This air fryer salmon recipe is tender, flaky, and delicious and cooks in less than 10 minutes. A simple combination of pantry spices leaves it perfectly seasoned, while cooking it in the air fryer keeps it moist in the center and crisp at its edges. It makes a light and delicious dinner that is amazing on its own or perfect for adding to salads.
Why This Recipe Works
- It cooks in less than 10 minutes.
- Made with simple pantry seasonings that you probably already have on hand.
- It is tender and juicy inside.
- No flipping required.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon
- Salmon: 4-ounce fillets will cook in less than 10 minutes. If you are using frozen salmon, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Both skin-on and skinless salmon work in this recipe.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the outside of the fillet as it cooks.
- Seasonings: Regular or smoked paprika can be used, along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Combine the seasonings in a bowl.
- Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel, then rub with olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoning blend.
- Place the pieces of salmon in the basket of your preheated air fryer, skin-side down.
Pro tip: If there are long pieces with thin ends, tuck the thin end under to create more uniform thickness so the pieces cook evenly.
- Cook the salmon for five to eight minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety. There is no need to flip the salmon as it cooks.
How Long to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
When cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, four-ounce salmon fillets take approximately five to eight minutes. The exact cooking time will depend more on the thickness of the salmon rather than the weight, as well as your specific air fryer.
What Temperature is Salmon Done?
Cook the salmon for five to eight minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. For food safety purposes, the USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. I personally prefer salmon cooked to 125 degrees Fahrenheit for a tender center, which is below the USDA’s recommended food-safety temperature.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
- Choose similarly sized fillets so they will be done cooking around the same time.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the salmon in batches if needed.
- Start checking your salmon at the five-minute mark because air fryers vary.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Salmon
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or enjoy cold. Always use your best discretion when storing and eating leftovers.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon
If you make this air fryer salmon recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 pieces salmon fillets roughly 4 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
- fresh parsley chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- While the air fryer is preheating, pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Then rub with olive oil. Sprinkle with the seasonings. If they are long pieces with thin ends, tuck the thin ends under to create more uniform pieces of fish that will cook at the same rate.4 pieces salmon fillets, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add the prepared salmon, skin-side down, to the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, checking the internal temperature in the thickest part of the salmon. (Please note that there is no need to flip the salmon during cooking.) I prefer to remove my salmon at 125 degrees Fahrenheit for a tender center. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer, and serve with lemon wedges and freshly chopped parsley.lemon wedges, fresh parsley
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