If there’s one thing I love more than a clean kitchen, it’s salmon that doesn’t stick to a pan. You ever try to make salmon on the stovetop and end up scraping half of it off your skillet? Same. That was me—until I met my trusty air fryer. Now? My salmon’s crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and best of all, it’s ready in under 15 minutes.
Let me show you how to make air fryer salmon that’ll impress your taste buds without stressing you out. It’s got a caramelized crust, juicy center, and a fresh lemony finish. Plus, it’s perfect for everyone—whether you’re a home cook trying to feed a family of five or a student with three ingredients and no time.
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Why You Need to Try Air Fryer Salmon
Here’s the thing you need to know: cooking salmon doesn’t have to be a fancy, once-a-week ordeal. With an air fryer, it’s a weeknight hero. Seriously—
- Quick Cook Time: You can go from fridge to plate in under 15 minutes.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Salmon is loaded with protein and omega-3s. It’s a heart-healthy, brain-boosting kind of fish.
- Perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Healthy meal prep
- Low-carb eating plans (hello, keto, paleo, and Whole30!)
- A romantic dinner without all the dishes
Looking for more fish dishes? This hillbilly fish fry is a crunchy delight.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Optional flavor add-ins:
- Honey (for a glaze)
- Dijon mustard
- Soy sauce
- Cajun seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh dill
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Sharp knife
- Basting brush (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Dry the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets with paper towels. You want them bone dry. Moisture = soggy skin.
2. Season it: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub that seasoning mix all over the salmon fillets.
3. Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3 minutes. It’s like stretching before a run—don’t skip it.
4. Air fry the salmon: Place the fillets skin-side down in the basket. Don’t crowd them! Cook for 8–10 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
5. Garnish and serve: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Dry it well: Moisture prevents browning.
- Preheat the air fryer: Better texture, always.
- Space matters: Don’t jam your fillets together.
- Skin-side down: Keeps the fish juicy and prevents sticking.
- Check doneness: Stick a fork in the thickest part—it should flake easily.
- Lemon at the end: Keeps the flavor bright without turning bitter.
Optional Flavor Swaps
Want to make it your own? Try these:
- Honey Glaze: Drizzle with honey before the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Soy + Garlic: For an Asian twist.
- Dijon + Dill: Bright and herby.
- Parmesan Crust: Add a sprinkle on top halfway through cooking.
- Cajun Heat: Swap the paprika for a bold Cajun blend.
If you love salmon, you might also enjoy these honey garlic salmon bites.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon
Here’s where it gets fun. Serve it with:
- Roasted veggies + quinoa
- Mashed sweet potatoes and asparagus (Try it with these white sweet potatoes)
- A crisp salad like this strawberry spinach salad
- Tucked into a wrap with arugula and sauce
- With balsamic glaze or garlic butter (Try it with our creamy garlic herb chicken)
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch it up each time:
- Garlic Butter Salmon: Classic and comforting.
- Teriyaki Salmon: Sweet and savory.
- Spicy Cajun: For when you want a kick.
- Honey Glazed: Slightly sweet, super moist.
- Lemon Herb: Light and zesty.
- Parmesan Crusted: Cheesy and golden.
Serve your salmon with a side like this cucumber tomato salad for balance.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly, freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: In the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
FAQ
Yes! Add 3–5 minutes to the cook time. No need to thaw.
Nope. Skin-side down all the way.
375°F is the sweet spot.
It should flake easily with a fork. Internal temp: 145°F.
Nope, and you shouldn’t. It helps keep the fish moist and flavorful.
Yes, but pat it dry before it goes in the basket.
Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Salmon
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in under 15 minutes—this air fryer salmon is a weeknight dinner hero. Perfectly seasoned with a zesty lemon finish.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Rub the seasoning mix all over the salmon fillets.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes until flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
- Garnish with fresh lemon juice and parsley before serving.
Notes
Preheat your air fryer for best texture. Keep fillets spaced out in the basket for even cooking. No need to flip—keep them skin-side down.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
This recipe is great for beginners and pros alike. Simple, flavorful, and perfect every time. And if you’re into more quick seafood dinners, check out this sheet pan shrimp boil.
Enjoy your new weeknight favorite!
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