Air Fryer Salmon
This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe is a healthy dinner that can be ready in 10 minutes. A crispy sear on the outside seals in all the juices and produces the most tender flaky salmon ever!
Air fryer salmon is such a game-changer. You can prepare it in batches, making it great for meal prep and enjoying tasty leftovers throughout the week.
Plus, it's a huge time-saver—cooking salmon in the air fryer is so much faster than traditional methods, so you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality seafood dinner in no time!
Another great thing about it is that the air fryer gives the salmon a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
And thanks to the circulating hot air, you get even cooking every time, so your salmon comes out perfectly cooked.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salmon: Look for sockeye, coho, king, or Atlantic.
- Olive Oil: Adds a touch of healthy fat, helping to crisp up the exterior of the salmon while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Avocado oil can be used.
- Seasoning Mix: A simple blend of spices makes up the seasoning mix. Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How to make Air Fryer Salmon
Step 1: Prepare and Season.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil and then season generously with the seasoning mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Air Fry.
Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the salmon; it should flake easily and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) measured with a meat thermometer.
Pro Tips
Avoid overcrowding your basket. Overcrowding can prevent the salmon from getting crispy. Moisture from the fillets touching each other can hinder the hot air circulation. If needed, air fry the salmon in two batches.
Thinner cuts will need less time to cook than thicker pieces. The cooking time for the salmon will vary based on the thickness of the pieces and the type of air fryer you have. A good way to check is to use a fork and see if the salmon flakes easily.
Serve
Garnish the salmon with fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. It's great for serving alongside veggies such as broccoli or air fryer asparagus.
Enjoy it wrapped in fluffy, homemade sourdough tortillas topped with corn and red cabbage slaw and a side dish like cilantro lime rice.
It's also delicious served with fresh summer salads such as strawberry spinach salad or blueberry and goat cheese salad.
How to Store
Place leftover salmon in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Salmon Recipes
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Air Fryer Salmon
EQUIPMENT
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. salmon (skin on or removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- salt (to taste)
- lemon wedges (for serving)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut the salmon filet into two even portions, about 6 ounces each. Rub each filet with olive oil. Season with paprika powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check the desired doneness of the salmon using a fork. If necessary, return the salmon for an additional 1 to 3 minutes of cooking time.
Nutrition
For cooking salmon in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the salmon.
No, you don’t have to flip salmon in an air fryer. It cooks evenly on both sides without needing a flip, thanks to the circulating hot air.
Air fry salmon with the skin side down. This helps the skin get crispy and prevents the fish from sticking to the basket.
To keep salmon from sticking in the air fryer, start by preheating the fryer so it’s hot. Use parchment paper in the basket to create a non-stick surface. Lightly oil the basket before placing the salmon in it. Make sure to place the salmon skin side down, which helps the skin crisp up and prevents sticking.