Description

This Air Fryer Salmon and Fried Plantains recipe offers a delightful combination of perfectly cooked, crispy salmon seasoned with savory spices and sweet, golden fried plantains. Utilizing the air fryer for the salmon ensures a moist and flaky texture with minimal oil, while the stovetop frying of ripe plantains adds a crispy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fish. This easy-to-make, halal-friendly meal is perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

For the Air Fryer Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Fresh or frozen, skin on or skinless, depending on your preference
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Fried Plantains:

2 ripe plantains (yellow or blackened)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh cilantro or parsley
Lime wedges

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Instructions

Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to promote crispiness. Drizzle with olive oil and evenly sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper over each fillet.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Air Fry the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through, with a slightly crispy exterior.
Rest and Serve the Salmon: Remove salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes so juices redistribute. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
Peel the Plantains: Cut off both ends, make a shallow slit along the skin, and peel off to reveal the ripe flesh.
Slice the Plantains: Cut plantains into ½-inch thick diagonal slices for even cooking and attractive presentation.
Heat the Oil: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough to sizzle when a plantain slice is added.
Fry the Plantains: Fry plantain slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Season the Plantains: While hot, sprinkle with salt. Drizzle with honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor contrast.
Assemble and Serve: Plate the air-fried salmon with the fried plantains side-by-side. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and lime wedges for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is key for a crispy finish in the air fryer.
Preheating the air fryer helps cook the salmon evenly.
Use ripe plantains (yellow or blackened) for natural sweetness when frying.
Fry plantains in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
Honey is optional for plantains and adds a nice sweet contrast to savory salmon.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the salmon remains warm and plantains crisp.
Adjust seasonings according to taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Fusion (American-Caribbean influenced)