This air fryer salmon is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy way to prepare salmon, this air fryer salmon recipe is perfect for you. Cooking salmon in an air fryer delivers a crispy, flavorful fillet with minimal oil. Simply season fresh salmon fillets with your favorite spices, and cook in a preheated air fryer until golden brown and flaky.

The result is a perfectly cooked salmon fillet that is juicy on the inside with a delightful crispy exterior. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or quinoa for a balanced and nutritious meal. This air fryer salmon is super quick to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or any time you crave a delicious seafood dinner.

Is Air Fryer Salmon Healthy?

Yes, air fryer salmon is healthy. Cooking salmon in an air fryer requires little to no oil, which reduces the overall fat content. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and B12.

Air frying preserves these nutrients while delivering a delicious, crispy texture without the need for deep frying. This makes air fryer salmon a nutritious and heart-healthy option for your meals.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Equipment You Will Need

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the salmon to perfection with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping the salmon fillets and safely removing them from the air fryer.
• Baking Sheet: Handy for prepping the salmon fillets and seasoning them before cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your salmon is cooked to the perfect internal temperature for optimal flavor and safety.

How to make Air Fryer Salmon

Step 1:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture over both sides of the salmon fillets.

Step 3:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Step 4:

Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Step 5:

Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips for perfect Air Fryer Salmon

Make sure to pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the oil and seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispy exterior.

Don’t skimp on the seasoning. A good blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the salmon’s natural flavor.

Always preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the salmon. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispier texture.

Arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

Air fryer cooking times can vary. Start checking the salmon at the 7-minute mark. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Salmon can dry out quickly if overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness if unsure.

What to serve with Air Fryer Salmon

For me, the best way to enjoy air fryer salmon is with some roasted vegetables and a side of quinoa. Also, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavor of the salmon perfectly.

You can try pairing it with garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting meal and steamed asparagus for a healthy twist. For more variety, consider serving it with a creamy dill sauce and some crusty bread. If you like something lighter, a cucumber and tomato salad works wonderfully. Also, a side of sautéed spinach adds a nice touch.

How to store

To store air fryer salmon, let it cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the salmon gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook salmon in the air fryer?

It typically takes about 10-12 minutes to cook salmon in the air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillet.

Do I need to flip the salmon halfway through cooking?

No, flipping is not necessary, but you can do so if you want even browning on both sides.

What seasonings work well with air fryer salmon?

Popular seasonings include lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dill, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Can I cook salmon with the skin on in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook salmon with the skin on. The air fryer will make the skin crispy and delicious.

How can I tell if the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Is it necessary to use oil when cooking salmon in the air fryer?

A light coating of oil helps to keep the salmon moist and adds to the crispiness, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Can I marinate the salmon before air frying?

Yes, marinating the salmon can add extra flavor. Just make sure to pat it dry before placing it in the air fryer to avoid excess moisture.

What should I do if my salmon turns out dry?

If your salmon turns out dry, try reducing the cooking time or temperature. Adding a bit of oil or butter before cooking can also help keep it moist.

Air Fryer Salmon

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

This air fryer salmon is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better.
• In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture over both sides of the salmon fillets.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
• Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Make sure to pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the oil and seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispy exterior.