Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy meal that takes less than 15 minutes, this Air Fryer Salmon is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams. Golden, juicy, and full of flavor, it’s one of those magical recipes where minimal effort meets absolute delight.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make Air Fryer Salmon, but each one truly shines! The magic is in how these basics balance the fish’s natural richness and deliver a meal that feels both vibrant and comforting.

• Salmon fillets (4, 6-ounce each): Choose center-cut, skin-on fillets for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
• Olive oil: This not only keeps the salmon moist but also helps the seasonings stick and develops a gorgeous golden crust.
• Garlic powder: Infuses gentle, savory depth into every bite, no need to fuss with mincing garlic.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and subtle smoky notes that complement the richness of salmon beautifully.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best flavors in your fillet.
• Lemon wedges: The zesty, fresh acidity cuts through the richness and brightens the whole dish.
• Tartar sauce: Creamy and tangy, perfect for dipping or drizzling over your finished salmon.

Variations

One of the best things about Air Fryer Salmon is how customizable it is. Mix things up to match your mood, your pantry, or your family’s unique preferences—it’s almost impossible to go wrong!

• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Swap the garlic powder and paprika with your favorite Cajun seasoning blend for a bold, smoky kick.
• Herb-Crusted: Sprinkle fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives onto the salmon before air frying for a lovely herbal lift.
• Asian-Inspired: Brush with a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of honey, then top with sesame seeds for a sweet-savory twist.
• Lemon-Pepper Salmon: Amp up the black pepper, add zest from a fresh lemon, and toss a few capers on after cooking for brightness and brine.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Giving it a head start ensures the salmon cooks evenly and gets that irresistible golden finish right from the get-go.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Fillets

Pat each fillet dry (this helps crisp things up!), then drizzle or brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, pressing gently so those flavors really stick to the fish.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Lay the seasoned fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket—try not to crowd them so air can circulate. Cook for 7–9 minutes, checking around the 7-minute mark; salmon is ready when it easily flakes with a fork but still looks moist in the center.

Step 4: Check and Finish

Open up the basket and check for doneness by flaking the thickest part with a fork. If you like your salmon more well done or if it’s a little thick, you can return it to the air fryer for another 1 or 2 minutes.

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon

Garnishes

Finish your Air Fryer Salmon with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon and maybe a sprinkle of chopped herbs like parsley or dill. For extra brightness, add a few lemon zest curls over the top—it makes the plate look beautiful and brings out the fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

This salmon is fantastic served with crisp green beans, a quick green salad, or fluffy brown rice. Roasted potatoes or steamed asparagus also make delicious, satisfying partners that won’t overshadow your perfectly cooked fish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, present the salmon over a bed of herbed quinoa with a dollop of tartar sauce on the side. Or, flake the fillet and tuck into tacos with cabbage slaw and avocado for a fresh take on taco night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Air Fryer Salmon fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s fantastic the next day, whether eaten cold over salads or gently reheated.

Freezing

Air Fryer Salmon freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual cooked fillets tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying again.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat salmon in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the outside lightly crisp and avoids drying out the fish—no rubbery microwave salmon here!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Air Fryer Salmon a try soon—it’s honestly a weeknight staple that feels restaurant special every single time. Gather your favorite sides and dig in; you’re in for flavorful, flaky salmon with barely any cleanup. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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