Air Fryer Salmon
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Published Jan 10, 2024, Updated Dec 27, 2024
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A simple recipe for air fryer salmon that results in perfectly flaky and tender salmon fillets. It’s healthy, flavorful and ready in under 15 minutes.
Since getting our air fryer, Isaac and I have been using it nonstop. Seriously, we’re obsessed! I love whipping up quick meals, and this air fryer salmon has become one of my go-tos for easy, healthy dinners. The best part? It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Sometimes I pair it with my air fryer asparagus and cilantro rice for a balanced, delicious dinner that’s on the table fast!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & simple – Six ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe a go-to for busy nights.
- Perfectly cooked – Your salmon filets will be perfectly tender and flaky. No dry or undercooked salmon here.
- Meal prep – Air fryer salmon is perfect for meal prep. I love making a couple filets for salads throughout the week.
// ★★★★★ REVIEW //
“Such an easy recipe with restaurant quality results! Loved by the kids & adults, minimal prep time & clean up. This will definitely become a regular go to. I’m looking forward to trying the other salmon recipes on the website. Thank you!” – Anna
Ingredients Needed
As I mentioned above, you only need 6 simple ingredients to make this air fryer salmon! I bet you already have everything in your kitchen.
- salmon filets – salmon is packed with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation and blood pressure. It’s a great source of protein and has a ton of key vitamins and minerals. (Source) For this recipe you’ll want two 6 oz evenly sized filets of salmon with the skin on. I recommend getting individual filets from your grocer but don’t be afraid of frozen filets, either! Flash frozen fish can be just as healthy. Just make sure the salmon is thawed if you are using frozen filets.
- olive oil – this will coat your salmon, keep things moist and help the seasoning and spices to stick to the salmon.
- garlic – you’ll need one minced clove of garlic. If you don’t have any on hand you can use garlic powder, I’d use about 1/4 teaspoon to equal one clove.
- seasonings – sea salt and pepper to taste. Paprika is optional, but adds nice flavor! Smoked paprika would also add a nice smokiness!
- lemon – a slice of lemon for serving elevates this simple salmon dish.
Air Fryer Salmon Variations
- Blackened seasoning – I love blackened salmon and you can easily switch things up and cook my blackened salmon recipe in the air fryer.
- Cayenne – Add some spice with a little cayenne pepper! I’d start with a pinch.
- Fresh herbs – Sprinkle with some chopped fresh herbs when you take the salmon out of the air fryer. Chopped fresh parsley or dill would be delicious.
- Tahini – whip up my citrus tahini dressing and drizzle it on top!
- Soy sauce or tamari – Drizzle on soy sauce or tamari before cooking for an added umami flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
This recipe couldn’t be any easier to make! From start to finish it takes about 15 minutes. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Start by rubbing the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika (if using), salt and pepper on the flesh of each salmon filet.
Step 2: Place the salmon filets skin-side down in the basket and air fry at 390ºF for 10-12 minutes. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips For Making the Best Air Fryer Salmon
- Keep the skin on: I highly recommend leaving the skin on while air frying. It helps hold the salmon together, and you can easily peel it off once it’s cooked if you prefer skinless salmon.
- Check for doneness: Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer and the size of your filets. Your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Or, to be extra sure, use a thermometer and aim for an internal temp of 145°F. Perfectly cooked every time!
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon
There are so many ways you can use this air fryer salmon! Whether you keep it simple with a side of veggies and rice like I usually do, or incorporate it into other recipes, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Pair it with veggie sides like baked sweet potato fries, simple beet greens, or roasted broccoli. If you’re in the mood for more air fryer action, try air fryer sweet potatoes or air fryer brussels sprouts.
- Make it a full meal by adding a grain like quinoa, cauliflower rice or cilantro rice. It’s the perfect balance!
- Serve it over one of my go-to salads like the garlicky kale salad, sweet kale salad or easy spinach salad. Really, you can boost the protein for any of my salad recipes with this salmon!
- Use this air fryer salmon in my superfood salmon salad, Mediterranean salmon salad or pesto salmon bowl.
- Leftovers? They’re perfect for the viral salmon rice bowl that’s been everywhere lately!
- Or, get a little creative and add it to my salmon mac and cheese bowl.
How to Store and Meal Prep
This air fryer salmon is perfect for meal prep! Just prepare and cook the air fryer salmon as directed below, then let it cool slightly before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You’ll have perfectly cooked and delicious salmon to eat any night (or day!) of the week.
To reheat, add salmon to a skillet over medium low heat until heated throughout
Air Fryer Salmon FAQ’s
That depends on your air fryer! Some recommend preheating and others do not require it. Check your owners’ manual to see what they recommend. If you don’t have a preheat setting, just set your air fryer to the required temperature about 3 minutes before adding your food.
No, there is no need to flip salmon when cooking it in the air fryer. Simply place salmon filets skin side down in air fryer and cook on 390°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
It takes about 10-12 minutes at 390°F to cook salmon. Although the time may vary depending on the size of your salmon filets.
You can spray your air fryer with non-aerosol cooking spray to help keep the salmon from sticking, but my air fryer is non-stick so I don’t find this necessary.
You can use frozen salmon filets for this recipe! Just make sure the salmon is thawed prior to air frying.
Popular Salmon Recipes to Try
- Grilled Salmon Salad
- Blackened Salmon
- Balsamic-Glazed Salmon
- Baked Pesto Salmon
- Grilled Salmon
- Air Fryer Date Glazed Salmon
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Honey Glazed Salmon
- Pan Seared Salmon
Be sure to check out the full collection of the air fryer recipes here on EBF!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 6 oz salmon filets
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika, optional
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 slices of lemon, for serving
Instructions
- Rub oil, minced garlic, paprika (if using) salt and pepper on on the flesh of each salmon fillet.
- Preheat air fryer if required. Spray air fryer with non-aerosol cooking spray, if desired. Place salmon filets skin side down in air fryer and cook on 390°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. Cook time will vary depending on the size of your salmon filets.
- Once cooked and salmon easily flakes off with a fork, remove salmon from the air fryer and let rest for about 5 minutes.
- Serve salmon with slice of lemon and sides of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Such an easy recipe with restaurant quality results! Loved by the kids & adults, minimal prep time & clean up. This will definitely become a regular go to. I’m looking forward to trying the other salmon recipes on the website. Thank you!
Amazing! I am so glad you gave this recipe a try and are loving it, Anna. Thank you for coming back and sharing your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!
So easy to make! It came out perfectly.
Yum! So glad you are loving this quick and easy recipe, Sherry. Thank you for your review + star rating, I appreciate it!
Great food with less effort…just how cooking should be! Absolutely loved this recipe and will definitely be making again! Also really loved the aluminum foil tip.
Yay! I’m so glad this recipe worked out for you, Imsen! Thanks for coming back to leave a review and star rating! I appreciate it so much.
Amazing!! What a great “short cut” came out just perfect! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes!
So glad you’re enjoying them, Andrea!!
I may have to dust off the air fryer this week! I love salmon, but am tired of my go-to recipes. I’ll have to try this out.
Let me know how it turns out, Janet!
Do you have a suggestion for modifying this recipe for salmon with the skin already removed?