This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy for additional information.
Why You’ll Love My Recipe
This Air Fryer Salmon makes it easy to get perfectly cooked fish every time! Salmon can be tricky to get just right, but the air fryer makes it easy to cook perfectly tender, flavorful fillets in minutes. It’s quick, simple, and so good you’ll wonder how you ever made salmon any other way.
Don’t forget to make your own Tartar Sauce to pair with your salmon! Or, round out your meal with some Air Fryer Green Beans for a fresh, balanced addition.
Karlynn’s Recipe Notes
- Skill Level: This recipe is quick and easy, especially with the air fryer doing most of the work! It’s perfect for beginners or anyone craving a tasty, no-stress salmon dinner.
- Total Time: This Air Fryer Salmon is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
- Variations: Try serving your salmon with The Best Homemade Caesar Salad or a side of fluffy Mushroom Rice for a filling meal. You can also use this same recipe with other fish like trout or cod for equally delicious results!
- Tools For This Recipe: You will need an air fryer, a zester or grater for the lemon, and a pair of tongs or a spatula to remove the salmon from the basket.
What You’ll Need for Ingredients
Salmon Fillets: Use fresh, skin-on salmon fillets for the best flavor and moisture. If you’re using frozen salmon, thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking to ensure even air frying. Karlynn’s Tip: Pat your salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the surface crisp up beautifully!
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the seasonings stick and keeps the salmon tender and juicy as it cooks. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
Lemon Zest: Lemon zest brightens the salmon’s flavor and adds a citrusy freshness to balance the savory seasonings. Karlynn’s Tip: Always zest your lemon before cutting – it’s much easier that way!
Smoked Paprika: Adds warm, smoky notes that complement the salmon’s natural sweetness. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon
This is a quick overview of the recipe. The full list of ingredients & complete step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat salmon dry and rub with olive oil.
- Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry your salmon for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check for doneness with a fork and cook 1–2 more minutes if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with tartar sauce!
Karlynn’s Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Use Olive Oil for the Best Flavor: Olive oil doesn’t just prevent the salmon from sticking! It also adds a subtle richness that enhances the salmon’s natural taste. You can use other cooking oils, but olive oil’s light, grassy notes complement this fish perfectly.
- Zest the Right Way: A microplane or fine zester works best for getting those bright bits of lemon flavor without the bitter white pith. If you don’t have one, you can easily use the smallest side of a regular grater and go lightly for the same effect.
- Check for Doneness with a Fork: To make sure your salmon is cooked just right, gently drag a fork across the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily, it’s ready! If not, air fry for another minute or two and test again until the salmon is perfectly tender. For peace of mind, follow the USDA food safety guidelines and cook your salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F for safe and tasty results.
Storage Instructions
Cooking salmon in the air fryer makes it quick and easy to enjoy fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s the safest way to store them.
Refrigerator: Place leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. This keeps the fish moist and flavorful!
Freezer: According to USDA food safety guidelines, cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw in the fridge before enjoying again.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for more tasty recipes to try in your Air Fryer? Try these out next:
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are crispy on the outside and melty on the inside – a perfect quick snack!
- Air Fryer Turkey Bacon cooks up perfectly in minutes and is a hearty addition to any breakfast.
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers golden, crunchy bites with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
There you have it, folks! Now it’s easy to get perfectly cooked salmon straight from the air fryer, without the stress of overcooking.
Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how your salmon turns out, or if you added any of your own twists. I always love hearing about your cooking adventures!
Happy Cooking!
Karlynn
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 ounces each, (6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon Salt and pepper to taste, (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper , (to taste)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Tartar sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if needed.
- Pat the salmon dry, then rub each salmon fillet with olive oil
- Season with garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer at 400° and air fry for 7-9 minutes, depending on this thickness of the salmon. The time may vary slightly between air fryers.
- Open the basket and check for desired doneness with a fork. It should flake easily. You can return the salmon to cook for another 1 or 2 minutes if needed.
- Garnish with parlsey, serve with a Caesar salad, some tartar sauce on the side and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Leave a Comment or Recipe Tip