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Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon is one of the easiest, most delicious ways to make salmon. It is simple to make and creates a tender piece of salmon on the inside with a crispy outside layer. Pair this salmon with a salad and vegetable for a healthy dinner! 

Air Fryer Salmon with parsley.

AIR FRYER SALMON

Some of my favorite air fryer recipes to make for my family are this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe, Air Fryer TilapiaAir Fryer Cod recipe and Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp.

I love the way that an air fryer cooks seafood and this is by far the best way to make salmon.

It creates a crispy outside skin and a tender, flaky inside. 

We eat salmon on a weekly basis in our house because it is not only a healthy option with omega 3 fatty acids, but it is an easy way to cook it. My whole family loves it!

Salmon is one of those proteins that doesn’t require any fancy spices or glazes to taste good. 

You can simple drizzle olive oil and a few spices on it and the finished salmon will taste wonderful. 

I also really like to add this Creamy Dill Sauce on the side when serving it.

Air Fryer Salmon ingredients on parchment paper.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Salmon Filets : I like to use fresh salmon that is wild caught when possible. This recipes makes enough for two people but you can make the salmon in batches to serve more.
  • Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps to keep the spices on the salmon and infuses flavor into the fish. 
  • Spices: I used dill, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper for this recipe. You can use any spices you like! 
  • Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs are a great garnish for salmon once it is done cooking. You could also use fresh dill, oregano or thyme. 
  • Lemon Wedges: I think that lemon juice is one of the best pairings for salmon. I like to serve the salmon with the lemon wedges so people can use as much as they like. 
Air Fryer Salmon with lemon wedges.

How do I Make Salmon in the Air Fryer?

You won’t believe how easy air fryer salmon is to make. It really is the best salmon with simple ingredients. 

Start by preheating the air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.

Use a paper towel to dry off the filets. This helps to keep the spices on the salmon and gets the moisture out of the salmon to help it cook the best. 

Rub the two fillets with the 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Mix the spices in a small bowl. 

Spread the salt rub on the salmon fillets evenly.

Air Fryer Salmon with spices rubbed on the salmon.

When the air fryer has come to temperature spray a non-stick oil on the inside of the air fryer basket.

Place the fillets skin-side down. Make sure that there is enough room in between the fillets so they cook evenly.

Air Fryer Salmon in the air fryer.

Cook for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 145 degree with meat thermometer. Cook time may vary depending on the size of the filets.

Remove the fillets from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and splashes of lemon juice. Serve with extra lemon wedges.

Air Fryer Salmon cooked in the air fryer.

Tips for Making Salmon in the Air Fryer

  • Evenly Cut: Make sure that when you buy the salmon you pick filets that are cut evenly. This helps the salmon cook the same and ensures the perfect salmon every time.
  • Spices: Spices can take the salmon to the next level. Some I like are za’atar, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper or a spice rub. Another great option for salmon is brown sugar and soy sauce to create a sweet glaze!
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer to ensure even cooking and flaky salmon. If you are making a meal for more than two people you will want to make it in two batches.
  • Pre-heat: With an air fryer it is best to always preheat the air fryer. By preheating the air fryer it will ensure that the ingredients in your basket start cooking quickly, crisping the outside and creating a tender inside.
  • Temperature: You will know salmon is done when it changes from translucent to opaque, or pink, as it is cooking. I will often check the temperature of the salmon around 8 minutes. You want the temperature to be 145 degrees F at the thickest part of the salmon. You also want there to be a crispy salmon skin when done.
  • Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days. To reheat the salmon I like to put the fish on a baking sheet and slowly warm it a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. This ensures it doesn’t dry out.
Air Fryer Salmon with broccoli near an air fryer.

What is Air Frying?

A lot of people might be wondering how an air fryer works. It is similar to an amped-up countertop convection oven. Its compact space promotes even faster cooking.

The top of the unit holds a heating mechanism and a fan.

Hot air rushes down and around the food which is placed in a basket. The rapid air circulation helps crisp up food.

A lot of people compare air frying to deep frying food but much, much healthier! It also requires very little clean-up and most of the time the basket in the air fryer can be dishwashed.

Air Fryer Salmon with lemon and broccoli.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon?

Salad: Salads are always a great pairing with salmon. I really like this Mediterranean Bean Salad, Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, Summer Orzo Pasta Salad or this Easy Lebanese Salad.

Side Dishes: If you like to pair vegetable side dishes with salmon you should try these Lebanese Green Beans, Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower or these Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables 

Potatoes: Another great addition to this meal is potatoes. I often make Gouda Smashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato, Spicy Lebanese Potatoes or Lemon Cilantro Roasted Potatoes.

Air Fryer Salmon on a white plate.

Other Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try:

AIR FRYER PORK TAQUITOS

AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS

AIR FRYER FRENCH TOAST STICKS 

AIR FRYER MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN THIGHS

AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS 

Air Fryer Salmon 1200 x 1200

Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon is one of the easiest, most delicious ways to make salmon. It is simple to make and creates a tender piece of salmon on the inside with a crispy outside layer. Pair this salmon with a salad and vegetable for a healthy dinner! 
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Course: seafood
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer, dinner, dinner recipe, easy salmon recipe, healthy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
2

Ingredients

  • 2 fillets of salmon, about 6 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Freshly chopped parsley for topping
  • Lemon wedges for topping

Instructions

  • Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
  • Dab the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to dry them off.
  • Rub the two fillets with the 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the dill, oregano, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Mix well to create a rub.
  • Spread the salt rub on the salmon fillets evenly.
  • When the air fryer has come to temperature spray a non-stick oil on the inside of the tray.
  • Place the fillets skin-side down. Make sure that there is enough room in between the fillets so they cook evenly.
  • Cook for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 145 degrees.
  • Remove the fillets from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and splashes of lemon juice. Serve with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Cook time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. If they are thin, set the timer for 9 minutes. If they are very thick, set the timer for 11 minutes. Ultimately, you want the internal temperature to be at 145 to know that the salmon is done.

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Judine Boebel

Wednesday 3rd of November 2021

Made this for dinner tonight. It was an easy recipe and the salmon was delicious.

Julia

Wednesday 3rd of November 2021

So glad it worked! It is such an easy way to make it!

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