Air Fryer Salmon
Crispy on the outside, juicy and flaky on the inside — this Air Fryer Salmon is quick, cozy, and feels fancy without the effort. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or when you just need a nourishing meal that tastes like a restaurant treat.
Ingredients
Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets skin-on or off, your choice
- 1 –2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Juice of half a lemon
Optional Decorations
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley or dill
- A drizzle of honey or a light glaze for extra flair
Instructions
Prep Your Salmon
- Pat your salmon fillets dry — moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Rub with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Squeeze that fresh lemon over the top. I may have done a little happy dance when I saw those beautiful fillets ready to go.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating = crispier edges, trust me.
Cook the Salmon
- Place fillets in the basket, skin side down if using skin-on. Cook for 7–10 minutes depending on thickness. Peek once, smell the magic, and resist eating it straight from the basket (or don’t, I won’t judge).
Rest & Serve
- Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley, extra lemon wedges, or a drizzle of honey glaze if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness — thinner fillets may be done in 7 minutes, thicker ones need up to 12.
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning is the secret to that golden crisp finish.
- Skin-on fillets cook beautifully in the air fryer and peel off easily after cooking if you don’t want to eat it.
- Feel free to switch up the seasonings: Cajun, lemon pepper, or even a sweet honey garlic glaze all work like magic.
- Best served immediately, but leftovers can be gently reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to keep that crispy edge.