I always turn to air fryer salmon when I want a fresh, healthy dinner my whole family will love. My recipe is perfection for crispy skin and flaky fish that’s absolutely irresistible!
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My Easy Recipe For Salmon in the air Fryer
I remember the first time I decided to make my air fryer salmon. My father-in-law was on his way over, and since he loves fish, I always challenge myself to make different seafood recipes for him.
I knew this recipe would be perfect since he’s notorious for coming late, and it was something quick I could pull together in minutes. It would be done before the oven would even preheat!
He had never used an air fryer before, which always blows my mind when I hear people have still not tried this amazing appliance.
I saw the car pull into the driveway, so I stuck the salmon in the air fryer and finished the rest of dinner.
When we sat down to eat, my husband Ben told him I air fried the salmon. He ate the entire fillet and said, “I might need to get myself one of those air fryers.” Yes, yes, he does, because they are fantastic.
And if you love a good air fryer seafood recipe, try my recipes for air fryer tilapia, air fryer mahi mahi, air fryer shrimp, frozen salmon in the air fryer, air fryer crab cakes, and air fryer cod.
Air Fry Salmon Ingredients
- Salmon fillets – I love using skin-on salmon, but skinless works great too
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Oil – I use olive oil, but canola oil, vegetable oil, and even butter work
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and pat the fillets dry using a paper towel.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the salmon fillets evenly with the oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top of the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them completely.
STEP THREE: Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer with spacing between each filet.
STEP FOUR: Air fry the salmon for 10-12 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork, and the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
TIPS For the Best Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking the salmon. I say starting with a hot air fryer is the key to even cooking and crispy skin!
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning. I’ve noticed the oil and seasonings stick much better when it’s dried.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray pan. I leave plenty of room between each salmon filet in the air fryer so the hot air can properly circulate. If I have more fish to cook, I air fry them in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. I also know it’s done when I can easily flake the salmon with a fork.
- Let the salmon rest before serving. I think this is the most important step for getting tender, flaky salmon!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Air Fryer Salmon Variations and Substitutions
- Use skinless salmon instead. My recipe works with both skin-on and skinless salmon. If I’m using skinless salmon, I usually use a parchment round to avoid any sticking.
- Brush the salmon with melted butter instead of olive oil for added richness. I use unsalted, so I have more control over the saltiness of the salmon.
- Experiment with the spices for different twists on the flavor. I like using lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar.
- Squeeze fresh lemon over the salmon for some acidity. I love how the lemon juice adds a burst of bright citrus!
- Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs over the salmon before serving. Dill, parsley, and cilantro are my favorites for that pop of flavor.
What to Serve with This Salmon Air Fryer Recipe
I love keeping these dinners light and on the healthier side by serving them with air fryer green beans, air fryer carrots, air fryer broccoli, or roasted carrots and asparagus with a little rice and salad.
When I want some heartier sides, I love whipping up air fryer hush puppies, red potatoes in the air fryer, air fryer garlic bread, or air fryer crescent rolls!
Air Fryer Salmon FAQs
How long to air fry salmon
Air fryer salmon is one of my go-to busy weeknight dinners because it only takes 10 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees F.
Does salmon go skin-side down in the air fryer?
I always recommend placing salmon or any other fish skin-side down in the air fryer. I find this cooks the fish more evenly and also makes it easier to remove from the air fryer once it’s ready.
What temperature should I air fry salmon at?
I cook salmon in the air fryer at 400 degrees F. This helps the skin get crispy without drying out the fillets. It is done when it reaches a temperature of 145 degrees F.
How to reheat salmon in the air fryer
To reheat salmon in the air fryer, I preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F, then cook the fish skin-side down for about 4 minutes or until it’s heated all the way through.
Do I have to flip air fryer salmon?
When I’m cooking salmon in the air fryer, I usually don’t flip it. It cooks beautifully without it, plus it’s easier! The only time I flip salmon is when I’m cooking it with the skin on and want extra crispy skin, and then I’ll flip it with 3-4 minutes left in the cooking time.
How to Cook frozen salmon in the air fryer
If I’m making frozen salmon in the air fryer, I’ll preheat to 390 degrees F before placing the frozen salmon skin-side down. I cook the salmon for about 4 minutes to thaw it, then follow the rest of the recipe like normal.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer bacon
- Air fryer nachos
- Air fryer chicken thighs
- Air fryer oysters
- Air fryer meatloaf
- Air fryer hard boiled eggs
- Air fryer hot dogs
- Air fryer buffalo wings
Easy Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and pat the fillets dry using a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the salmon fillets evenly with the oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture over the top, coating them completely.
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer with spacing between each filet.
- Air fry the salmon for 10-12 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork, and the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning. The oil and seasonings stick much better when it’s dried.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray pan. If you have more fish to cook, I air fry them in batches.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat salmon in the air fryer by cooking it in a preheated air fryer at 370 degrees for about 4 minutes until heated through.
- Use frozen salmon by cooking it in the air fryer at 390 degrees for 4 minutes to thaw it, then using this recipe as is.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
How do you cook Whiting Fillets in an air Fryer?
Hi Gloria, I would cook the white fish fillets at 400 degrees (preheated) for about 10 minutes. Check on them halfway through to make sure it is cooking okay.
Hello! Did you leave the salmon out on the counter after taking out of the fridge before cooking? If so, for how long do you recommend? Thanks!
Hi Lauren, I recommend getting it out about 15 minutes before you cook it. I like to take it out first thing and then get everything together and mixed, including whatever side dish I am making too.
I normally bake my salmon in the oven with butter and garlic, I added a slice of lemon to this recipe and it was delicious but next time I will air fry for 8 mins instead of 10. I used a ninja grill.
Can you use skinless filets?
Yes, you can!
Thank you for sharing this great recipe! Used Norwegian Atlantic salmon that was very even in thickness so 10 minutes was enough.
Turned out very tasty and moist.
Our new favorite salmon dish!!
Could I do the same thing with trout, although the fillets are thinner than salmon? Thank you.
Hi Dale, yes! I would watch the trout a little earlier since it’s thinner and will cook faster.