Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard (Printable Version)

Crispy-skinned salmon fillets served over garlicky sautéed Swiss chard. Quick, healthy, and delicious in 22 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish

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

→ Vegetables

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

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with 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 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Add Swiss chard to skillet and toss with garlic. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
06 - Divide sautéed Swiss chard between plates, top with salmon fillet, and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The air fryer gives you crispy skin without any flipping or fussing, just set it and walk away.
  • Swiss chard cooks down fast and adds color and earthiness without feeling like a heavy side.
  • It feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough that you won't dirty more than two dishes.
  • You get a complete, balanced plate in the time it takes to scroll through dinner options on your phone.
02 -
  • Drying the salmon before oiling is the difference between crispy skin and rubbery skin, don't skip it even if you're in a rush.
  • Air fryer times vary wildly by model, so start checking at 7 minutes if your fillets are on the thinner side.
  • Swiss chard stems are edible but fibrous, I chop them finely and add them to the pan a minute before the leaves if I'm feeling thrifty.
03 -
  • Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes after air frying so the juices redistribute and the flesh stays moist when you cut into it.
  • Use a fish spatula or thin metal turner to lift the salmon out of the basket without tearing the crispy skin.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the fillets one at a time rather than crowding them, the skin won't crisp if there's no airflow.
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