If you’re looking for one of the easiest ways to cook salmon, you’ve come to the right place. This Air Fryer Salmon recipe is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—plus, it’s done in under 15 minutes. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal with minimal effort, this recipe is a must-try.
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Air Fryers are all the rage. You might think it’s just another appliance to sit on your kitchen counter and not be used, but believe me when I tell you it’s so worth it. We use our air fryer every single day, multiple times a day. Recipes in the air fryer are just better! Vegetables are crispy, chicken and other meats are tender. Not to mention there’s no pre-heat time and the clean up is a breeze. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – No need to preheat the oven or stand over a stovetop. Just season the salmon, pop it in the air fryer, and let it cook to crispy, flaky perfection. If you love easy air fryer recipes, be sure to try Air Fryer Chicken Breast or Air Fryer Shrimp for other quick protein options.
- Healthy & Delicious – Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. Pair it with Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts or Grilled Lemon Asparagus for a well-rounded meal!
- Versatile & Customizable – This recipe works with different seasonings, marinades, and sides, so you can switch things up based on what you’re craving. Try serving it with Crispy Smashed Potatoes and Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus for a comforting meal!
The Ingredients
- Salmon Filet: Skin-on or skinless, whatever you prefer.
- Olive oil: Helps create a golden, crispy texture. Use spray olive oil to make things even easier!
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor. Feel free to use any seasonings you love!
- Lemon: For a fresh burst of citrus.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
Step 1: Pat salmon dry then drizzle with olive oil. Spread the oil all over then sprinkle with paprika, salt, and any other seasonings you love. Rub in the spices for the best flavor!
Step 2: Place salmon skin side down in air fryer basket. Place lemon halves in air fryer basket next to salmon. Air fry at 400°F for 8-15 minutes depending on the size of your salmon. It will easily flake with a fork when it’s done.
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Video
Tips and Tricks
- Rub in the Spices: Make sure to rub the oil and spices in before adding the salmon to the air fryer for the best flavor.
- Minimize Sticking: Spray the air fryer basket with some oil before placing the salmon to help prevent sticking.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Salmon: Fresh salmon is always my preferance, but if you’re using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning. Cooking frozen salmon without thawing can lead to uneven results.
- Cook Everything at Once: If you have a large air fryer, toss in some halved asparagus, broccoli florets, or zucchini coins with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to cook alongside the salmon for a complete meal. Don’t overcrowd the basket though!
- No Air Fryer? If you’ve made it this far into the post and don’t have an air fryer, no worries! You can always make this Simple Broiled Salmon which also creates a juicy, tender piece of salmon.
FAQs
I have a couple favorites at the moment. The Philips Air Fryer XXL has never failed me, and I’ve been using it for years. Plus, it’s large enough to air fry multiple things at once. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this Drew Barrymore Air Fryer is a great one that I’ve been using a lot too! It’s fantastic and looks gorgeous on your kitchen counter.
Yes, meal prepping salmon is a great idea! Salmon holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it a perfect protein for prepping ahead of time! Add it over some rice or on top of a salad for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to keep it crispy.
More Ways to Cook Salmon
After you try this recipe, Air Fryer Salmon will be in your meal plan every week! It’s always cooked to perfection and delicious! Let me know what you think of this recipe — leave a rating and comment below!
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Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drizzle salmon with oil. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and any other seasonings you love.
- Place salmon skin side down in air fryer basket. Place lemon halves in air fryer basket next to salmon.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-15 minutes depending on the size of your salmon. It will easily flake with a fork when it's done.
- Squeeze lemons on top for a citrusy finish.
Notes
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- Rub in the Spices: Make sure to rub the oil and spices in before adding the salmon to the air fryer for the best flavor.
-
- Use Fresh or Frozen Salmon: Fresh salmon is always my preferance, but if you’re using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning. Cooking frozen salmon without thawing can lead to uneven results.
-
- Cook Everything at Once: If you have a large air fryer, toss in some halved asparagus, broccoli florets, or zucchini coins with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to cook alongside the salmon for a complete meal. Don’t overcrowd the basket though!
- Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to keep it crispy.
Seems like it might be a good idea to spray the basket with some oil or something like that… we were very sad to lose the skin to the air fryer basket!
I’m always looking for alternatives to heating up the oven, especially during our Phoenix summers. Thanks to you, Catherine, I can now check off my (up til now, excellent) roasted salmon routine and use my tiny, but indispensable air fryer instead. I was a bit dubious about cooking a whole pound at once, jammed in, edge to edge, but I followed your instructions to the letter. When it was done, I had next level salmon. Tender, juicy, savory and crispy all at the same time. Thank you for creating a winning recipe. I can’t imagine cooking salmon any other way!