Air Fryer Salmon
Flaky, flavorful, and foolproof, our Air Fried Salmon recipe makes a tasty, trouble-free family dinner that’s seriously easy but feels special.
Juicy, succulent fish can be on your dinner table in just 18 minutes with this Air Fryer Salmon recipe which gives you restaurant-quality results! Simply season the salmon filets with olive oil and a beautiful blend of seasonings, then sit back and let the air fryer work its magic!
Reasons to Love Air Fryer Salmon!
While salmon may be an acquired taste for some, almost everyone enjoys this scrumptious, moist, and flaky pink fish!
What I love best about SALMON is how healthy it is. With only 235 calories per 4-oz filet, it’s bursting with protein, Omega-3s, B12, potassium, iron and vitamin D. Plus it is naturally carb-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free!
What I love best about this recipe is how fast and easy it is to cook succulent salmon filets for a busy weeknight supper! Just a few pantry staple seasonings, then into the air fryer for perfectly moist and flaky fish. Yes, I love grilling cedar plank salmon, but sometimes I need an indoor option.
I also love salmon’s versatility. Serve it on a bed of rice with steamed, buttery broccoli florets, parmesan angel hair pasta, and a green salad, or go completely keto and top the filet with sauteed mushrooms, a spicy horseradish sauce, and a side of creamed spinach.
Other Recipes to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon
- Add a bit of magic to your salmon dinner with these creamy Baked Garlic Mashed Potatoes!
- Try Citrus Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a zesty, 4-ingredient side dish to round the menu!
Ingredients
Fish: This recipe calls for 4-ounce salmon filets—Atlantic or sockeye, fresh or frozen (then thawed). These will cook perfectly in the air fryer. Of course, you can also purchase a full-pound filet and quarter it.
Oil: There’s nothing quite like olive oil to add rich flavor to a marinade or glaze!
Seasonings: We’re using several herbs and spices for the marinade, but no worries – they’re all pantry regulars, like salt and ground pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a little brown sugar and Dijon mustard. You’re going to flip for this flavor blend!
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
STEP ONE: Make sure your salmon is completely thawed (if using frozen) and pat dry. Whisk together all the other ingredients in a small bowl to make a flavorful olive oil marinade.
STEP TWO: Place foil in the air fryer’s basket, with space around the edges for air circulation. Rub the salmon filets on all sides with the marinade. Lay the salmon on the foil, leaving room between each piece.
STEP THREE: Cook at 350 degrees F for 8 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
STEP FOUR: Remove the filets from the air fryer and serve immediately with a wedge of lemon and your favorite side dishes! Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- You can remove the skin first or leave it on. Leaving it on makes the filets easier to handle and serve, and they slip right off once the salmon is cooked.
- The thickness of your filets will require you to adjust the cooking time (a minute or two).
- Wild-caught salmon is always superior to the farm-raised variety.
- Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe – just gently thaw overnight in the fridge before patting dry, seasoning, and cooking.
- Do you need to make more than four filets? No problem! Double the amounts of everything and cook in 2 batches, keeping the cooked filets warm in a 140 F oven.
How Long Do You Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer?
The filets used in this recipe were 1” from the thickest part of the fish. Cooking them for 8 minutes at 350F resulted in tender, juicy, amazing salmon! If you prefer your filets to be a bit translucent, knock a minute off. Or, if you have thinner salmon filets, cook for 6 minutes, then add another minute if you feel it needs more time. The beauty of the air fryer is how convenient it is to adjust the timing!
Can I Make Air Fryer Salmon Ahead of Time?
You can PREP the salmon a day ahead by marinating the filets and keeping them in the refrigerator, tightly sealed. When it’s time for dinner, simply pop them into the air fryer for 8 minutes!
Other Amazing Air Fryer Entrees!
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Pork Loin
- Air Fryer Biscuit Pizzas
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Air Fryer Fish and Chips
- Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 16 ounces salmon four 4-ounce pieces (see note)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- If needed, thaw the salmon portions completely and pat dry with paper towels.
- Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. (Leave the sides open so the air can circulate.)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon, salt, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze on all sides of the salmon portions. Place the salmon onto the foil in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for 8 minutes. Use a spatula to remove the salmon from the air fryer. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite side or over a salad.
Notes
- I leave the skin on the salmon portion so that it’s more stable. The skin will come off super easy once the fish is cooked if you prefer to eat the salmon skin-off.
- If you would like to use larger portions of salmon, you can. Just be sure to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Depending on the thickness of your salmon, you might need to cook it for 1-2 minutes more or less. I used 1-inch-thick portions of a salmon filet. It was very juicy after 8 minutes. If you like it more translucent, cook it for a minute less.
