How To Make Air Fryer Salmon

This Air Fryer Salmon is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero—ready in under 10 minutes, with perfectly crispy edges and a tender, flaky center. With simple pantry spices and minimal cleanup, it’s a low-carb, high-protein meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon or your favorite dipping sauce, and it’s restaurant-quality salmon right from your air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and effortless—ready in under 10 minutes
• Perfectly cooked every time with a crisp outside and flaky inside
• Healthy and low-carb with simple, clean ingredients
• Minimal cleanup compared to stovetop or oven methods
• Great with any side dish or as a meal prep protein

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Tartar sauce, for serving

Directions

Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the salmon. Preheating ensures even cooking and crisp edges.

Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in a mixing bowl or on a plate.
Drizzle each fillet with olive oil, then rub it evenly over the surface.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Massage the seasoning gently into the salmon to ensure even coverage.

Air Fry the Salmon
Arrange the seasoned fillets in the preheated air fryer basket skin side down, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 7–9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have a lightly crisp exterior.

Check for Doneness
Use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fillet. The salmon is fully cooked when it reaches 145°F internal temperature and flakes easily.

Serve
Transfer the salmon to plates. Serve with lemon wedges on the side and your choice of tartar sauce or any other preferred sauce.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Even Thickness = Even Cooking: Use salmon fillets of similar size and thickness for best results.
• Skin-on Fillets: Always cook skin-side down for optimal texture and easier removal if you prefer skinless.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: This helps sear the salmon quickly and prevents sticking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space between fillets to allow air to circulate and cook evenly.
• Flavor Variations:
  • Lemon Pepper: Replace paprika with lemon pepper seasoning.
  • Cajun Style: Use Cajun seasoning for bold, spicy flavor.
  • Honey Glaze: Brush with honey in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking for a sweet finish.
  • Teriyaki: Add teriyaki sauce just before the end for an Asian-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Over rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables
• Flaked into tacos with slaw and avocado
• On top of salads for a light lunch or dinner
• Serve with green beans, roasted asparagus, or air fryer veggies
• With a side of garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash

Storage/Reheating

To Store:
Place cooled salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Freeze:
Wrap each fillet in parchment paper or foil and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

To Reheat:
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or microwave on medium power until warm. Avoid overcooking to keep the texture moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, but it should be fully thawed before air frying for even cooking.

Do I need to remove the skin first?
A: No, cook with the skin on. It helps retain moisture, and you can remove it after cooking if desired.

Can I marinate the salmon first?
A: Absolutely! Just pat it dry before air frying to prevent excess moisture.

Should I use parchment or foil?
A: It’s not necessary, but you can line the basket for easier cleanup. Make sure it doesn’t block airflow.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Salmon is the fastest and most reliable way to get flavorful, juicy fish on the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re prepping dinner for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying, healthy meal any night of the week.

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