🐟 Air Fryer Salmon — Citrus Ember Fillets
Archetype: The Swift Alchemist — weeknight fire and sea made simple: crisp edges, tender heart, bright citrus steam.
🥣 What It Is
Perfectly cooked salmon in under 15 minutes: juicy inside, lightly crisp outside. Choose a lemon–garlic glaze or a smoky spice rub (both sugar-free friendly). The air fryer’s focused heat creates restaurant texture with almost no effort.
🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)
- 2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz / 170–225 g each), skin-on preferred
- 1 tsp olive or avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pick ONE flavor path:
- Lemon–Garlic Glaze (SF): 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tsp lemon zest • 1 small garlic clove (grated) • 1–2 tsp allulose/monkfruit • 1 tsp tamari/soy (or coconut aminos) • pinch chili flakes (optional)
- Smoky Maple-Style Rub (SF): 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/4 tsp cumin • 1/4 tsp onion powder • 1–2 tsp allulose/monkfruit • pinch cayenne (optional)
- Finish: lemon wedges • fresh dill or parsley
✍️ Method (12–15 min)
- Preheat: Heat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly oil basket or use perforated parchment.
- Season: Pat salmon dry. Rub with oil, salt, and pepper.
• Glaze: whisk glaze; brush half on the flesh (reserve half to finish).
• Rub: mix rub; coat flesh side evenly.
- Air fry: Place fillets skin-side down in basket. Cook 7–10 minutes depending on thickness (1-inch ≈ 8–9 min). Aim for 125–130°F (52–54°C) internal for medium; adjust to preference.
- Finish: Rest 2 minutes. Brush remaining glaze (if using), squeeze lemon, and scatter herbs. Serve immediately.
🌿 Maker’s Notes
- Juicy every time: Begin checking at 7 min; center should flake with glossy moisture.
- Crispier skin: Keep glaze off the skin; pat very dry; add 1 extra minute if needed.
- Batch & reheat: Chill up to 3 days; reheat 2–3 min at 350°F (175°C) in the air fryer.
- Quick sides: Air-fry asparagus or broccolini at 400°F for 6–8 min while salmon rests.
📜 Lore / Origin
From cedar planks and charcoal flames to modern countertop heat, salmon has always loved a hot, quick fire. The air fryer is today’s hearth: concentrated heat, minimal fuss, clean finish.
🌺 Benefits
- Omega-3s: heart, brain, and anti-inflammatory support
- Lemon & herbs: digestive brightness, mineral lift
- SF glaze/rub: flavor elevation without a sugar spike
🧭 Self-Score to 100
- Comfort Factor: 20/20
- Flavor Balance: 20/20
- Nourishment: 20/20
- Ease & Reliability: 20/20
- Mythic Resonance: 20/20
Total: 100/100 — Restaurant texture, weeknight effort.
MY DIGITAL HOME 