I’ve tried baking it, pan-searing it, even grilling it—but nothing has given me consistently perfect salmon like my air fryer. I swear, this method is my weeknight secret weapon. Crispy edges, buttery center, done in less than 15 minutes… it almost feels like cheating. And the best part? There’s hardly any cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s fast, healthy, and practically foolproof. You don’t have to worry about flipping or overcooking—just season it, pop it in, and let the air fryer do the magic. It works with any flavor combo you like, whether you’re going for lemon-dill, spicy Cajun, or just a simple salt and pepper situation. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll save your dinner plans more than once.
Ingredients (Just a Few Essentials)
You’ll need salmon fillets (skin on or off—your call), a little oil, some salt and pepper, and whatever spices or marinades you love. I usually go for garlic powder, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon. The full list of ingredients and measurements is down below in the recipe card.
Directions
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Some models don’t need it, but I like to give mine a few minutes to get hot—it helps with that perfect sear.
Season the Salmon
While the air fryer’s warming up, pat your salmon dry with paper towels. Drizzle a little oil on top, then season with salt, pepper, and any spices you like. A little garlic powder and paprika go a long way here.
Arrange in the Basket
Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if you’re using skin-on. Make sure there’s space between each one so the air can circulate. If your air fryer’s on the smaller side, work in batches.
Cook Until Perfect
Cook for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness. You’re looking for that golden crust on the outside and a tender, flaky center. A meat thermometer should read 125–130°F for medium doneness.
Finish with Lemon
Right before serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top. It brightens everything up and balances the richness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
If your salmon has skin, don’t bother flipping it—the air fryer will crisp it up nicely. And always pat the fillets dry first so the spices stick and you get that seared edge. For extra flavor, let it sit with the seasoning for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Try brushing the fillets with teriyaki sauce or a honey mustard glaze before air frying for a twist. You can swap the spices depending on your mood—think taco seasoning, curry powder, or lemon-pepper. If you’re avoiding oil, you can skip it, but the salmon may not brown quite as well.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve it over a bed of herby quinoa, with roasted veggies, or on top of a simple arugula salad tossed in vinaigrette. It’s also great flaked into rice bowls, tacos, or pasta. A side of garlic green beans or mashed sweet potatoes makes it feel like a full, satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F or warm it gently in a skillet. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out the fish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw it first and pat it dry. Frozen fillets can be cooked straight from frozen, but they may release more moisture and take a bit longer.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and look opaque in the center. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—125–130°F is the sweet spot.
Do I need to flip the salmon?
Nope! It cooks evenly on both sides without flipping, especially if the skin is on.
Can I use this method for other fish?
Absolutely! This works great with cod, trout, or even mahi mahi—just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
Conclusion
Once you try salmon in the air fryer, I promise you’ll wonder why you ever made it any other way. It’s one of those low-effort, high-reward meals that makes you feel like you’ve got dinner totally under control—even on the busiest nights. Let me know how you season yours—I love hearing your spins on it.
PrintThe Easiest, Juiciest Salmon I’ve Ever Made (Thank You, Air Fryer)
Say goodbye to dry salmon forever—this air fryer method guarantees juicy, flavorful fillets with minimal effort and even less cleanup. Done in under 15 minutes, it’s the weeknight dinner hack you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re a lemon-dill purist or a Cajun spice lover, this technique delivers perfect salmon every single time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional garnish: fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Season the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over each piece, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in Basket: Place fillets skin side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Work in batches if needed.
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches 125–130°F internally.
- Serve: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- No flipping necessary: Skin-on salmon crisps up beautifully in the air fryer without flipping.
- Flavor tip: Let the fillets sit with seasoning for 10–15 minutes before air frying for deeper flavor.
- Variations: Try Cajun seasoning, teriyaki glaze, or lemon-pepper blends for different flavor profiles.
- Frozen fillets: Thaw first for best results, but can be cooked from frozen with extra time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg