If you’re craving restaurant-quality salmon at home, my Air Fryer Salmon recipe is your new go-to. This method delivers a perfectly flaky, tender inside with a crisp, golden exterior in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this salmon air fryer recipe checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this air fryer salmon sing:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Optional for extra zing: a sprinkle of dried dill, cayenne pepper, or a honey-soy glaze.
This base recipe works great for a quick air fryer salmon for one or for meal prepping ahead.
Variations to Try
One of the best parts of air frying salmon is how easy it is to mix up flavors. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites: Cube your fillets before cooking for snackable, crispy bites that are great for salads or bowls.
- Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer: No time to thaw? Just add 2 extra minutes to the cook time and increase seasoning to taste.
- Spicy Cajun Salmon: Swap garlic powder and paprika for Cajun seasoning and a pinch of chili flakes.
- Asian-Inspired: Use a mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil as a marinade.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Step1 : Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2 : Season the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3 : Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Step 4 : Air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.
- Step 5 : Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Want it extra crispy? Add 1 extra minute at the end of cooking and brush with a light glaze.
My Best Air Fryer Salmon Tips
- Don’t skip the preheat: A hot air fryer ensures that signature golden crust.
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
- Use skin-on salmon if possible; it protects the flesh and gets crispy like a chip.
- Check doneness with a fork or meat thermometer (145°F internally).
Whether you’re cooking air fryer salmon for one or making a batch, these tips guarantee results that rival your favorite seafood spot.
Serving Ideas
This air fryer salmon is incredibly versatile. Try it with:
- A scoop of cilantro lime rice and avocado
- Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- In a salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette
- As a salmon taco filling with spicy slaw
Or, make it bite-sized and serve as air fryer salmon bites with a creamy garlic dip or lemon aioli.
Recipe Help & FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon in air fryer?
Yes! Just increase cooking time by 2–3 minutes and be generous with seasoning.
How do I prevent salmon from drying out?
Avoid overcooking. Most fillets are done in 8–10 minutes at 400°F. Always rest for 1–2 minutes before serving.
Do I need to flip salmon in the air fryer?
Nope. Cooking skin-side down is ideal and keeps the fish moist.
From weeknight dinners to meal prep heroes, this salmon air fryer recipe belongs in your regular rotation. Crisp, juicy, and done in minutes—my air fryer salmon is so good, you’ll come back to it again and again.
🍗 More Chicken Air Fryer Recipes to Try
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FAQs
How long to cook salmon in air fryer?
For standard 6 oz fillets, cook salmon in the air fryer at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Thicker pieces may need up to 12 minutes, while thinner ones can finish in 7. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
How to cook salmon in the air fryer?
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F, then season the salmon with oil, salt, pepper, and spices. Place the fillets skin-side down in the basket and cook for 8–10 minutes. No flipping is needed—just let the air fryer crisp the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
How long to cook salmon in air fryer at 400?
At 400°F, salmon cooks fast—typically in 8–10 minutes. Check at the 8-minute mark for doneness by flaking the center with a fork. For frozen salmon in air fryer, add 2–3 minutes.
How to season salmon for air fryer?
Seasoning salmon for air frying is simple and flexible. A classic combo is olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. For variety, try lemon zest, Cajun spice, dill, or a honey-soy glaze. Make sure to pat the salmon dry first to help the seasoning stick and encourage crisping.
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon that’s crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and ready in under 15 minutes. No flipping, no fuss—just perfect salmon every time.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2 – Season: Rub salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3 – Arrange: Place fillets skin-side down in air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Step 4 – Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5 – Serve: Plate with lemon wedges and enjoy hot.
Notes
For frozen salmon in air fryer: Add 2–3 minutes of cook time.
Optional: Brush with honey-soy glaze or top with fresh herbs after cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Salmon
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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