Tulo

Air Fryer Parchment Paper Salmon Recipe

A perforated parchment liner sits between the fish and the hot metal basket, so the skin still crisps from the circulating air passing through the holes, but the delicate flesh never bonds to the ridges of the basket, meaning the fillets lift out whole instead of tearing apart.

Prep
5 min
Cook
9 min
Total
14 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

Servings4
  • 4 6-ounce fillets salmon fillets, skin-on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon lemon, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition per serving

Calories
392
Protein
39g
Carbs
3g
Fat
24g

Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.

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Instructions

  1. 1Cut a piece of parchment paper (ideally a pre-punched, perforated air fryer liner) about 1 inch smaller than the basket on all sides so no bare edges stick out past the food.
  2. 2Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes with the basket empty and the parchment left outside until the machine reaches temperature.
  3. 3Pat the salmon fillets dry, rub with olive oil, and season with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4Lay the parchment liner in the hot basket, then immediately set the salmon fillets skin-side down on top of the parchment so their weight holds it flat. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
  5. 5Air fry for 8-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reads 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium and the skin is browned and crisp; there's no need to flip.USDA safe minimum for fish & shellfish: 145°F (63°C), or until opaque and firm
  6. 6Lift the parchment out of the basket by the edges to transfer the salmon to plates without breaking the fillets. Scatter with fresh dill before serving.

Tips & variations

  • Use liners specifically punched with holes for air fryers rather than solid parchment sheets; the holes let hot air circulate underneath the food instead of just insulating the bottom and steaming it.
  • Never preheat an empty basket with parchment already inside and no food weighing it down; the fan can pull an unweighted sheet straight up into the heating coil.
  • Cut the parchment smaller than the basket footprint so no overhanging edges are exposed to the exposed heating element above.
  • Skip wax paper entirely; it's coated in a wax that isn't rated for dry heat and will smoke well below air fryer cooking temperatures.
  • This same parchment method works for shrimp, chicken thighs, and delicate fish like tilapia that tend to stick and tear on bare metal grates.

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes on a fresh piece of parchment, just until warmed through; longer reheating dries out the flesh.

Tips from the Tulo kitchen

  • A light coat of oil directly on the fish, not just the parchment, helps the skin crisp instead of just steaming against the paper.
  • Check the parchment's package for a stated max temperature; most standard parchment is rated to 425-450°F (220-230°C), which covers nearly every air fryer salmon or vegetable setting.

FAQ

Is parchment paper safe to use in an air fryer?

Yes, as long as it's placed only after the basket is preheated and it's weighed down by food, cut smaller than the basket, and kept under the temperature rating printed on the box, which is typically 425-450°F (220-230°C).

Can parchment paper catch fire in an air fryer?

It can if left loose and unweighted near the heating element, especially during an empty preheat cycle; the fan can lift a bare sheet up into the coil. Weighing it down with food from the start prevents this.

Can I use wax paper instead of parchment in an air fryer?

No. Wax paper has a wax coating that starts to smoke and melt at temperatures well below what an air fryer runs, so it should never go inside one.

Do I need special perforated parchment for an air fryer, or will regular parchment work?

Regular parchment works, but perforated liners made for air fryers let hot air pass through underneath the food, which crisps the bottom better than a solid sheet that blocks airflow.

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