If you’re looking for a quick dinner then you’ll love this air fryer salmon recipe. I know making salmon in the oven takes less than 20 minutes but compared to the air fryer, you get to skip the time it takes to preheat your oven, lining your sheet pan, and then baking. The air fryer will cook your fillet in less than 10 minutes and won’t heat up your kitchen like turning on your oven will.
Even better, compared to cooking in a pan, you’re able to completely walk away from the air fryer while it cooks your fish. This air fryer method is the best of both worlds — the speed and crispy exterior of pan-frying combined with the hands-off cooking of baking.
Key Ingredients You Need
- Salmon — This is such a great source of protein that is also loaded with healthy fats and omega-3s. It’s one of the easiest proteins to cook, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- Seasoning — This recipe uses paprika, salt, and pepper as the seasoning. Feel free to change things up!
- Lemon — As a garnish, the lemon really helps brighten up the flavors without overpowering the protein. A little goes a long way.
How to Make Salmon in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Drizzle olive oil on top of each filet and rub in. Then season with paprika, salt and pepper.
Step 2: Transfer to the air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for 8 minutes. (Times may vary depending on the thickness of your filet.)
Step 3: Serve with lemon wedges and dill.
Variations
- If you’re not a fan of olive oil, you can try avocado oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
- Other seasonings you can use are, but not limited to, Cajun seasoning, dried herbs, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, etc.
- Add a little heat to this with some cayenne powder.
Tips For This Recipe
- As the time it takes to cook through your fish may vary due to the thickness of your fillet, I suggest you check up on it at the 8 minute mark with an instant-read thermometer. Salmon is cooked through once the internal temperature has reached 120°F to 135°F.
- There is no need to flip the fish halfway through cooking it.
- If your fillets are wet or damp, be sure to pat them dry before drizzling with olive oil and seasoning. Patting it dry will help the oil and seasoning stick better.
- Be sure to remove the salmon from the air fryer basket once it has finished cooking as the residual heat from the basket will continue to cook your fillets.
- Not all air fryers are made the same. If your model requires preheating, please do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use fillets that have been frozen for this recipe. You’ll have to thaw it first before air frying as when you cook from frozen, the exterior will cook before the middle, causing the salmon to become overcooked.
While it is recommended to thaw your fish overnight in the fridge, sometimes we forget! In those situations, simply fill a large bowl with cold water and place your wrapped frozen fillets in it. When submerged in cold water, it should defrost within the hour. Change the water out if it starts approaching room temperature.
If you’d like to meal prep this or make it ahead of time to save time, you can air fry the salmon and once it has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
You can quickly and easily reheat leftovers with the air fryer. You just need 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F. This recipe also tastes great when cold as well so you don’t have to reheat it.
Salmon goes with so many dishes! Some of my favorite recipes to make alongside fillets are my Goat Cheese Balls, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Instant Pot Smashed Potatoes, and Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms.
IF YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE TRY THESE OUT!
If you’ve tried this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe then don’t forget to leave me a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 6 oz salmon filets about 1.5-2 inches thick
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- salt & pepper to taste
- lemon wedges and dill for garnish optional
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil on top of each salmon filet and rub in. Then season with paprika, salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for 8 minutes. (Times may vary depending on thickness of your filet.)
- Serve with lemon wedges and dill.
Video
Notes
- As the time it takes to cook through your fish may vary due to the thickness of your fillet, I suggest you check up on it at the 8 minute mark with an instant read thermometer. Salmon is cooked through once the internal temperature has reached 120°F to 135°F.
- There is no need to flip the fish halfway through cooking it.
- If your salmon is wet or damp, be sure to pat it dry before drizzling with olive oil and seasoning. Patting it dry will help the oil and seasoning stick better.
- Be sure to remove the salmon from the air fryer basket once it has finished cooking as the residual heat from the basket will continue to cook your fillets.
- Not all air fryers are made the same. If your model requires preheating, please do so.
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