Chipotle Salmon with Kale and Sweet Potatoes

This high protein chipotle seasoned salmon is so tasty, flavorful, and an easy meal that perfect for mid week. 

It seems super trendy right now to eat a high protein diet and I’m all for it! I typically eat at least 30 grams of protein per meal. This delicious chipotle salmon is one of my favorite ways to hit my nightly protein goals. It is  packed with 30 grams of protein per serving and is super easy to make when you are short on time. We love pairing it with bell pepper, kale, and sweet potato waffle fries and it’s quickly become our favorite way to eat salmon. You could easily swap out the bell and kale for your favorite vegetables. 

The best part about making homemade salmon is that it’s easy to whip up in just 10 minutes of prep time. This recipe is a budget friendly version compared to buying salmon at a sit down restaurant, plus you don’t have to wait for a table. You could also meal prep this recipe but make sure to keep it in the fridge. If you’re looking for a fast and simple salmon recipe this is the recipe for you. Plus by cooking the salmon in the air fryer it makes a deliciously crispy glaze. 

So let’s make chipotle salmon!

Here’s a few notes about the ingredients you will need to make high protein chipotle salmon:

• Salmon:  Salmon is the main ingredient in this recipe. It is coated in a chipotle flavored dry rub and air fried to perfection. It is also one of the reasons this recipe is so high in protein. 

• Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are a great way to add carbohydrates without adding a bunch of processed foods to your meal. I like using a mandolin to slice into waffle fries and baking it in the oven. My favorite kind of sweet potatoes are Japanese sweet potatoes or Purple Sweet Potatoes.  

• Bell Pepper:  I love adding a bell pepper diced into small chunks to this recipe. It adds a nice zesty flavor to each bite as a hint of crispy texture. That said, if you don’t like bell pepper or you don’t have any on hand, you could substitute it for zucchini or poblano pepper. 

• Kale: Fresh kale adds fiber and pop of green color to the chipotle salmon. I recommend giving the kale a few chops and baking it in the oven so it’s crispy.. 

• Chipotle Chili Powder:  Chipotle chili powder pairs so well with bell pepper and a delicious, spicy flavor to the chipotle salmon. 

• Lime Zest:  Finally, I love topping the salmon with lime zest. This adds an additional zestiness to the chipotle salmon and enhances the spicy chili flavor. 

Recipe Tips:

• Use parchment paper for cooking the potatoes. Stop the potatoes from sticking to the pan by using parchment paper. Or I highly recommend generously greasing your pan with olive oil or cooking spray, or use a high quality non-stick pan or a silicone lined pan (my personal favorite). 

• Soak the potatoes in water before cooking them: It’s important to make sure the potatoes get crispy when you bake them and soaking them in water for a few hours will help. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry extremely well though. The drier you get the potatoes after soaking them the better. A dry fry is a crispy fry! 

• Massage the rub into the salmon: Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and mix well before rubbing them into the salmon. I recommend rinsing the salmon under some cool water then patting it dry before massaging on the dry rub. 

Recipe variation:

• Use a different meat: Use chicken breast, lean beef, pork or a white fish instead of salmon. 

• Add different herbs: Add different dried or fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or green onions.

• Add different dried seasonings: Skip the chili powder and cumin and add in cajun season seasoning, Italian seasoning, or your favorite combination of dried seasonings. 

• Incorporate your favorite ingredients: Add any other ingredients that sound good to you, such as zucchini, poblano peppers, sauteed onions, or roasted red peppers. 

More salmon recipes: Mediterranean Salmon, Ginger Soy Salmon with Zoodles, and Lemon Thyme Salmon.

• Author: Summer Montgomery
• Cook Time: 20 minutes 
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2 

Ingredients

Chipotle Salmon

• 1 pound salmon
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ lime, zest and juice 

Oven Baked waffle fries

• 1 sweet potato, waffle sliced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Kale and Bell Peppers

• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• kosher salt to taste

Instructions

1. Soak the sweet potato in a bowl of water for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400F. Dry the sweet potatoes with a paper towel and arrange on an oiled baking sheet (or use a silicon baking sheet). Bake in the oven until crispy for about 20 minutes.
3. Mix all the spices and lime for the salmon in a small bowl. Wash and pat salmon with a paper towel. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the salmon and massage into the salmon. Place salmon in the air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon. 
4. On an oiled baking sheet arrange bell pepper and place in the oven with potatoes. After 2 minutes add kale and bake for an additional 2 minutes or until veggies are tender crisp. Season with salt.  
5. Serve and enjoy!
6. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!