Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon is your go-to weeknight dinner when you want something fast, healthy, and absolutely delicious. With just a handful of spices and a quick 8-minute blast in the air fryer, you’ll get salmon with crispy edges and a moist, flaky center — no oven, no splatter, and no stress. Whether you’re serving it over rice, tossing it into salads, or flaking it into tacos, this recipe brings restaurant-quality results straight from your air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Cooks in Under 10 Minutes – Preheat, season, and go!
• Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside – Perfect texture, every time
• No Oven or Pan Required – Less cleanup, less mess
• Customizable Flavors – Works with any seasoning or glaze
• Healthy & Low Carb – High protein, low calorie, and super satisfying

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
• Tartar sauce or other dips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for 2–3 minutes.
2. Season the Salmon
   Rub each fillet with olive oil, then season both sides evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Air Fry the Salmon
   Place the fillets skin-side down in the basket (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness.
4. Check for Doneness
   Open the basket and gently flake the center with a fork. If it separates easily, it’s done. Add 1–2 more minutes if needed.
5. Serve
   Plate with lemon wedges and your favorite sides. Optional: drizzle with sauce or glaze just before serving.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts (Per Fillet – Approximate)

• Calories: 276
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 1g
• Cholesterol: 94mg
• Sodium: 366mg
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0g

Tips & Variations

• Use Fresh or Frozen Salmon: Thaw fully before cooking if using frozen.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air needs to circulate for a crisp finish.
• Want Crispy Skin? Place skin-side down and avoid flipping.
• Add Glazes at the End: Brush on teriyaki, maple Dijon, or BBQ in the last 2 minutes to avoid burning.
• Flavor Swaps:
  • Lemon Pepper: Swap paprika for lemon pepper.
  • Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning for heat.
  • Garlic Herb: Add dried oregano and thyme.

Air Fryer Salmon

Crispy-edged, flaky Air Fryer Salmon cooked in 10 minutes with simple pantry seasonings. Perfect for salads, grain bowls, or a quick main dish.

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 276

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
• – Tartar sauce or dip optional

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Rub salmon with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in air fryer basket, skin-side down.
4. Cook for 7–9 minutes depending on thickness.
5. Check doneness with a fork — fish should flake easily.
6. Serve hot with lemon and your favorite side.

Notes

– Brush on glazes like maple Dijon or teriyaki in the last 1–2 minutes to avoid burning.
– Don’t overcrowd the basket for best results.

FAQs

Can I cook it from frozen?
For best texture, thaw first. If cooking from frozen, increase time by 2–3 minutes.
Skin up or down in the air fryer?
Skin-side down is best for even cooking and easy removal.
Do I need to line the air fryer?
Not necessary, but you can use parchment or foil for easier cleanup.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Don’t overcook! Check at 7 minutes and add more time if needed.
What sides go well?
Try rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Salmon is proof that healthy doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon with endless flavor possibilities. This is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again — whether it’s a busy Monday or a laid-back Sunday meal prep session. Simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious.