If you’re craving a fast, flavorful, and wholesome meal, this air fryer salmon and vegetables recipe is your new weeknight hero. Ready in under 15 minutes, this dish brings together tender, flaky salmon and crisp, perfectly roasted vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon sauce. It’s a complete dinner that’s both healthy and absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables
There are so many reasons this recipe will become a regular in your kitchen:
- Fast and simple: Just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes in the air fryer.
- Healthy balance: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and nutrient-rich veggies.
- Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks together in one air fryer basket.
- Perfect flavor: The lemon and Dijon mustard give a bright, tangy finish.
- Versatile: Works with almost any vegetables you have on hand.
Whether you’re a busy student, a parent, or just someone who wants to eat better without spending hours in the kitchen — this recipe checks every box.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables
Main Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 1 lb total), skin-on or skinless
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Salmon: You can use any type of salmon — Atlantic, sockeye, or coho. For smaller air fryers, cut the fillets into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Vegetables: Feel free to substitute broccoli, asparagus, and mushrooms with zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, or green beans.
- Oil: Olive oil adds flavor, but avocado oil or light canola oil work just as well.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness. If you’re out of lemons, use lime juice or a splash of mild vinegar.
- Seasoning: Paprika gives color and warmth, while garlic powder deepens flavor. Try adding onion powder or Italian herbs for variation.
- No pork or alcohol: This recipe is completely family-friendly — no alcohol or pork products are used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Ingredients
Wash and pat dry the salmon fillets. Trim asparagus ends and cut them into bite-size pieces. Rinse and drain the mushrooms and broccoli florets.
Step 2 – Make the Lemon Dijon Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This tangy dressing doubles as both the salmon marinade and veggie coating.
Step 3 – Coat Salmon and Vegetables
Brush the salmon fillets with half of the sauce, coating all sides evenly. Place the remaining sauce over the vegetables and toss well to coat everything lightly.
Step 4 – Arrange in the Air Fryer
Add the vegetables to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Place the salmon fillets on top. This allows the fish juices to drip onto the veggies, adding flavor.
Step 5 – Air Fry
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes. You don’t need to preheat or flip. The salmon will become flaky, and the veggies will stay crisp-tender.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy
Transfer everything to a plate and drizzle with any leftover lemon sauce. Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs space to circulate for even cooking.
- Use similar-sized veggies: This helps them cook at the same rate.
- For crispier veggies: Cook them for 2–3 minutes before adding salmon.
- Check salmon early: Some air fryers run hotter — check at the 8-minute mark.
- Add extra flavor: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like dill or parsley before serving.
- No air fryer? You can bake everything on a sheet pan at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Flavor Variations
- Honey Garlic: Add a teaspoon of honey and a touch of soy sauce to the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Mediterranean: Toss in olives, cherry tomatoes, and a bit of feta cheese.
- Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil and soy sauce instead of olive oil and mustard.
- Creamy Twist: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado cream when serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a filling meal.
- Add a side of garlic bread or a green salad.
- For a lighter option, serve salmon and veggies on a bed of mixed greens with extra lemon juice.
- Great for meal prep — pack leftovers into lunch containers for the next day.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon and vegetables in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on the size of your salmon fillets and chosen vegetables.)
FAQ About Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables
How long should you cook salmon in the air fryer?
At 390°F, salmon takes about 8–10 minutes to become tender and flaky. If your fillets are extra thick, cook for up to 12 minutes.
Can you use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or rinse under cool water before air frying. Pat dry to remove moisture for the best texture.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer?
Most recipes don’t require it. However, if your air fryer model suggests preheating, do so for 2 minutes before adding food.
What vegetables go best with salmon?
Broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms all work well. Choose vegetables that cook quickly so everything finishes at the same time.
Is air fryer salmon healthy?
Absolutely! Air frying requires very little oil, helping keep the meal light while retaining all the nutrients and flavor from the fish and veggies.
Final Thoughts
This easy air fryer salmon and vegetables dinner proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. With a handful of fresh ingredients, one simple sauce, and just 10 minutes of cook time, you get a meal that’s bursting with flavor and goodness. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again — because it’s fast, nutritious, and seriously delicious.
Print
Easy Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables Dinner
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick, healthy, and delicious air fryer salmon and vegetables tossed in lemon Dijon sauce – ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (1 lb total)
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup asparagus, trimmed
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat salmon dry and trim vegetables.
2. Whisk together olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, and spices.
3. Coat salmon with half the sauce; toss veggies with the rest.
4. Place veggies in the air fryer basket, then top with salmon.
5. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
6. Serve immediately with rice or salad.
Notes
For crispier vegetables, pre-cook veggies for 2–3 minutes before adding salmon.
Use different veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
