Description
Easy air fryer salmon with crispy edges and flaky center—ready in under 10 minutes with simple spices. Perfect low-carb protein for any meal!
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
Instructions
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the salmon to plates. Serve with lemon wedges on the side and your choice of tartar sauce or any other preferred sauce.
Notes
For frozen fillets, thaw completely in the fridge overnight before cooking.
You don’t need to line the air fryer basket, but lightly spraying it can help avoid sticking.
Salmon can be enjoyed hot, room temperature, or cold in salads or wraps.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer salmon, healthy salmon recipe, quick dinner, low-carb salmon