Air Fryer Salmon
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My air fryer salmon is the best method for cooking this fish. It’s tender and flaky every time and cooks in just six minutes. My family loves it for a healthy weeknight dinner.
I use my air fryer almost daily, but when it comes to quick, flavorful weeknight dinners, air fryer salmon is always at the top of my list. I first started making it because I wanted a simple, mess-free way to cook salmon that still delivered restaurant-quality results.
After years of air frying (and an air fryer cookbook being released later this year!), I’ve found salmon is one of the most reliable proteins for consistent results. The air fryer creates a beautifully crisp, caramelized crust while keeping the inside perfectly tender and flaky. Paired with a sweet and spicy rub, this salmon is bursting with so much flavor- and it’s become one of my family’s most requested dinners!
Table of Contents
Air fryer salmon recipe highlights
- It’s fast. Salmon is already one of the fastest-cooking proteins, and this air-fried salmon takes just 6-8 minutes (depending on the thickness).
- Perfect texture. You get the crispy edges and flaky, tender interior.
- Healthy main dish. Salmon is a nutritious and healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Easy to customize. I kept this recipe simple with a few seasonings, but you can enhance it with a sauce, marinade, or your favorite spice mix.
Key Ingredients
Here are some notes about the main ingredients that go into this salmon. Find the full printable list with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Salmon fillets. I prefer skin-on salmon, as the skin helps cook the fish more completely and evenly (a trick I learned in culinary school). The skin also traps the juices better and yields a more tender fish. You can use skinless salmon fillets, but be sure to grease the air fryer basket generously to prevent sticking. If you have salmon bites on hand, try my air fryer salmon bites instead.
- Olive oil. Although salmon is naturally oily, adding a touch of oil will help the seasonings stick to the fish and prevent it from sticking to the basket. Melted unsalted butter will also work.
- Brown sugar. My secret ingredient! Adding a touch of sugar helps caramelize the fish, giving it a crispy exterior and a very subtle sweetness.
- Spices. Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhance the fish’s flavor and lend it a lovely, smoky aroma.
- Sauce. This is optional, but I like to glaze the freshly cooked salmon with sweet chili sauce or honey soy sauce before serving.
How to make air fryer salmon
Step 1- Pat the salmon dry to ensure there is no moisture.
Step 2- Add the salmon and olive oil to a small bowl and mix. Add the seasonings and rub them onto the fish.
Step 3- Put the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes.
Step 4- Remove the salmon, let it rest for a minute or two, then serve. The salmon should flake perfectly with a fork.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a meat thermometer. My #1 tip. To ensure your salmon cooks perfectly, you can check the internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Choose even-sized salmon fillets. Opt for fillets that are similar in size and weight. This will ensure the fish cooks evenly and entirely at the same time.
- Adjust the cooking time. My air fryer took 6 minutes to cook 4-ounce salmon fillets. Depending on the make and model, you may need to cook them slightly longer. 6-ounces typically takes closer to 8 minutes, and 8-ounces closer to 10 minutes (Fact: I tested this in all three (yes, three!) of my air fryers to make sure the timing is consistent.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. If needed, I cook the fish in batches because adding too many to the air fryer basket affects the overall texture.
- Add parchment paper. Or air fryer liners to the base of the air fryer. This makes cleanup an absolute breeze!
Frequently asked questions
The salmon does not need to be flipped in my recipe, as the skin is still intact. Salmon can be quite delicate, and flipping it risks the fish breaking apart. Even if you opt for skinless fillets, I’d recommend cooking them as is (remember, though- grease generously!!).
Yes! You can use frozen salmon, and there’s no need to thaw it (see frozen salmon in the air fryer). To compensate, increase the cooking time by 2 minutes.
Air-fried salmon is healthy, but you can round out the meal with other healthy side dishes like steamed vegetables, rice, and salads. You can also do as I do and air fry some vegetables WITH the salmon, like air fryer brussels sprouts, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer frozen broccoli.
Watch how I make it
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Salmon {In 6-Minutes}
Video
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon See notes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat dry the salmon fillets to ensure there is no excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, coat the salmon with oil, then add the salt and pepper. Mix the remaining brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, and rub over the salmon.
- Add the salmon skin side down to the greased air fryer basket and air fry for 6 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and glaze with a sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Note on cooking time: For 4-ounce salmon fillets, the cooking time in my air fryer was 6 minutes. Depending on the make and model, you may need to cook it a little longer.
- TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- TO FREEZE: Place the cooked and cooled salmon in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to two months.
- TO REHEAT: Heat the leftovers gently in a skillet or pan on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
Nutrition
More air fryer seafood recipes
Recipe updated 2025 to reflect the most accurate timing and more insights
Was quick and tasted amazing. Loved it.
Salmon was delicious. Recipe was super easy. At the end I added a Thai chili glaze.
Sounds delicious Sheilah! A great idea 🙂
I don’t have an air fryer. can I bake the salmon as well as add a touch of maple syrup.
Thank you.
Martha
This sounds and looks very good, but I have a couple of questions, First , I don’t have an air fryer, can I bake or broil the salmon and second, can I add a little maple syrup? Thank youk.