Deep-fried salmon with arugula and berry salad

The air fryer cooks the salmon to perfection, giving it a light crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist. If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can roast the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Between the antioxidants in the berries and the omega-3s in the salmon, this dish packs an anti-inflammatory that benefits your heart (1, 2).

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Deep-fried salmon with arugula and berry salad

ingredients

• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, divided
• 1/4 tsp brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 2 4-oz. skinless salmon fillets
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 4 cups baby arugula
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.

Preheat air fryer, if necessary, to 400°F (200°C). Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the salmon and cook for 7-8 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add the arugula, raspberries and strawberries and toss gently to coat.

Serve the salmon with the salad.

Serves: 2 | Serving size: 1 salmon fillet and about 2 1/2 cups salad

Nutritional value (per serving): Calories: 439; Total fat: 28g; Saturated fat: 5g; Monounsaturated fat: 13g; Polyunsaturated fats: 5g; Cholesterol: 60 mg; Sodium: 722 mg; Carbohydrates: 21g; Dietary fiber: 7g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 26g

Nutritional Bonus: Potassium: 786 mg; Iron: 11%; Vitamin A: 17%; Vitamin C: 114%; Calcium: 11%

Originally published: March 20, 2021; Updated March 2026