Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional
- lemon wedges
- chopped parsley
- red pepper flakes
- garlic butter for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryerPreheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prep the salmonPat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season the salmonMix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then season the salmon evenly.
- Air fry the salmonPlace the fillets in a single layer in the basket, skin side down if using skin-on salmon. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Check for donenessMake sure the salmon reaches your preferred doneness. For most fillets, 125°F to 145°F works depending on how you like it cooked.
- ServeServe immediately with lemon wedges, parsley, or garlic butter if desired.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry helps the seasoning stick better.
- Do not overcrowd the basket or the salmon may cook unevenly.
- Thicker fillets may need an extra 1 to 2 minutes.
- Skin-on salmon works very well in the air fryer and is easy to remove after cooking if needed.
Ingredients at a Glance
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 280
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 0g
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
1. Pat the salmon dry
Dry fillets help the oil and seasonings stick better.
2. Season the fillets
Coat the salmon with oil, lemon juice, and the spice mixture.
3. Air fry until tender
Cook until the salmon flakes easily and looks just cooked through.
4. Serve right away
Finish with lemon or herbs and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
- Use fillets of similar size for even cooking
- Do not overcrowd the basket
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning
- Check early if your fillets are thin
- Add lemon after cooking for the freshest flavor
Easy Variations
Garlic Butter Salmon
Serve the cooked salmon with a spoonful of garlic butter.
Spicy Salmon
Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Lemon Herb Salmon
Use extra lemon and finish with parsley or dill.
Cajun Salmon
Swap the seasoning mix for Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Salmon
Serve it with:
- rice
- roasted potatoes
- air fryer vegetables
- salad
- quinoa bowls
- meal prep containers with greens
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, just until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the salmon
Salmon can dry out quickly if left too long in the air fryer.
Not drying the fillets first
Wet salmon does not hold seasoning as well.
Using very different fillet sizes
Uneven pieces may cause some fillets to overcook before others finish.
Overcrowding the basket
Air needs room to circulate for even cooking.
FAQ
How long does salmon take in the air fryer?
Most salmon fillets cook in about 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F, depending on thickness.
Is air fryer salmon healthy?
Yes. Salmon is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a great balanced meal option.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but for best texture it is better to thaw it first. You can also cook from frozen with extra time if needed.
Do I need to flip salmon in the air fryer?
No. In most cases, salmon cooks well without flipping.
Can I meal prep air fryer salmon?
Yes. It works well for meal prep with rice, vegetables, or salads.
More High-Protein Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- Air Fryer Salmon Meal Prep Bowls
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer Tilapia
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Salmon
Save This Recipe for Later
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