Sometimes, the best meals come together fast, with little fuss but plenty of flavor. This Air Fryer Salmon Caesar Salad is exactly that kind of dish—a blend of crisp greens, a creamy homemade dressing, and salmon cooked just right in the air fryer. It’s a meal that feels fresh and indulgent without being heavy, perfect for when you want something nourishing but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
Last week, I made this salad after a day that felt like it dragged on forever. I remember pulling the salmon from the fridge, brushing it with that simple olive oil and garlic mix, and popping it into the air fryer while I tossed together the dressing. The smell of garlic and lemon filled the kitchen just as the salmon started to sizzle. I almost forgot to check on it because I got distracted scrolling through my phone, but when I did, the salmon was perfectly flaky—juicy on the inside, with a delicate crust. Tossing the romaine, Parmesan, and croutons together with the dressing brought it all home. Even though I was rushing, this meal made me slow down and actually enjoy dinner.
- It’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for guests.
- The salmon cooks in the air fryer without added mess or oil splatters.
- The creamy Caesar dressing is homemade, which means you can adjust it just how you like it.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point; no complicated steps or weird ingredients.
If you’re worried about the air fryer or haven’t used one much, don’t sweat it. This recipe is forgiving. The salmon doesn’t need constant attention, and the salad components come together with minimal effort.
Print
Air Fryer Salmon Caesar Salad
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A fresh and healthy Caesar salad topped with perfectly cooked air fryer salmon, crispy romaine, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin removed, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the salmon fillets evenly with the olive oil mixture.
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
While the salmon cooks, prepare the Caesar dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Divide the dressed salad between two plates.
Top each salad with one cooked salmon fillet.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
For this salad, I usually grab a sturdy bowl to toss everything without making a mess. Serving it on a large plate really lets you appreciate the color contrast between the crisp greens and the salmon’s pink glow. If you want to switch things up, I haven’t tested all these, but swapping the romaine for kale or adding a handful of cherry tomatoes could be fun. You might try a sprinkle of smoked paprika on the salmon for a subtle smoky twist, or even swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you have it on hand. Croutons can be homemade or store-bought; both work fine, though homemade ones add a nice personal touch if you have time.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add salmon fresh to keep textures crisp and flavors bright.
Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: You can bake the salmon in the oven at a similar temperature; just watch the timing closely to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I use skin-on salmon?
A: Yes, but you might want to crisp the skin separately or adjust cooking time slightly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep salmon and salad components separate if possible. The dressed salad is best eaten within a day to avoid sogginess.
This Air Fryer Salmon Caesar Salad is just the kind of meal you can turn to when you want something fresh, tasty, and done without drama. Give it a try next time you’re craving a no-fuss dinner that still feels a little special.