Air Fryer Salmon
This Air Fryer Salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky, and perfectly crispy salmon fillets cooked quickly and healthily. Using an air fryer locks in moisture while producing a crisp exterior for a delicious seafood meal with minimal effort and cleanup, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Total Time: 12-15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Herbs and Add-ons
- Fresh dill, parsley, or chives for garnish
- Optional spices: smoked paprika, cayenne pepper
- Optional marinade: soy sauce, ginger, honey (for Asian twist)
- Optional herb toppings: rosemary, thyme, basil
- Lemon butter sauce (melted butter with fresh lemon juice) for finishing
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush lightly with olive oil to ensure crispiness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your choice of spices.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal cooking temperature.
- Place the Salmon in the Basket: Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate evenly.
- Cook the Salmon: Cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes depending on thickness. Check for doneness by ensuring the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the skin is crispy.
- Add a Finishing Touch: Once cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle chopped herbs if desired to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Choose salmon fillets with even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crisp skin.
- Use skin-on fillets to keep salmon moist and attain crispy skin.
- Pat salmon dry thoroughly before cooking to promote crispiness.
- Start checking for doneness at the lower end of cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Let salmon rest a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- For frozen salmon, cook 12-15 minutes and season after thawing or halfway through cooking.
- Lightly oil the air fryer basket or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, gluten free seafood, easy salmon dinner