Crispy Skin Salmon with Dill Sauce (Air Fryer Recipe)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about salmon with a crisp, golden skin. It looks restaurant-worthy, tastes rich and savory, and the best part? You don’t need a hot skillet to get that perfect sear. The air fryer delivers a reliably crisp skin and perfectly flaky salmon every time.

Paired with a creamy dill sauce that takes just minutes to stir together, this dish is equally at home on a weeknight or as the centerpiece of a dinner with guests. The skin crisps up like magic while the air fryer keeps the salmon moist inside.

🌿 Ingredients Overview

• Salmon fillets: Skin-on, center-cut pieces are ideal.
• Olive oil: Helps with crisping and adds richness.
• Salt and pepper: Keep it simple to let the sauce shine.

For the dill sauce:

• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Either gives a creamy base.
• Fresh dill: Use fresh if possible for brightness.
• Lemon juice: Adds tang and freshness.
• Garlic (minced): A little goes a long way.
• Salt & pepper: To taste

Optional swaps:

• Use mayo instead of yogurt for a richer sauce
• Add a pinch of horseradish for kick
• Use dried dill if fresh isn’t available (reduce quantity)

📆 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the salmon: Pat skin dry thoroughly. Rub skin with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

2. Preheat and place: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place salmon skin-side down in the basket.

3. Air fry: Cook for 7-10 minutes depending on thickness. No need to flip. Skin should be crisp and fish opaque.

4. Make the dill sauce: Stir together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Serve: Plate salmon with sauce on the side or spooned on top.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not drying the skin: This is key for crispiness.
• Under-seasoning: Simple salt and pepper go a long way, don’t skip!
• Crowding the basket: Leave space between fillets.
• Overcooking: Start checking around 7 minutes.

🍼 Variations & Add-Ons

• Crispy capers: Fry some capers for garnish.
• Garlic potatoes or rice: Make it a full meal.
• Veggie sides: Asparagus, green beans, or a cucumber salad.
• Zesty version: Add extra lemon or a dash of Dijon to the sauce.

Crispy Skin Salmon

Crispy skin salmon made simple in the air fryer and topped with a bright, creamy dill sauce. A fast, elegant dinner idea.

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Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Salmon fillets: Skin-on center-cut pieces are ideal.
• Olive oil: Helps with crisping and adds richness.
• Salt and pepper: Keep it simple to let the sauce shine.

For the dill sauce:

• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Either gives a creamy base.
• Fresh dill: Use fresh if possible for brightness.
• Lemon juice: Adds tang and freshness.
• Garlic minced: A little goes a long way.
• Salt & pepper: To taste

Optional swaps:

• Use mayo instead of yogurt for a richer sauce
• Add a pinch of horseradish for kick
• Use dried dill if fresh isn’t available reduce quantity

Method

 

1. Pat salmon skin very dry. Rub skin with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
3. Place salmon skin-side down in air fryer. Cook 7-10 minutes.
4. While it cooks, mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.
5. Serve salmon with dill sauce.

Notes

Patting the skin dry is the secret to crispiness. Store sauce separately.

Calories: ~390 per serving

This air fryer salmon with dill sauce is the definition of simple and impressive. It takes minutes to prep and feels like something you’d order at a bistro. The creamy dill sauce pulls everything together with cool, herby contrast.

If you try it, let me know how crispy your skin turned out!

For more air fryer seafood, try our Garlic Butter Shrimp or Lemon Herb Cod next.