Air Fryer Salmon is your secret to perfectly cooked fish with minimal effort. In just 10 minutes, you get crisp-edged, juicy salmon fillets that flake apart beautifully. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with no pan, no splatter, and no stress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick cook time – ready in under 10 minutes
- Healthy – high in protein, low in carbs and calories
- Minimal cleanup – no oven, no greasy pans
- Customizable flavors – easy to season and adjust
- Meal prep–friendly – stores and reheats well
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tartar sauce or dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat salmon fillets dry. Rub with olive oil.
- Season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check for doneness: salmon should flake easily with a fork.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 276
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 366mg
- Cholesterol: 94mg
- Potassium: 852mg
Tips & Variations
- Even size = even cooking: Choose similar-thickness fillets
- Preheat your air fryer: Helps crisp the edges
- Don’t crowd the basket: Leave space between fillets
- Try new flavors:
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic herb
- Maple Dijon glaze (add in final 2 minutes)
- Serving ideas: Pair with rice, salad, roasted veggies, or cauliflower mash
Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
- Air fryer
- – Mixing bowl
- – Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- – 4 6-ounce salmon fillets
- – 1 tablespoon olive oil
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – ½ teaspoon paprika
- – ½ teaspoon salt
- – ½ teaspoon black pepper
- – Lemon wedges for serving
- – Tartar sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub fillets with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place in air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- Cook for 7–9 minutes until salmon flakes with a fork.
- Serve with lemon and tartar sauce.
Notes
– Add glazes in final 2 minutes to avoid burning
– Great for meal prep and reheats well
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.
Skin up or down?
Skin-side down ensures crisp skin and easier removal.
Do I need to line the air fryer?
Not necessary, but parchment liners or a light spray can prevent sticking.
How do I avoid burning glazes?
Brush on glazes during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking or after air frying.
Conclusion
When you need a fast, healthy, and flavorful dinner, Air Fryer Salmon is a no-fail solution. It’s crisp on the outside, tender inside, and endlessly adaptable. Add your favorite sides, sauces, or seasonings and enjoy a clean, satisfying meal any night of the week.