Air Fryer Salmon

5 from 37407 votes

Air Fryer Salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in seared edges and tender, flaky center. Ready in 10 minutes, low carb & low calorie

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Air fryer salmon fillets in air fryer basket garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
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My Air Fryer Salmon is So Good!

I make salmon a lot, and ever since I started cooking it in the air fryer, I don’t think I can go back. It’s just so easy! Season the salmon fillets, pop them in the air fryer, and less than 10 minutes later, you’ve got the most moist, tender cooked salmon with a flaky center. No need to turn on the oven or deal with oil splatters on the stove.

Cooking salmon in the air fryer is hands down my go-to method when I want to make dinner quick but still have it be really good. The seasoning is simple—garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper—so it works with just about any side. And if you squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top, it’s even better. I usually serve it with white rice and sauteed green beans, but honestly, it’s great as-is or flaked over a salad, rice bowl, or even tucked into tacos.

Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients

Ingredients for recipe: oil, seasonings, and salmon fillets.
  • Salmon fillets: Skin-on or skinless both work. If the fillets are extra thick, you might need to add a minute or two to the cook time.
  • Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon from drying out. Avocado oil works too.
  • Garlic powder: I like to use garlic powder here instead of fresh as I have had experiences with fresh garlic just burning in the air fryer.
  • Paprika: Gives the salmon a little color. Use smoked paprika if you want more of that flavor.
  • Salt & black pepper: Simple but essential. If you’re using a seasoning blend that already has salt, adjust as needed.
  • Lemon wedges: Lemon is, of course, optional, but salmon and lemon go together like hummus and homemade pita for me!
  • Tartar sauce: A classic pairing, but this salmon is good with just about anything—try it with a Greek yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or even some hot sauce.

Variations to Try

Switching up the seasoning is the easiest way to keep this recipe fresh. Here are a few air fryer-friendly seasoning ideas:

  • Lemon Pepper: Swap the paprika for 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning for a bright, zesty flavor.
  • Cajun-Style: Use 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a little spice and bold flavor. If it already has salt, adjust accordingly.
  • Garlic Herb: Add ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried thyme for a simple, herby twist.
  • Maple Dijon: Mix 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard with 1 teaspoon maple syrup and brush it on before air frying. *See below about cooking with a glaze in the air fryer
  • Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the salmon with 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce in the last couple of minutes of cooking. *See below about cooking with a glaze in the air fryer
  • Smoky BBQ: Swap the paprika for ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and add ½ teaspoon brown sugar for a sweet, smoky flavor.
  • Spicy Honey: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon hot honey after cooking for a little heat and sweetness.

How to Air Fry with Glazes Without Burning

  • Brush on the glaze at the end: Instead of adding it before cooking, wait until the last 1-2 minutes and quickly brush it on, then let the heat slightly caramelize it.
  • Use a lower temperature: If you really want to cook with a glaze from the start, reduce the air fryer temp to 350°F and cook a little longer.
  • Add after cooking: Just drizzle the glaze over the salmon once it’s done—this keeps it flavorful without the risk of burning.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon in a large bowl with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
Step 1: Add the salmon fillets to a bowl and season.
After coating with oil and seasoning.
Step 2: Message each fillet gently until covered with seasoning and oil.
Seasoned salmon in an air fryer basket before cooking.
Step 3: Place the salmon in the air fryer and air fry.
Salmon after cooking.
Step 4: Open the basket and check for desired doneness with a fork.

My Best Air Fryer Salmon Tips

  1. Make sure the salmon fillets are comparable thickness. This will ensure that they all cook evenly at the same time. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may have to cook them in batches. Then you can cook the thicker ones together if necessary.
  2. Check for desired doneness with a fork. When it comes to air fryers, the time needed to cook the salmon will depend on the thickness of the salmon pieces and the model of air fryer you are using. The best way to check is with a fork to see if it flakes off easily.
  3. Pre heat your air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon. I recommend doing this in order to allow the salmon to cook evenly. This speeds up the cooking time and gives a more crisped edge to the salmon.
  4. Don’t over crowd your basket. If you do so, you risk the salmon not being crispy because the moisture from the salmon fillets touching each other can affect the hot air circulating around the salmon rapidly. Air fry the salmon in two batches if necessary.
Salmon fillets on a platter with garnish, and serving fork resting nearby.

Serving Ideas

Recipe Help & FAQs

Can you make this with frozen fillets or do they need to be defrosted?

I recommend defrosting your fillets, as the cook time is for thawed salmon.

Skin side up or down in the air fryer?

You want to do the skin side down.

Do you need to line the air fryer before cooking the salmon?

I recommend placing the salmon right in the air fryer.

Seasoned salmon fillet on a plate served over rice with green beans.

More Air Fryer Recipes:

If you try this Air Fryer Salmon recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!

This Air Fryer Salmon recipe was originally published on February 24, 2020. The post has been updated to include new photography, helpful cooking tips, frequently asked questions and step-by-step photos.

Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in seared edges and tender, flaky center. Ready in 10 minutes, low carb & low calorie
5 from 37407 votes
Servings 4 servings
Course Entree
Calories 276
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

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Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Rub each fillet with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Place the salmon in the air fryer and air fry for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Please note, time may vary between air fryers.
  • Open the basket and check for desired doneness with a fork. You can return the salmon for another 1 or 2 minutes as necessary.

Notes

Storage: Air fried salmon will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 
Freezing Instructions: Freeze the pieces of salmon in an airtight container or freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before you use it.
Equipment: I recommend the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer and the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer with ClearCook (Amazon affiliate links).
* Please note the nutrition label does not include the green beans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1fillet, Calories: 276kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 366mg, Potassium: 852mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 0.05g, Vitamin A: 193IU, Vitamin C: 0.01mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Entree
5 from 37407 votes (37,215 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Safia says:

    This was so easy to make and absolutely scrumptious! Thank you so much

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Aww, so glad you liked it!! Thanks!

  2. Jonathan says:

    Perfect!!

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Yay! Thank you, Jonathan!

  3. Karen says:

    I find myself buying fresh salmon more often since finding the recipe. It’s so simple, easy and delicious. Finally a recipe the whole family likes!

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Aww, love that!! So happy it’s a hit with your family! Thanks, Karen!!

  4. CAROL says:

    Lovely recipe. It’s a keeper. Thank you.

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Yay, so happy you liked it!! Thanks, Carol!

  5. Fiona says:

    My husband and I absolutely loved this, I’ve made it twice and it’s definitely going to be in our regular rotation now! Thank you so much for a fantastic recipe 🙂

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Yay, so glad you both love it!! Thanks, Fiona!

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