Discover the ultimate secret to perfectly cooked salmon with this incredible Air Fryer Salmon recipe. In just 10 minutes, you can achieve a beautifully flaky interior and deliciously crisp edges that will make this a staple in your weeknight rotation. Whether you’re rushing to get dinner on the table or preparing meals for the week ahead, this simple yet impressive recipe is guaranteed to be a winner. We even include a quicker version for those truly pressed for time!

“Simple ingredients, perfectly flaky, and ready in minutes! An air fryer essential.”

-Becky

The air fryer truly shines when cooking fish, especially salmon. It circulates hot air around the fillets, ensuring even cooking, a tender, moist interior, and that desirable slightly crispy exterior without excessive oil. This method locks in flavor and moisture, making every bite a delight. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked salmon and hello to restaurant-quality results at home.

This recipe is an absolute lifesaver for busy evenings. Pair it effortlessly with your favorite healthy side dishes. Imagine succulent salmon alongside vibrant Air Fryer Asparagus or tender Air Fryer Zucchini, and a complete, nutritious dinner is ready in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

If you’re a fan of simple, flavor-packed air fryer meals, you’ll also love our other popular recipes like Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for juicy poultry, Air Fryer Tilapia for another light fish option, and these incredibly juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops. The air fryer makes healthy cooking quick and easy across the board!

Why Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, and salmon is one of the best ingredients to showcase its capabilities. Here’s why it’s our go-to method for preparing this delicious fish:

• Speed: Salmon cooks incredibly fast in the air fryer, often in 10-12 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Perfect Texture: The circulating hot air creates a beautifully crisp skin (if skin-on) and edges, while keeping the inside wonderfully moist and flaky. No more dry salmon!
• Healthier Option: It requires minimal oil compared to pan-frying, resulting in a lighter, healthier meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and easy to wash, minimizing post-dinner cleanup.
• Consistent Results: The precise temperature control of an air fryer ensures consistent cooking every time, taking the guesswork out of preparing fish.

Choosing the Best Salmon for Air Frying

Selecting the right salmon fillet can make a big difference in your final dish. Here’s what to look for:

• Type of Salmon: While most types of salmon work well, Atlantic salmon is widely available and has a rich, buttery flavor perfect for air frying. Sockeye is leaner and has a more robust flavor, while King (Chinook) salmon is known for its high fat content and luxurious texture. Choose what you prefer and what’s available fresh.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh salmon is always a great choice, but high-quality frozen salmon fillets can be just as good. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for the best results and even cooking. For a detailed guide on cooking frozen salmon, see our Air Fryer Frozen Salmon post.
• Skin On or Skinless: This is a personal preference. Skin-on salmon often helps keep the fillet together and can get wonderfully crispy in the air fryer, adding another layer of texture and flavor. If you prefer skinless, that works just as well.
• Fillet Thickness: Aim for fillets that are roughly 1-inch thick and about 6 ounces each for consistent cooking times. Thicker fillets will require more cooking time, while thinner ones will cook faster.

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Air Fryer Salmon

You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices to make incredibly delicious air fryer salmon. This recipe relies on a few basic, yet powerful, ingredients to highlight the natural flavor of the fish. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• Salmon fillets: We typically use 6-ounce pieces, which cook perfectly in about 10-12 minutes. You can choose skin-on or skinless based on your preference; both yield fantastic results in the air fryer.
• Olive Oil: Just a touch to help the seasonings adhere and prevent sticking, contributing to a golden, appealing crust.
• Garlic powder: This provides a warm, savory foundation without being too harsh. It’s a pantry staple that complements seafood beautifully.
• Paprika: Adds a hint of smoky sweetness and a lovely color to the salmon. Feel free to use sweet, smoked, or even hot paprika for a little kick.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and seasoning the salmon to perfection.

A full list of ingredients with precise measurements is included in the recipe card below.

Delicious Salmon Flavor Variations

While the basic seasoning is fantastic, salmon is incredibly versatile! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor profiles to keep your meals exciting. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Sweet and Smoky: For a delightful balance of flavors, simply add a teaspoon of brown sugar to your seasoning mix. This caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a sticky, irresistible crust.
• Cajun Style: Craving a bit of heat and bold flavor? Swap the paprika and garlic powder for a good quality Cajun seasoning blend. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Maple Mustard Glaze: For an elegant touch, whisk together 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup with 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. Brush this glaze over the salmon during the last 2 minutes of air frying, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
• Lemon-Herb: Combine dried dill, parsley, a pinch of onion powder, and the zest of half a lemon with your salt and pepper for a bright, fresh flavor profile.
• Spicy Sriracha-Lime: Mix sriracha with a squeeze of lime juice and a touch of honey, then brush on the salmon before cooking for a zesty, spicy kick.

How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving perfectly cooked salmon in the air fryer is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof meal every time:

1. Prepare the Salmon: Begin by thoroughly patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This crucial step helps create a crispier exterior and allows the seasonings to adhere better. Lightly brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine your garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon, gently pressing it in to ensure it sticks.

2. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at optimal temperature for cooking. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece for even air circulation. If using skin-on salmon, place it skin side down. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. For thinner fillets (under 1-inch thick), start checking at 8 minutes.

3. Check for Doneness: The key to tender, juicy salmon is to not overcook it. Check for doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork at its thickest part. It should flake easily and appear opaque throughout. For precise results, use an instant-read meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Remove the salmon immediately once it reaches this temperature.
4. Serve: Transfer the perfectly cooked salmon to plates and serve immediately with your chosen side dishes. Enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!

This flavorful salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of air fryer side dishes, creating a complete and balanced meal effortlessly. Consider serving it with a hearty Air Fryer Baked Potato, vibrant Air Fryer Broccoli, or flavorful Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. For a more decadent seafood spread, Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops make a fantastic appetizer or side. If you love this dish, explore our other Air Fryer Seafood Recipes for more inspiration.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

To ensure your air fryer salmon turns out perfectly every single time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: For optimal air circulation and crispy results, arrange salmon fillets in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. If you’re cooking for a crowd, work in batches. A spacious air fryer like a Cosori or similar model is ideal.
• Use a thermometer for accuracy: The only way to guarantee perfectly cooked salmon without overcooking is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet; salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
• For a crispier top: If you love extra crispy edges, add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, if your air fryer has a broil function, you can broil the salmon for 1 minute after cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
• Need it quicker? For thinner or smaller fillets, or when you’re truly short on time, you can air fry at a higher temperature. Try 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 6-8 minutes. Always check for doneness with a thermometer.
• Rest your salmon: Just like with meat, letting your salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and tender fillet.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryer salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to create a balanced and delicious meal:

• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Quick and healthy options like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are excellent choices. Many can even be cooked in the air fryer simultaneously or immediately after the salmon.
• Grains: A bed of fluffy rice (white or brown), quinoa, or couscous makes a great base for the salmon, soaking up any delicious juices.
• Salads: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a creamy cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast.
• Potatoes: Alongside your Air Fryer Baked Potato, consider air-fried potato wedges or a simple mashed potato.
• Sauces and Garnishes: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is always a winner. You can also drizzle with a simple garlic butter sauce, a creamy dill sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

Cooked salmon can be a fantastic meal prep option or provide delicious leftovers. Here’s how to handle it:

• Storage: Allow cooked salmon to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To maintain its texture and prevent it from drying out, reheating salmon properly is key. The air fryer is excellent for this! Place leftover salmon in the air fryer basket at 300-325°F (150-160°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until just warmed through. You can find more detailed instructions on how to reheat fish in the air fryer in our dedicated post.

Air Fryer Salmon FAQs

Got questions about air frying salmon? We’ve got answers!

Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article that explains What is an Air Fryer and why it’s a game-changer in the kitchen. Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this comprehensive list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories to enhance your cooking experience.

4.58 from 7 votes

Servings:
2

Air Fryer Salmon

By
Becky

This air fryer salmon recipe makes delicious, flaky fillets in minutes! It is perfect for a busy weeknight, offering a healthy meal without spending a ton of time in the kitchen.

Prep:
5 minutes mins

Cook:
10 minutes mins

Total:
15 minutes mins

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Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

• ▢
  
  2
  salmon fillets,
  about 6 ounces each

• ▢
  
  1
  tablespoon
  olive oil

• ▢
  
  1
  teaspoon
  paprika

• ▢
  
  1
  teaspoon
  garlic powder

• ▢
  
  1/2
  teaspoon
  salt

• ▢
  
  1/4
  teaspoon
  black pepper

Cook Mode

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Instructions 

• Lightly brush salmon portions, on both sides, with olive oil. This helps the seasonings stick and ensures a beautiful crust.
• In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir them together until well blended.
• Evenly coat the salmon with the seasoning blend on both sides of each fillet. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 10-12 minutes.
• Check for doneness using a fork. The salmon should flake easily, and the internal temperature in the thickest part should be 145 degrees F (63°C). Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• 
  Don’t overcrowd the basket. Use a Cosori or similar air fryer with a spacious basket, and leave room between each piece for optimal cooking and crisping.
  
• 
  Use a thermometer. For perfectly cooked salmon, remove it when it reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) in the thickest part. This prevents overcooking and ensures moist results.
  
• 
  Want a crispier top? Add 1-2 extra minutes of air frying time, or if your air fryer has a broil function, broil for 1 minute after cooking (watch carefully!).
  
• 
  Faster Version: For a quicker cook, especially with thinner fillets, increase the temperature to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) and cook for 6-8 minutes.
  

Nutrition

Calories:
310
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
1
g

,

Protein:
34
g

,

Fat:
18
g

,

Saturated Fat:
3
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
9
g

,

Cholesterol:
94
mg

,

Sodium:
173
mg

,

Potassium:
860
mg

,

Fiber:
1
g

,

Sugar:
1
g

,

Vitamin A:
147
IU

,

Vitamin C:
3
mg

,

Calcium:
23
mg

,

Iron:
2
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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