Air fryer salmon is the easiest way to get perfectly cooked, tender fillets with crisped edges in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this method guarantees flaky, flavorful salmon every single time—without turning on your oven. Just a handful of pantry spices and a drizzle of oil transform simple salmon into a go-to weeknight favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Done in under 10 minutes – Prep to plate, this recipe is lightning-fast.
- Minimal cleanup – No pans, no splatter, no stress.
- Crispy outside, flaky inside – The air fryer gives the best texture.
- Customizable flavor – Switch up seasonings based on your mood.
- Low carb & keto-friendly – Naturally nutritious and satisfying.
- Kid-approved – Mild spice and simple seasoning make it family-friendly.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for deeper flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Optional: tartar sauce, Greek yogurt dip, or hot honey drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels for best crisping.
- Season salmon: Rub fillets with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry: Place salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 7–9 minutes depending on thickness.
- Check doneness: Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. Return for 1–2 extra minutes if needed.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 276
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Cholesterol: 94mg
- Sodium: 366mg
- Potassium: 852mg
Tips & Variations
✔ Best Air Fryer Salmon Tips
- Use salmon fillets of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Always preheat your air fryer for best results.
- Test for doneness with a fork: it should flake easily.
🔄 Flavor Variations
- Lemon Pepper: Swap paprika for 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning.
- Cajun Style: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Maple Dijon Glaze: Mix 1 tbsp Dijon with 1 tsp maple syrup and brush on during the last 2 minutes.
- Garlic Herb: Add dried oregano and thyme with the garlic powder.
- Spicy Honey: Drizzle hot honey after cooking for sweet heat.
- BBQ Salmon: Use smoked paprika + a pinch of brown sugar.
Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
- Air fryer
- – Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- – 4 6 oz salmon fillets
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – ½ tsp paprika
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ½ tsp black pepper
- – Lemon wedges for serving
- – Optional: tartar sauce or yogurt dip
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat salmon fillets dry. Rub with oil.
- Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon skin-side down in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 7–9 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
- Serve immediately with lemon or sauce of choice.
Notes
– Add glaze in final 1–2 minutes to prevent burning.
– Store leftovers up to 3 days in fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw completely before seasoning and cooking for best texture.
Do I need to flip the salmon?
Nope! Cooking skin-side down gives crispy edges without flipping.
Should I line the air fryer basket?
You can use parchment or a light spray of oil to prevent sticking, but it’s not necessary.
Can I add a glaze before cooking?
Wait until the last 1–2 minutes to brush on glazes to avoid burning.
How do I reheat leftover salmon?
Air fry for 2–3 minutes at 350°F, or gently reheat in a skillet.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Store cooked, cooled salmon in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
When you need a quick, flavorful dinner with minimal mess, air fryer salmon is the answer. It’s perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and endlessly customizable. Pair it with your favorite grains, salads, or veggies for a complete meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.