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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
- 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
My Best Air Fryer Salmon Tips
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Serving Ideas
- Salad: A fresh salad goes great with this air fryer salmon. Try it on top of Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad.
- Grains: Rice, couscous, barley and farro all are good options. Try it with Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad or Turmeric Rice Salad.
- Vegetables: Bonus for this option because you can make whatever vegetable you’re serving with the salmon right in the air fryer. It’s great with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice and Green Beans with Almonds. I opted for simple green beans, and they’re ready within 2-4 minutes!
Recipe Help & FAQs
I recommend defrosting your fillets, as the cook time is for thawed salmon.
You want to do the skin side down.
I recommend placing the salmon right in the air fryer.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Air Fryer Chicken
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Fish and Chips
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
Video
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 for serving
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
I read elsewhere 145 degrees and salmon is done. Good to know as everyone does not know probably and it is important to me. Thanks though.
That’s correct, salmon is done cooking at 145ºF. Glad you liked the recipe, Bob!
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. Enjoy!
Fantastic! Love this quick and delicious receipe in my air fryer!!!!
Yay, so happy you love it! Thank you!!
What temperature do you cook it in the air fryer?
You can air fry the salmon at 400°F for 7-9 minutes. The recipe card with full instructions is at the bottom of the page (above the comments). Hope that helps!
It was perfect! Thank you
This looks delicious and so simple! Question… Does it make the air fryer smell like salmon the next few times it runs or even things cooked in it for the next day or two have a salmon taste? Not everyone in my house is a salmon fan.
Good question! My air fryer doesn’t smell like salmon after using it. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly when you’re done. Enjoy!!