Imagine transforming a simple salmon fillet into a culinary masterpiece in just 15 minutes - that's the magic of this Air Fryer Harissa Salmon! With a bold North African twist, this recipe promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Packed with fiery harissa paste and perfectly crisp edges, this dish is not just a meal, but a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: North African
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 salmon fillets, 2 tablespoons of harissa paste, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to taste.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the salmon.
- In a small bowl, mix the harissa paste and olive oil together until well combined. This will create a flavorful marinade for the salmon.
- Place the salmon fillets on a clean cutting board or plate. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Using a brush or the back of a spoon, generously coat the top of each salmon fillet with the harissa and olive oil mixture. Ensure that the fillets are evenly covered for maximum flavor.
- Sprinkle salt over the fillets according to your taste preference. Be mindful not to over-salt, as the harissa paste may already contain some salt.
- Carefully place the coated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. This will allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using tongs. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve the air fryer harissa salmon immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your flavorful North African-inspired dish!
Tips
- Always pat your salmon fillets dry before applying the harissa marinade to ensure maximum flavor absorption and crispy exterior.
- Use a silicone brush for even and smooth application of the harissa-olive oil mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give your salmon fillets some space to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Check the salmon's doneness by its ability to flake easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the fish dry and tough.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.
- If you prefer less heat, you can dilute the harissa paste with a bit more olive oil or mix with yogurt to mellow the spiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 274kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 56mg