If you want perfectly cooked salmon with crispy edges and a tender, flaky center, the air fryer recipe is your best friend!
This method gives you restaurant-quality salmon in just 10 minutes, with no flipping and minimal cleanup.
Whether you like it simple, buttery, or with a bold spice rub, this quick and healthy recipe is guaranteed to be a new favorite!
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy on the outside, tender inside – No soggy salmon!
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes.
✔ Healthy & Delicious – Packed with omega-3s & protein.
✔ Minimal cleanup – No greasy pans, no mess!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges 🍋
- Fresh parsley or dill 🌿
- Extra virgin olive oil or melted butter (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for extra crispy edges.
2️⃣ Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Rub olive oil over both sides.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano, then sprinkle evenly over the fillets.
3️⃣ Cook the Salmon
- Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is flaky and golden.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon.
- Garnish with parsley or dill and a drizzle of butter or olive oil.
🔥 Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
✔ Don’t overcrowd the basket – Airflow = crispy salmon!
✔ Want a caramelized crust? Add 1 tsp honey before cooking. 🍯
✔ Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes. 🌶️
✔ No thermometer? Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
🍽️ What to Serve with It
🥗 Garlic butter asparagus – A fresh, low-carb side.
🥔 Roasted potatoes – Classic pairing!
🥑 Avocado salsa – A creamy, refreshing contrast.
🍚 Coconut rice – Light & fluffy with a hint of sweetness.
🥶 Storage & Reheating
📦 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
🔥 Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes or microwave gently.
❓ FAQ
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Air fry frozen salmon at 390°F for 12-14 minutes (no need to thaw).
2. Do I need to flip the salmon?
Nope! The air fryer cooks it evenly without flipping.
3. Can I marinate the salmon first?
Yes! Let it sit in your favorite marinade for 15-30 minutes before air frying.
4. How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
✔ Internal temp: 125°F (medium-rare) or 135°F (medium).
✔ Flakes easily with a fork = ready to eat!
💬 Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Salmon is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy—perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to pan-frying again!
🔥 Try it and let me know how it turns out! 🍣💛
1️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer 2️⃣ Prepare the Salmon 3️⃣ Cook the Salmon 4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Ingredients
For Serving:
Instructions