Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard (Printable)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 2 salmon fillets, skin-on, 5-6 oz each
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
06 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges

→ Vegetables

07 - 1 large bunch Swiss chard, about 8 oz, stems trimmed and leaves roughly chopped
08 - 2 teaspoons olive oil
09 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1/8 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 a 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 frequently, for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
06 - Arrange sautéed Swiss chard on plates, top with crispy-skinned salmon, and serve with lemon wedges.

# Chef’s Tips:

01 -
  • The air fryer delivers restaurant-quality crispy skin without any stovetop splattering or smoke.
  • Its a complete, nutrient-packed meal that takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish.
  • The garlicky greens balance the richness of the salmon in a way that feels light yet deeply satisfying.
02 -
  • Drying the salmon thoroughly before brushing with oil is the secret to getting that crispy, crackling skin.
  • Resting the salmon for 2 minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute, so every bite stays moist and tender.
  • If your chard stems are thick, chop them finely and add them to the pan 1 minute before the leaves so they soften properly.
03 -
  • If your salmon fillets are uneven in thickness, fold the thinner tail end under itself before cooking so everything cooks at the same rate.
  • For extra flavor, let the seasoned salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before air frying, it helps the spices bloom and the fish cook more evenly.
  • Always check doneness by gently pressing the thickest part of the fillet, it should feel firm but still have a little give, not mushy or rock-hard.
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