Best Air Fryer Salmon (Quick And Easy)

Making salmon in the air fryer is a total game-changer! It’s incredibly easy, cooks in minutes, and comes out tender, flaky, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy protein option, my Best Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

A plate with seasoned salmon fillets, steamed broccoli, and lemon wedges. A fork rests beside the plate.

In This Post

If you love cooking in the air fryer, you have to try my Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe and Air Fryer Hot Dogs!

If you’ve always wanted to cook fish perfectly but are too intimidated, well, guess what? You can kick those feelings to the curb! I’ve got the BEST way to cook salmon, and you will not believe how easy it is.

Looking for more incredible ways to use your air fryer? Check out my ultimate guide to Amazing Air Fryer Recipes for endless inspiration!

What Makes Air Fryer Salmon So Good?

This salmon is light with simple seasoning that lets the delicious flavor of the salmon stand out.
I’m crazy about the fact that, whether it’s frozen salmon or fresh, it’s beautifully crispy on the outside from the hot circulating air, yet juicy and fork tender on the inside.
Salmon is loaded with Omega-3 fats (good fatty acids), making it low-carb, low-calorie, and a perfect healthy dinner option. It’s my new favorite feel-good food!

Ingredients Needed To Make Air Fryer Salmon

Top-down view of raw salmon on butcher paper with seasonings in small bowls: black pepper, paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, and olive oil. Fresh lemon wedges are next to the salmon on a light marble surface.

Fresh salmon or Frozen Salmon – Whether you caught it yourself or snagged it from the store either type of salmon work, get about ¼ pound fillets of that slippery silver goodness.
Olive Oil – Drizzle a touch of this liquid gold to make sure your salmon gets that perfect crispy sizzle.
Garlic Powder – This adds a subtle kick that’s not too powerful, but just right.
Paprika – Add a pinch of paprika for a hint of smoky.
Kosher Salt – Ensures your salmon is seasoned just right.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper – Grind up some fresh cracked pepper to bring the heat and pepperiness.

Variations To This Salmon Recipe

Honey Dijon Glaze: Whisk together honey and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Brush the glaze onto your salmon filets before air frying for a sweet, tangy flavor twist.
Citrus Zest Infusion: Grate some orange or lemon zest and mix it with a bit of olive oil. Rub this citrus-infused mixture onto your salmon before air frying for a zesty and refreshing kick.
Cajun Spice: Create a homemade spice blend using ingredients like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. Coat your salmon generously with the Cajun spice mix for a bold and spicy Southern-inspired flavor explosion.

How To Make Juicy Air Fryer Salmon

A piece of seasoned, cooked fish on a wooden spatula, held over a black grill pan. The fish features a golden-brown, crispy surface with visible seasoning. Another piece of fish is partially visible in the background.

Drizzle olive oil over salmon fillets.
Mix garlic powder, paprika, Kosher salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the salmon.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a single layer of cooking spray and place the salmon in it. Set the temperature for 400 degrees and the timer to 8 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature is perfect.
When the timer goes off, check the salmon for doneness. Add another 1-minute if desired.
Remove the salmon from the air fryer, squeeze on fresh lemon juice, or add lemon slices and serve.

Tips For Making The Best Air Fried Salmon

Pat the fish dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray before putting the fish in.
When cooking salmon that weighs more than 3-4 oz, do not overcrowd the basket. If needed, work in batches.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great to toss in a salad or pasta for lunch!

Commonly Asked Questions

How long does it take to make salmon in the air fryer?

Believe it or not, the salmon cooks in less than 10 minutes. I like to use salmon fillets that are about a ¼ of a pound each, and I check them at the 8-minute mark to see if they are done.

What equipment is needed to make this recipe?

I use a Power XL Air Fryer or and have had excellent results. All the settings are easy to understand, and the heat stays consistent, producing beautiful results.

How do I store leftover salmon?

After air frying your salmon, let it cool to room temperature before tightly wrapping individual filets or the entire batch in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped salmon in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag and refrigerate promptly.

How to reheat air fryer salmon?

When reheating, use a gentle method like a low-heat oven or air fryer to retain moisture and bring the internal temperature up properly.

A plate with seasoned salmon fillets and roasted broccoli. Lemon wedges are placed around the plate. In the background, there are salt and pepper shakers and a striped cloth. A fork is flaking a piece of salmon.

Pin This Recipe

What To Serve With Salmon

For a meal that rivals anything you’ll find in a fancy restaurant, serve it with homemade tarter sauce, stuffed baked potatoes, and roasted asparagus. My family loves it with creamy coleslaw and cornbread muffins.

More Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love!

If you try this Air-Fried Salmon Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!