Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that delivers perfectly cooked, tender fillets with a crisp exterior in minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and requires minimal cleanup.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon filletsolive oilgarlic powderpaprikalemon juiceblack peppersaltfresh parsley or dill (optional for garnish)
directions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush each fillet with olive oil on both sides.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked salmon before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or dill if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2-4 people.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 7-10 minutesTotal time: 12-15 minutes
Variations
Add a honey mustard glaze for a sweet-savory finish.
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper for a flavor twist.
Top with a dollop of herbed Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and air frying.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I cook skinless salmon?
Yes, but be gentle when removing it from the basket to prevent sticking or breaking.
Do I need to flip the salmon?
No, flipping is not necessary when cooking skin-side down in the air fryer.
Can I cook multiple fillets at once?
Yes, as long as they fit in a single layer with space between each piece for even cooking.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Salmon is a fast and foolproof way to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal with minimal effort. With its flaky texture and versatile flavor profile, it’s a go-to dish you’ll come back to again and again—perfect for busy nights or quick lunches without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Print
Air Fryer Salmon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick, healthy, and delicious way to prepare salmon using an air fryer. The fish comes out perfectly flaky with a crisp exterior, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil.
- Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes depending on the thickness, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- You can add fresh herbs or a glaze for additional flavor.