7 Reasons You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, healthy, and mouthwatering salmon recipe, the air fryer is about to become your favorite kitchen tool. This technique creates a crispy-on-the-outside, flaky-on-the-inside fillet that’s ready in under 15 minutes.

Just like other easy air fryer recipes like chicken breast, using an air fryer for salmon cuts down on time, mess, and calories—while locking in that perfect bite and flavor.

If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with sweet-spicy glazes, you’ll love finishing your salmon with a drizzle of heat. We suggest you try this hot honey glaze approach like in our chicken tenders recipe to add a bold kick after air frying.

Why Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer for salmon offers several advantages:

• Even cooking with zero flipping
• Crispy texture without deep frying
• Cooks in under 10 minutes
• No greasy pans or lingering odors
• Ideal for low-carb, high-protein diets

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned seafood lover, air frying salmon guarantees perfect results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, gather these simple ingredients:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
• Optional sauces: tartar, yogurt dill, or hot honey

Seasoning & Flavor Variations

Keep it exciting with these seasoning ideas:

• Classic: garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper
• Lemon Pepper: citrusy and sharp
• Garlic Herb: thyme, oregano, parsley
• Maple Dijon: sweet and tangy glaze
• Cajun or Blackened: spicy and bold
• Hot Honey: added after cooking for a sweet heat

Looking to balance your protein with complementary sauces? Don’t miss these tips for making flavorful sauces for seafood.

How to Prep Your Salmon

1. Thaw the salmon if frozen (overnight or under cold water).
2. Pat dry using paper towels to ensure it crisps.
3. Rub lightly with olive oil to help seasoning stick and prevent dryness.
4. Season generously on both sides.
5. Place skin-side down in the air fryer basket.

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket—space allows hot air to circulate for better crispiness.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season salmon and lightly oil each fillet.
3. Place fillets in the basket, skin-side down.
4. Cook for 7–10 minutes (depending on thickness).
5. Use a fork to check doneness—the salmon should flake easily and be opaque throughout.
6. Optional: Brush glazes like maple or teriyaki during the last 2 minutes to prevent burning.

Tips to Avoid Burning Glazes

Want to use sugary glazes like honey or maple? Here’s how:

• Add glaze in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking
• Lower the temp to 350°F for thick glazes
• Apply after cooking for a clean, caramelized finish

You can also try this hot honey glaze for an extra flavor kick.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Salmon

Pair your salmon with fresh, vibrant sides for a complete meal:

Grain Options:

• Brown rice, couscous, or quinoa
• Cauliflower rice or farro
• Garlic butter noodles

Vegetables:

• Air fryer asparagus or green beans
• Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
• Zucchini noodles or sautéed spinach

Bowls & Salads:

• Salmon grain bowl with avocado and mango
• Greek salad with feta and olives
• Poke-style bowl with cucumber and soy drizzle

Looking for something pasta-based? Check out our seafood pasta ideas like Argentine shrimp with linguine for another easy, delicious option.

Storing & Reheating Tips

Storage:

• Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheating:

• Best reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
• Avoid microwaving to prevent drying

Freezing:

• Wrap in foil or freezer paper and store up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating

FAQs: Air Fryer Salmon

Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer without thawing?
Yes, air fryer salmon can be made from frozen. Increase the cook time by 4–5 minutes. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F, and the salmon flakes easily.

What’s the best way to season air fryer salmon?
A simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is foolproof. You can also add dried herbs, lemon zest, or a glaze like maple Dijon or hot honey for variety. Try combining ideas from our hot honey chicken tenders recipe to spice things up.

How do I prevent salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?

• Lightly brush the basket with oil or use perforated parchment paper
• Ensure the salmon is patted dry before air frying
• Keep the skin side down while cooking

Can I make salmon bites instead of whole fillets?
Absolutely! Cube the salmon, season, and cook for just 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’re perfect for salads, bowls, and tacos.

Is salmon skin safe to eat?
Yes, and it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer! If you’re not a fan of the texture, you can remove it after cooking—keeping it on during cooking helps retain moisture.

What air fryer model works best for salmon?
Any standard basket-style air fryer will work. Just make sure there’s enough space for airflow. Cook in batches if needed.

How do I reheat leftover air fryer salmon?
Place it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside moist. Avoid microwaving—it dries out the fish.

What sauces pair well with air fryer salmon?

Spicy sriracha mayo
Need more ideas? Check out our guide to making flavorful seafood sauces.

Air fryer salmon is more than just a trending recipe—it’s a go-to solution for nutritious, quick, and crowd-pleasing meals. With its versatile flavor profiles and effortless prep, it deserves a regular spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

Want more air fryer tips or seafood pairings? Let me know and I’ll help you build out your perfect meal plan!

Conclusion: Why Air Fryer Salmon Belongs in Your Rotation

Whether you’re new to cooking fish or just tired of dry, oven-baked salmon, air fryer salmon is the solution you didn’t know you needed. It’s:

• Fast: Ready in under 15 minutes
• Healthy: Low oil, high in omega-3s
• Delicious: Crispy, flaky, and full of flavor

The air fryer makes it easy to experiment with flavors—like hot honey, lemon herb, or garlic butter—while keeping the cooking process almost effortless.

Pair it with your favorite vegetables, grains, or a bold dipping sauce, and you’ve got a weeknight winner every time. Want to round out your recipe collection? Explore other air fryer meals like chicken breast or seafood pasta dishes like shrimp linguine for even more inspiration.

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