Easy Air Fryer Salmon

If you’re looking for a simple, speedy way to prepare salmon, this Air Fryer Salmon recipe will be a lifesaver. In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked fish with seared edges and a tender, flaky center. Plus, it’s both low-carb and low-calorie.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
No need for a grill or oven, thanks to the air fryer.
Health-conscious choice—packed with nutrients but low in carbs and calories.
Minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets: Choose fresh or thawed fillets for optimal flavor and texture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to crisp the edges; can use avocado oil as a substitute.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth; can use fresh minced garlic if preferred.
½ teaspoon paprika: For a touch of smoky warmth; substitute with smoked paprika for added depth.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances natural flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and earthiness.
Lemon wedges for serving: Brightens the dish with acidity.
Tartar sauce for serving: Traditional accompaniment for extra flavor.

How to Make It

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This ensures even cooking right from the start, helping you achieve those perfect seared edges on your salmon.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Rub each salmon fillet with a light coat of olive oil to promote crispiness. Generously season both sides of the fillets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This combination adds a well-rounded, savory flavor to each bite.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, checking for a flaky center as a sign of doneness. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and your specific air fryer model.

Step 4: Check and Adjust Cooking Time

Open the air fryer and use a fork to check the salmon for flakiness—an indicator of doneness. If needed, return the salmon to the fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes to reach your preferred level of doneness.

Recipe FAQs

What if my salmon is thicker than usual?

If your fillets are thicker than 1 inch, start with 9 minutes and check for doneness. You can always add time in 1-minute increments as needed to achieve the perfect texture.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

You can use frozen fillets, but they will need a few extra minutes in the air fryer. Make sure to check for doneness and adjust cooking time accordingly.