I have fallen in love. I cannot believe I’ve gone this long without something so amazing in my life, the air fryer! So many of you have been telling me for the past couple of years that I needed to purchase one, but I didn’t want to add to the appliance collection I already have. Eventually, I’m going to run out of cabinet space. I finally decided to do it, and it was the best purchase since my ice cream maker.
I have been cooking everything in it lately, and my oven has been feeling a bit neglected. About three weeks ago, I cut out all processed foods and added sugar from my diet, and I’ve been using my air fryer every night to make healthy and wholesome dinners. It’s made this new food journey a slice of cake, well not literally.
I get asked daily on Instagram for air fryer recipes, so I decided I’d document today’s lunch and share a little tutorial for those of you interested. I know I’m getting ahead here, but this weekend, I’ll be blogging air-fried almond flour chicken fingers (yum!)
The best part about this meal is that it takes about fifteen minutes to make, it’s easy cleanup, and I don’t have to worry about any leftovers. I purchased a pound of salmon from Trader Joe’s and cut them into individual portions for my meals. I’m usually team leftovers, but not when it comes to salmon.
Cooking vegetables in the air fryer is incredible as well. The oven takes about an hour for them to roast, but the air fryer is within minutes. In the summer, there’s nothing worse than a giant oven heating your entire house, and I love that the air fryer doesn’t heat things up. 
In the air fryer tray, I spray it with avocado oil to prevent anything from sticking. The tray itself is super non-stick, but the olive oil also adds an extra crisp to the food. The oil is optional, though. That’s the beauty of the air fryer,
I seasoned the salmon and brussels sprouts with onion salt and everything but the bagel seasoning from Trader Joe’s. I cooked them at 375 for about 10 minutes. I always cook my salmon until it reaches 145-degrees. You never want to overcook salmon! 
While the salmon and brussels sprouts are cooking, I massaged the kale with Habanero Ranch dressing from Tessemae’s. This is the only non-dairy ranch that I have fallen in love with. I’ve been eating it on my chicken, vegetables, salads, and chopped veggies every day! It adds the perfect flavor and a small kick of spice to all of my food.
I love when the kale has time to sit and marinate in the dressing, so if you want to do this step first to give it more time, that’s what I usually do!
I’ve loved this little avocado & cucumber combo lately!
I chop up half of an avocado, two tbsps of red onion, one mini cucumber, and mix it with onion salt.
oh…perfection!! 
I topped the kale with the salmon, brussels sprouts, cucumber & avocado salad, and baby tomatoes. I usually add an extra drizzle of the Tessemae’s dressing over the brussels sprouts to add more flavor.
This has been my go-to for lunch for the past few weeks, and I plan to keep on havin’ it! 💜 
Questions for you!
- Do you have an air fryer?
- What is your go-to lunch?
- Any request for air fryer recipes?
I recently purchased a Ninja AF-101 air fryer and it is the best investment I have made to date. I used to cook cauliflower gnocchi in the same manner that you posted on your website (microwave, sauteed and then baked). Now, it’s super easy in the air fryer and takes no time whatsoever. Asparagus is ah-maz-ing in it as well. I will never roast it in my oven again.
My go-to lunch is simply leftovers from the previous night’s dinner (unless it’s fish). I always make one extra serving to take with me to work. On days that I have no leftovers, I get a grilled chicken salad from the cafeteria downstairs.
I would love to see more air fryer side dishes. I’ve made many different proteins, but side dishes have been limited to brussel sprouts, french fries, and asparagus. Maybe some dessert ideas too.
Ohhhh I haven’t tried asparagus in it yet! I’m the same way, unless I have to roast a ton of veggies at once, I’ll be using the air fryer for sure!
Leftovers (unless fish) ALWAYS make the best lunches.
I was thinking of roasting apples for a dessert in there! I’ll look into doing some desserts!
What is the easiest way to portion the salmon? Kitchen scissors or sharp knife?
I use a sharp knife!
If you’re purchasing salmon fresh from the counter, you can also have them cut it for you! I do that at Whole Foods sometimes.
Yum! I totally need to get an air fryer so I can make amazing things like this!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Yes! You’ll love it.
This looks delicious!! I don’t have an air fryer, but I’ve really been wanting one lately. My mother-in-law has one and makes tons of different things!
It’s a game-changer!
Hi Taralynn,
I’m really new at this texting, so forgive me if I don’t get it right! But your Avocado & Kale Salad and Salmon in the air fryer sounds amazing! I am like you, so many kitchen appliances, didn’t think I really need another one. So many friends and family are talking about how wonderful they are! My first question is, which one is the best one??
Qvc? Amazon? Or Wal-Mar don’t have a clue! Can you help me out??
Hi, Linda!
I linked the one I bought in the post. I bought it because it had the best reviews on Amazon, which is why I love purchasing on Amazon 🙂
I feel it’s getting harder and harder to find Brussels sprouts here in Hong Kong now that it’s summer! It’s my new favourite vegetable haha. This bowl looks so delicious and nourishing! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sometimes you can find them in the freezer section, not sure about Hong Kong!
What brand do you have? I’ve been wanting one, but like you, didn’t want to add to my collection of appliances!
Off topic, buuuut.. You should get an instant pot, I LOVEEEE mine. Literally obsessed with it!!!!
Don’t tell me to get any more appliances hahaha! I’m going to get myself in trouble.
But i have the DASH one 🙂 It’s amazing. It’s linked in the blog to the one I bought.
Ugh I have been soooo tempted to buy an airfryer for over a year now (since I saw one on-sale last summer).. now I am really considering getting one! I just am running out of cabinet space!
It’s worth squeezing over a few things 😆
What brand is your air fryer?
It is a Dash!
Love your blog and have been a longtime follower! Can you do the chicken finger receipe? Where you get your chicken, portions per night, and how much seasoning of almond flour you use etc? Looks delish.
Thanks Jess & i will!
Love this! WILL def be trying salmon in the air fryer! I recently purchased one as well! Was wondering if you would show how to make the cauliflower gnocchi in the air fryer as well? 🙂 I’ve never actually had it but I know I’ll love it so I bought 4 bags from TJ’s lol
So do you eat the salmon cold on the salad?