Air Fryer Salmon
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If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at 5:30 wondering what on earth to make for dinner, this air fryer salmon recipe is the perfect option. It takes just a handful of ingredients, cooks in under 10 minutes, and comes out perfectly flaky with crisp edges every single time.
Salmon in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Salmon
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This is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for a random Tuesday night. And the cleanup is barely anything. That’s my kind of dinner.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a lot of salmon recipes out there, but this one keeps things simple and lets the fish shine.
The air fryer cooks the salmon quickly while keeping the inside tender and juicy. A little oil and simple seasoning are really all you need, although it’s easy to switch things up with your favorite spice blends if you’re in the mood.
It’s naturally low carb, high in protein, gluten-free, and pairs with just about any side dish you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon fillets
- Vegetable oil
- Salt & black pepper (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- Optional: fresh lemon zest, fresh parsley, lemon wedges
Step By Step Directions
- Preheat your air fryer while you prepare the salmon.
- Pat the fillets dry (removing excess moisture helps the outside brown a little better).
- Brush both sides with oil, then season generously with salt and pepper (or your favorite seasoning blend). If you’re using fresh lemon zest, sprinkle it over the tops.
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece so the hot air can circulate.
- Cook until the salmon reaches a safe internal temp, flakes easily with a fork, and is opaque throughout.
- Let it rest a few minutes before finishing with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
How Long to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer
| Air Fryer Temperature | Cook Time* | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 325°F | 12–15 minutes | Very gentle cooking; extra tender and juicy with little browning. |
| 350°F | 10–13 minutes | Moist and flaky with light browning. Great for thicker fillets. |
| 375°F | 8–11 minutes | Nicely browned outside with a tender, flaky center. |
| 400°F | 7–10 minutes | Crispy edges, juicy interior, and the fastest cooking time. Our preferred temperature. |
*Cooking times are based on approximately 1-inch-thick salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may need an extra 1–3 minutes, while thinner fillets may cook more quickly. Always cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F and verify with an instant-read thermometer.
What Temperature Should Air Fryer Salmon Be Cooked To?
According to the USDA, salmon is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F measured at the thickest part of the fillet. At this temperature, the flesh will be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Many home cooks and chefs prefer to remove salmon from the heat a little earlier, around 125–135°F, because the fish will continue to cook slightly as it rests, resulting in a softer, more tender texture. However, if you’re following official food safety recommendations, cook salmon to 145°F before serving.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
Drying the salmon before seasoning helps the oil and seasoning stick better.
Preheating the air fryer helps the salmon cook more evenly.
The biggest factor in cooking time is thickness, not weight. A thinner fillet may be done in 7 minutes, while a thick center-cut fillet could take closer to 10 minutes.
An instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to know exactly when it’s finished.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. If you’re making a lot, cook it in batches for the best results.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, although the air fryer does the best job of keeping the texture nice.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes
- Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
- Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe
- Cranberry Salmon Bowl
- Honey Mustard Salmon
- Baked Salmon Recipe
- Recipe for Smoked Salmon Dip
- See all our best salmon recipes!
How to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 – 8 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- Zest of 1 lemon optional
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Brush both sides of the salmon with the vegetable oil.
- Season the fillets with the salt and black pepper (or your favorite seasoning blend). If using, sprinkle the lemon zest over the tops.
- Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, leaving space between each fillet for proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, is opaque throughout, and flakes easily with a fork.
- Let the salmon rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require an additional 1 to 3 minutes.
- Preheating the air fryer helps the salmon cook more evenly and develop lightly crisp edges.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to determine doneness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Tools We Love
- Kitchen tongs – Every kitchen needs a good pair of tongs.
- Digital air fryer – We have this Cosori 6 quart air fryer. It’s great!
Seasoning Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s fun to change up the flavors. Try: cajun seasoning, blackening seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, Italian seasoning, ginger soy marinade, cilantro lime marinade.
Other Awesome Air Fryer Dinner Ideas
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- See all our best air fryer recipes!
Final Thoughts
This air fryer salmon is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s just so easy.
Fast enough for busy weeknights, healthy enough to feel good about serving your family, and delicious enough that nobody complains when salmon is on the menu.
Frequently asked questions
No, cooking the salmon skin-side down actually helps hold everything together while it cooks. You can easily peel the skin away after cooking if you don’t want to eat it.
No. There’s no need to turn it over. The circulating hot air cooks it evenly from all sides.
The flesh should be opaque, flake easily with a fork, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat it dry before seasoning for the best texture and even cooking.
Absolutely! This recipe is a perfect base for almost any seasoning blend you enjoy.
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