fiber.

Must Try Variations

There are so many different ways to make this air fryer salmon and vegetables recipe. Skip the sauce and try these variations instead.

Lemon-Herb Salmon: Season the salmon with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme before air frying. Pair it with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers for a burst of flavors.

Mediterranean Delight: Season the salmon with Mediterranean spices like oregano, basil, and paprika. Serve with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and olives for a Mediterranean flair.

Spicy Cajun: Coat the salmon with a Cajun spice blend for some heat. Pair it with corn on the cob, okra, and bell peppers for a Southern-inspired meal.

Pesto Paradise: Top the salmon with a layer of pesto before air frying. Serve with a combination of roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and red onion.

Coconut Lime: Create a coconut-lime marinade for the salmon using coconut milk and lime juice. Serve with a mix of green beans, snow peas, and bell peppers for a tropical touch.

Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush the salmon with a honey mustard glaze before air frying. Pair it with roasted carrots, parsnips, and green beans for a sweet and tangy combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the salmon is fully cooked?

There are a few ways to know that the salmon is fully cooked. The first and most reliable way is to test it with a meat thermometer. You want to make sure the thickest part of the salmon is 145°F (63°C).

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you want to look at the salmon's flakiness, color, and texture. Gently insert a fork or the edge of a knife into the thickest part of the salmon and twist. The salmon should easily flake apart and appear opaque all the way through. If the flesh is still translucent or resists flaking, it needs more cooking time.

Cooked salmon should have an even, opaque color. The flesh should transition from bright orange (for wild salmon) or pink (for farm-raised salmon) to a paler shade, without any raw or translucent areas. Cooked salmon should be tender and moist, with a slight firmness to the touch. Overcooked salmon tends to become dry and less appealing.

Can I make air fryer salmon and vegetables in foil?

Yes, you can make air fryer salmon and vegetables in foil but there are a few things to keep in mind.

If you're using foil, you can make clean up a breeze by cooking in foil packets. Doing this helps to keep the flavors and juices contained and prevents the ingredients from sticking to the air fryer basket.

As you're assembling the foil packets, make sure they're not sealed too tightly. Leave a small opening at the top to allow air to circulate. Extend the cook time slightly since the foil can slightly slow down the cooking process.

Depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the foil packets, you might need to cook the packets in batches if they don't all fit comfortably in the basket.

How do I reheat the salmon and vegetables?

Air Fryer Method: Lay the salmon and vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat at 300 degrees for about 3-5 minutes or until heated through. Be sure to check occasionally to avoid drying out.

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon and vegetables in an oven-safe dish or a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Microwave Method: Place the salmon and vegetables on a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid. Reheat on medium power (50-70%) for about 1-2 minutes. Check halfway through to assess the temperature and adjust if needed. If the vegetables need more time, continue reheating in 30-second intervals until they're warmed through.

How do I store the salmon and vegetables?

Allow the cooked air fryer salmon and broccoli to cool down at room temperature for about 1 hour before storing. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container. Place the cooled salmon and vegetables in separate airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for around 3-4 days.

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