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This Air Fryer Salmon cooks beautifully in the air fryer with a flaky inside and slightly crisp edges. You can make it in just 10 minutes, and if you’re really short on time, I’ve included a faster version too!
“Simple ingredients, perfectly flaky, and ready in minutes!”
-Becky
Whether you’re cooking dinner in a hurry or meal prepping for the week, this is one of those air fryer recipes that never lets you down. Pair it with your favorite side dish, like Air Fryer Asparagus or Air Fryer Zucchini, and dinner is done.
If you love simple, flavorful air fryer meals, be sure to check out our Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Tilapia, and these juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- Salmon fillets – I typically use 6-ounce pieces, skin on or skinless, whichever you prefer.
- Garlic powder – Adds a punch of flavor without overpowering the salmon.
- Paprika – A little smoky and sweet.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet and Smoky – Add a teaspoon of brown sugar to the seasoning mix.
- Cajun Style – Swap paprika and garlic powder for Cajun seasoning.
- Maple Mustard Glaze – Mix 1 tablespoon of maple syrup with 2 teaspoons of Dijon and brush it on in the last 2 minutes.
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush lightly with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over both sides of the salmon.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C) and place the fillets in the basket, skin side down if using skin-on. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check for doneness using a fork. Salmon should flake easily, and the internal temperature in the thickest part of the salmon should be 145 degrees F.
Pair this salmon with air fryer side dishes like this Air Fryer Baked Potato, Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops, and Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts to complete meal! And if you love this dish, you might also enjoy our other Air Fryer Seafood Recipes.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Use a Cosori or similar air fryer with a spacious basket, and leave room between each piece.
- Use a thermometer. For perfectly cooked salmon, remove it when it reaches 145 degrees F in the thickest part.
- Want a crispier top? Add 1-2 extra minutes or broil for 1 minute after cooking.
- Need it quicker? Air fry at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 6-8 minutes for thinner or smaller fillets using a simple seasoning rub.
Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories.
Air Fryer Salmon FAQs
Yes, but it will take a few extra minutes and may not have the same crispiness as thawed salmon. We show you how to in this Air Fryer Frozen Salmon post.
Don’t overcook it! Salmon is ready when it flakes easily and hits 145 degrees F. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
Looking for the best way to reheat leftovers? Save this post for how to reheat fish in the air fryer.
More Air Fryer Seafood Dinners
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.
Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 salmon filets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teasoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Lightly brush salmon portions, on both sides, with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir together.
- Coat salmon with seasonings, on both sides of each filet. Place seasoned filets in the air fryer basket and cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.
- Check for doneness using a fork. Salmon should flake easily, and internal temperature should be 145 degrees F. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Use a Cosori or similar air fryer with a spacious basket, and leave room between each piece.
- Use a thermometer. For perfectly cooked salmon, remove it when it reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) in the thickest part.
- Want a crispier top? Add 1-2 extra minutes or broil for 1 minute after cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you for all your wonderful recipes. Your recipes are so easy to do in an airfyer, and I now use my air fryer more. Love the air fryer recipes you send as I now don’t end up with dry salmon. My family loved the salmon as full of wonderful flavours and moist. Thank you.😋
Do you preheat your air fryer before adding the salmon? I have an IP 6-quart Vortex and it has a preheat setting built in.
I made this tonight and it turned out great.
Hi Lyndel. I did not preheat my air fryer before making this recipe. I am so glad you liked it!