Air Fryer Salmon Swiss Chard

Discover the perfect weeknight meal with this Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard. By using the air fryer, you achieve an incredible, crackling crispness on the salmon skin while the meat inside remains succulent and flaky. It is a healthy, flavorful, and modern dish that highlights how simple techniques can elevate fresh ingredients like garlicky greens and lemon.

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The secret to this dish lies in the balance of the smoky paprika seasoning on the fish and the pungent, sautéed garlic in the Swiss chard. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes provides a subtle heat that ties the components together, while fresh lemon wedges add the essential brightness needed to cut through the richness of the salmon.

Ingredients

• Fish: 2 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each, skin-on), 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional), 1 lemon (sliced into wedges).
• Vegetables: 1 large bunch Swiss chard (about 8 oz, stems trimmed and leaves roughly chopped), 2 teaspoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves (minced), ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

1.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season the flesh side with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

2.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

3.

Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7–9 minutes (depending on thickness) until the skin is crisp and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. Remove and rest for 2 minutes.

4.

While the salmon cooks, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5.

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.

6.

Plate the sautéed Swiss chard, top with the crispy-skinned salmon, and serve with lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure maximum crispiness, it is crucial to pat the salmon completely dry before applying the oil and spices. Preheating your air fryer ensures that the salmon begins cooking immediately at the right temperature, which helps in rendering the fat and crisping the skin. When sautéing the Swiss chard, keep a close eye on the garlic to ensure it turns fragrant but not brown, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra layer of flavor, you can rub the salmon fillets with a small amount of Dijon mustard before applying the dry seasoning. If you cannot find Swiss chard at your local market, baby spinach or chopped kale serve as excellent leafy green substitutes. You can also adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish immediately while the salmon is hot and the skin is at its peak crunch. Arrange the fish directly on the bed of garlicky chard and garnish with plenty of lemon wedges. This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the savory fish and earthy greens.

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This Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard is more than just a quick dinner; it's a sophisticated meal that brings restaurant-quality results into your home kitchen. With its high protein content and healthy fats, it is a satisfying choice that will leave you feeling energized and nourished.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure crispy salmon skin?

For the crispiest skin, pat the salmon fillets very dry before seasoning. Place them skin-side up in the preheated air fryer. The hot, circulating air helps achieve that perfect crunch.

→ Can I use a different green vegetable instead of Swiss chard?

Absolutely! Baby spinach or kale are excellent substitutes for Swiss chard. Follow similar cooking times, sautéing until just wilted with garlic.

→ How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is perfectly cooked when its flesh flakes easily with a fork. Depending on thickness, this typically takes 7-9 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) air fryer.

→ What are some tips for enhancing the salmon's flavor?

For an extra layer of flavor, consider rubbing a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the salmon before applying seasonings. Fresh lemon wedges served alongside also brighten the dish.

→ Is this a quick meal to prepare?

Yes, this is a very quick and efficient meal. With only 10 minutes of preparation and 12 minutes of cooking, you can have a healthy and delicious main course on the table in just 22 minutes.

→ What beverages pair well with this dish?

This light and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Iced tea or sparkling water with lemon are also great non-alcoholic options.