Salmon in the air fryer? Yes, and it’s about to become your new favorite way to cook this nutritious fish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for a quick and healthy dinner option, this Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers crispy edges, tender flakes, and mouth-watering flavor in under 15 minutes.
Not only is this method faster than baking or pan-searing, but it also uses less oil, making it a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. Plus, with minimal cleanup, you’ll have more time to relax after dinner instead of scrubbing pans.
Ready to elevate your salmon game? Let’s dive into the recipe, step-by-step!
Reason You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer salmon recipe is a game-changer for seafood lovers and busy cooks alike. Here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in just 15 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, and cooking it in the air fryer requires very little oil.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer delivers crispy, caramelized edges while keeping the inside moist and flaky.
- Minimal Cleanup: No splattering oil, no messy stovetop—just an easy-to-clean air fryer basket.
- Versatile: Season it simply with salt, pepper, and lemon, or try bold flavors like garlic butter, honey soy glaze, or Cajun spices.
Once you try salmon in the air fryer, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way.
Ingredients & Substitutes
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. You only need a few fresh ingredients to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal.
Main Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets (6-8 oz each): Fresh or frozen, skin-on or skinless. Look for fillets of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes crispiness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Paprika: For a subtle smokey note and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish.
Optional Seasonings:
- Honey and soy sauce: For a sweet and savory glaze.
- Dijon mustard and maple syrup: Adds tang and a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives): For a burst of freshness.
Substitutes:
- No olive oil? Avocado oil works beautifully for high-heat cooking.
- Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to your spice mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is incredibly easy and quick. Let’s go through each step to create a perfectly cooked dish!
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps ensure the salmon cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior. A properly heated air fryer is key to locking in moisture while creating that golden crust.
2. Prepare the Salmon Fillets
Pat each salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for crisping up the outside. Lightly brush or drizzle the fillets with olive oil (or avocado oil) to help the seasoning adhere and encourage a beautiful, caramelized finish.
Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or a dash of lemon zest.
3. Arrange the Salmon in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if they have skin. Make sure there’s space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking, so work in batches if necessary.
4. Cook the Salmon
Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 7–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. If you prefer medium-rare salmon, aim for around 130–135°F (54–57°C).
Halfway through cooking, you can open the air fryer and check the progress—no need to worry about losing too much heat.
5. Add a Glaze (Optional)
If you’re using a glaze—such as honey garlic, maple Dijon, or teriyaki—brush it onto the salmon during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This allows the glaze to caramelize without burning, adding an extra layer of flavor and shine.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the salmon to a plate and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fillets moist and tender.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with herbs like dill or parsley. Pair your air fryer salmon with roasted veggies, quinoa, or a crisp side salad for a healthy, well-balanced meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Want to achieve restaurant-quality salmon right from your air fryer? Follow these simple yet essential tips to get crispy edges, tender flakes, and mouth-watering flavor every time!
1. Pat the Salmon Dry
Before seasoning, make sure to pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the surface crisp up nicely in the air fryer, rather than steaming.
2. Don’t Skip Preheating
Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer is a game-changer. A hot air fryer ensures a quick sear on the outside while locking in moisture on the inside, giving you that perfect contrast of crisp and tender.
3. Use Even-Sized Fillets
For consistent cooking, try to use salmon fillets that are about the same size and thickness. If you have a mix of thinner and thicker cuts, you may need to remove the thinner pieces a minute or two early.
4. Space Out the Fillets
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The hot air needs to circulate around each piece of salmon to cook it evenly and create that golden exterior. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. Check for Doneness Early
Salmon can overcook quickly. Start checking for doneness at the 7-minute mark, especially for thinner fillets. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Let the Salmon Rest
Once cooked, let your salmon rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the fish moist and flavorful.
7. Add Sauce at the End
If you’re using a glaze (like honey garlic or teriyaki), brush it on during the last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and create a caramelized finish.
8. Experiment with Seasonings
While classic garlic, paprika, and lemon are always a hit, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try Cajun spices, a chili-lime rub, or a simple miso glaze to mix things up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish like air fryer salmon can go wrong if you’re not careful. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen! Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Skipping the Preheat
Starting with a cold air fryer may lead to uneven cooking and a soggy exterior. Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the salmon. This ensures a crispy outside and tender, flaky inside.
2. Not Patting the Salmon Dry
Moisture on the salmon’s surface can prevent it from crisping up properly. Before seasoning, pat each fillet thoroughly dry with paper towels—this small step makes a big difference.
3. Overcrowding the Basket
Air circulation is key to perfectly cooked salmon. If the fillets are packed too closely together, the hot air won’t flow around them evenly, leading to steamed, not crispy, fish. Cook in batches if needed for the best results.
4. Overcooking the Salmon
Salmon cooks quickly, and overcooking leads to dry, chalky fish. Check for doneness at the 7-minute mark, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C)—no higher.
5. Forgetting to Rest the Salmon
Skipping the resting step can cause the juices to escape as soon as you cut into the salmon. Let it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a moist, flavorful bite.
6. Using Too Much Oil
While a little oil helps with crispiness, too much can cause the salmon to turn greasy and prevent proper air circulation. A light coating is all you need.
7. Not Seasoning Generously
Salmon is rich and flavorful, but it needs the right seasoning to shine. Don’t be shy with your spices—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika create a delicious crust that complements the fish beautifully.
Conclusion
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is a game-changer for quick, healthy, and delicious meals. With just a few simple steps, you can create a perfectly tender, flaky salmon fillet with a crisp exterior—without the need for excessive oil or a complicated cooking process. Whether you’re making a fast weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a flavorful seafood dish, this air fryer salmon recipe delivers every time.
Remember, the key to success lies in preheating your air fryer, patting the salmon dry, and not overcrowding the basket. A few minutes of resting after cooking ensures the fish stays moist and flavorful. Plus, with endless seasoning options and glaze variations, you can customize this dish to suit your taste perfectly.
Why wait? Give this healthy, hassle-free recipe a try and experience just how easy it is to make restaurant-quality salmon at home. If you love how it turns out, be sure to check out more air fryer recipes and kitchen essentials here for your next culinary adventure!
FAQs
1. Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer! Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time—about 12–15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). For the best texture, consider rinsing off any ice crystals and patting the salmon dry before seasoning.
2. Do I need to flip the salmon while air frying?
No, flipping is usually not necessary. Cooking the salmon skin-side down allows the hot air to circulate around the fillet, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender.
3. What internal temperature should salmon reach?
Salmon is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. If you prefer a medium-rare texture, aim for around 130–135°F (54–57°C).
4. How do I prevent salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A light spray of cooking oil on the basket (or a parchment paper liner designed for air fryers) can help prevent sticking. Also, brushing the salmon with a bit of olive or avocado oil helps create a non-stick barrier.
5. Can I use marinades or glazes in the air fryer?
Absolutely! However, it’s best to apply glazes during the last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Marinades work well, but be sure to pat the salmon dry before air frying to avoid excess moisture.
6. How do I store and reheat air fryer salmon?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through—this helps retain the crispiness better than the microwave.
7. What sides go well with air fryer salmon?
This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, a fresh green salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a light quinoa pilaf. A squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of homemade dill sauce makes the perfect finishing touch.
