American Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon-Garlic Broccoli and Rice

Ingredients

• 1/4 tsp salt

  Substitute: Sea salt

• 1 tbsp butter

  Substitute: Olive oil

• 1 tbsp olive oil

  Substitute: Canola oil

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  Substitute: Fresh minced garlic (1/4 clove)

• 1/4 tsp paprika

  Substitute: Chili powder (pinch)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

  Substitute: White pepper

• 2 (4 oz each) salmon fillet

  Substitute: Tilapia

• 1/2 cup white rice

  Substitute: Quinoa

• 1 cup broccoli floret

  Substitute: Green beans

• 1/4 lemon

  Substitute: Bottled lemon juice

Equipment Needed

• • Air fryer
• • Small saucepan
• • Chef's knife
• • Cutting board
• • Mixing bowl
• • Tongs

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy results.

   ⏱️ 3 min

   Technique: Preheating

   
2. 2

   In a small saucepan, combine the white rice with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

   ⏱️ 2 min prep, 15 min cook

   Technique: Simmering

   
3. 3

   While the rice is cooking, in a bowl, toss (mix by lifting and dropping) the broccoli florets with 1/2 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Tossing ensures even coating.

   ⏱️ 3 min

   Technique: Tossing

   
4. 4

   Place the broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (avoid overcrowding). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until tender-crisp and lightly browned. This gives the broccoli a slightly crispy texture.

   ⏱️ 10 min

   Technique: Air Frying

   
5. 5

   While the broccoli is air frying, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

   ⏱️ 1 min

   Technique: Patting Dry

   
6. 6

   Brush the salmon fillets with the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

   ⏱️ 2 min

   Technique: Brushing/Seasoning

   
7. 7

   Once the broccoli is cooked, remove it from the air fryer. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).

   ⏱️ 1 min

   Technique: Transferring

   
8. 8

   Air fry the salmon for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.

   ⏱️ 8 min

   Technique: Air Frying

   
9. 9

   While the salmon cooks, stir butter and a squeeze of lemon juice into cooked rice.

   ⏱️ 1 min

   Technique: Mixing

   
10. 10

    Serve the air-fried salmon with the lemon-garlic broccoli and buttered rice. Garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.

    ⏱️ 1 min

    Technique: Serving