Air Fryer Salmon and Green Beans: 15-Minute Dinner

Salmon fillets (1-inch thick) need 10–12 minutes at 400°F to cook through to 145°F with a slightly flaky, moist center. Whole green beans need 8–10 minutes at 400°F to become tender-crisp with some charring. The timing difference is only 2 minutes — add green beans to the basket 2 minutes before the salmon, then add the salmon and cook for 10–12 minutes. Both are ready at the same time. Thinner salmon fillets (under 3/4 inch) only need 8 minutes, so start the green beans at the same time.

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. 2. Trim green beans and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Pat salmon fillets dry. Brush with olive oil. Season with garlic, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper. 4. Place green beans in the basket. Cook at 400°F for 2 minutes. 5. Open basket and push green beans to the sides. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the center. 6. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes without flipping the salmon. 7. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches 145°F. Squeeze lemon over everything and serve.

Garlic, lemon, and olive oil is the simplest and best combination for both salmon and green beans. For an Asian-inspired version, brush salmon with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger; toss beans with the same. A honey-dijon glaze on the salmon pairs beautifully with simply seasoned green beans. Cajun seasoning on salmon and buttery green beans is a Southern-style pairing. Dill and capers with salmon, alongside lemon-roasted green beans, gives a Scandinavian flavor. The key is to keep both components in the same flavor family.

Frozen salmon works well — add 3–4 extra minutes and don't flip. Skin-on fillets hold together better than skinless during cooking. Green beans can be replaced with asparagus (same timing) or broccoli (add 2 minutes earlier for a 4-minute head start). For a sheet-pan-style sauce, mix butter, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs and pour over everything in the final 2 minutes. Leftovers taste good cold the next day over a salad — don't reheat salmon in the air fryer as it can dry out and smell strongly.