This Easy Air Fryer Salmon is crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make perfectly cooked salmon in under 15 minutes! It’s a healthy, protein-packed dish that pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Crispy & Juicy – The air fryer gives the salmon a perfect texture.
- Healthy & Nutritious – High in protein and omega-3s.
- Customizable – Use different seasonings or marinades.
- Minimal Cleanup – No messy oil or splatter.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or dill for a fresh twist)
- Lemon wedges & fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2. Season the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
- Rub both sides with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Air Fry the Salmon
- Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check for doneness (internal temp 125-130°F for medium).
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Let rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Total Time: 12-15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Garlic Butter Salmon – Brush with melted garlic butter after cooking.
- Honey Soy Glaze – Mix soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a sweet-savory finish.
- Lemon Herb Salmon – Add fresh dill and extra lemon zest.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (best fresh).
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes! Increase cooking time to 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Do I need to flip the salmon?
No! Cooking skin-side down ensures even cooking.
How do I keep salmon from drying out?
Don’t overcook—check with a meat thermometer for 125-130°F internal temp.
Can I marinate the salmon?
Yes! Marinate for 30 minutes in lemon, olive oil, and herbs for extra flavor.
What sides go well with air fryer salmon?
Try rice, roasted veggies, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes! The air fryer crisps up the skin beautifully.
What’s the best way to prevent sticking?
Use parchment paper or lightly grease the air fryer basket.
Can I cook multiple fillets at once?
Yes, but don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
How do I make the salmon extra crispy?
Pat dry before seasoning and add a little cornstarch for extra crispiness.
What’s the best air fryer temperature for salmon?
400°F (200°C) is perfect for a crispy, juicy result.
Conclusion
This Easy Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s the easiest way to cook salmon to perfection. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, crispy, and juicy meal in minutes!
PrintEasy Air Fryer Salmon
This Air Fryer Salmon is seasoned to perfection, cooked in minutes, and comes out crispy on the edges yet tender and flaky inside. A no-fuss, healthy dinner option!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Serving (Optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or green onions
- Garlic butter or honey glaze
Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and rub to coat.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sprinkle seasoning evenly over the salmon.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets.
2. Air Fry the Salmon
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes.
- Place salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- 1-inch thick fillets: 7 minutes
- 1½-inch thick fillets: 9–10 minutes
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges, garlic butter, or a drizzle of honey glaze.
- Pair with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad!
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds (be careful not to overcook).
Notes
- Swap Italian seasoning for cajun, blackened, or lemon pepper seasoning.
- Use maple syrup or honey in the marinade for a sweet twist.
- For extra crispiness, spray with cooking oil before air frying.