Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish with a crisp exterior and tender, flaky interior. With minimal ingredients and less mess, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or an easy lunch, ready in under 15 minutes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon filletsolive oillemon juicegarlic powdersaltblack pepperpaprika (optional)fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) for garnish
directions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil.
Season the fillets with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
Drizzle with a bit of lemon juice.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 2-4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 7-10 minutesTotal time: 12-15 minutes
Variations
Add a honey mustard glaze for a sweet twist.
Top with a sprinkle of grated parmesan before air frying.
Use a spice rub like Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
storage/reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or gently warm in a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
No, cooking skin-side down keeps it moist and intact.
What temperature should salmon be cooked to?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I cook salmon with the skin off?
Yes, but the skin helps keep the salmon from drying out.
What sides go well with air fryer salmon?
Try rice, quinoa, steamed veggies, or a fresh green salad.
Is air frying salmon healthy?
Yes, it uses less oil than pan-frying and retains nutrients.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Salmon is a simple, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality fish to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your weekly rotation.
Print
Air Fryer Salmon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Total Time: 12-15 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2–4 salmon fillets
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil.
- Season the fillets with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
- Drizzle with lemon juice.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and extra lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Thaw frozen salmon completely and pat dry before cooking.
- No need to flip the salmon; cooking skin-side down keeps it moist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Try flavor variations like honey mustard glaze, Cajun seasoning, or grated parmesan.