Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a perfectly cooked, juicy salmon dinner that comes together in minutes with practically zero fuss, this Air Fryer Salmon recipe is about to become your new best friend. With a handful of pantry staples, a spritz of olive oil, and a touch of zesty lemon at the finish, you’ll have restaurant-quality fish on your plate in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re a salmon enthusiast or simply looking for a weeknight dinner hero, Air Fryer Salmon makes healthy eating convenient and delicious—every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a few simple ingredients can create such spectacular flavors and color in this dish. Each ingredient has a special job, from enhancing the natural richness of the salmon to adding beautiful aromas and a touch of brightness.
- Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for a buttery texture and mild flavor—skin-on or skinless both work, but skin keeps things especially moist.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushing each fillet with olive oil locks in moisture and gives the salmon a subtle, fruity backdrop.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory punch and aromatic warmth that makes the salmon irresistible.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends that gorgeous, appetizing golden hue along with a gentle, sweet smokiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of both the fish and spices without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of earthy heat for balance and depth.
- Lemon wedges & chopped parsley (optional): Brighten the dish with a pop of color and fresh, citrusy zing right before serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This ensures your salmon fillets hit a nice hot basket the moment they go in, helping to lock in juices and achieve that mouthwatering, slightly crisp edge.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon Fillets
Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial! Removing moisture from the surface allows the olive oil and seasonings to cling, and helps you get that gorgeous, just-barely-crisp exterior. Lay the fillets out on a plate while you prepare your seasonings.
Step 3: Season Generously
Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with olive oil. Then, sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. A little gentle pressing helps those spices really adhere, infusing every bite with flavor.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Arrange the seasoned fillets skin-side down in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece. Cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark. Thicker fillets might need another minute, but you’ll know they’re ready when the salmon easily flakes apart with a fork and the internal temperature hits 145°F.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Carefully transfer the hot fillets to a plate and let them rest for two minutes—this helps all those lovely juices redistribute. Serve your Air Fryer Salmon with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a final flourish.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon
Garnishes
Finish your Air Fryer Salmon with a squeeze of lemon juice and a scattering of freshly chopped parsley or dill. These garnishes add lively color and a burst of fresh flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your salmon with quick-steamed asparagus, fluffy quinoa, a crisp green salad, or oven-roasted potatoes. The mild richness of Air Fryer Salmon works wonderfully with vibrant vegetables and simple grains, making it super easy to mix and match with whatever you have on hand.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little extra, try flaking the salmon and piling it over a big leafy salad, tucking it into warm whole-grain wraps with tzatziki, or breaking it up atop sushi rice bowls with sliced cucumber and avocado. You can even use Air Fryer Salmon as a main attraction on a colorful brunch platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover salmon keeps best when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the salmon cool completely before refrigerating, and try to keep it whole to avoid drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer bag. Air Fryer Salmon freezes well for up to one month—perfect for meal prepping or stocking up during busy weeks.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the air fryer for a few minutes at 320°F or in a low oven until just warmed through. This preserves the delicate texture, but you can also gently microwave if you’re in a hurry. If using the microwave, cover loosely and reheat in short bursts to avoid drying out the salmon.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Air Fryer Salmon?
Yes, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then pat them dry before seasoning and air frying. For best results, always remove any excess moisture for perfect browning.
What type Main Course
Both wild-caught and farmed salmon yield great results. Wild-caught will have a richer, deeper flavor, while farmed is typically fattier and more forgiving of cooking time. Either way, look for fillets of even thickness for even cooking.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Brush or mist the air fryer basket with a little olive oil before adding your fillets, or use parchment paper liners specially designed for air fryers. This will help the skin (or flesh) release easily after cooking.
Can I add a glaze or sauce to my salmon?
Absolutely! Brush your favorite glaze—such as teriyaki, honey garlic, or sriracha mayo—onto the salmon in the last 2 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. The air fryer helps create a deliciously caramelized finish.
Is it possible to cook more than four fillets at once?
You can, but it’s important not to overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate around each piece for the best texture. Cook in batches if needed, and keep finished fillets covered with foil to stay warm.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fast, foolproof way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish, you’ll love making Air Fryer Salmon part of your regular rotation. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dish—you might just find yourself looking forward to salmon night every week!
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Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and healthy Air Fryer Salmon that’s quick and easy to prepare. With a perfect blend of seasonings, this recipe yields tender, flavorful salmon fillets that are ideal for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Serving:
- lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry, brush with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Salmon: Place fillets in the air fryer basket, cook for 8–10 minutes until done. Rest for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve with lemon wedges and parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before cooking.
- You can use a glaze like teriyaki or honey garlic in the final 2 minutes of air frying for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
