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Air fryer salmon is the BEST way to cook salmon that turns out tender and flaky every single time. I love how this cooks in just 6 minutes.
It’s no secret that I use my air fryer almost daily, but my favorite use is cooking proteins, and air frying salmon is no exception. The air fryer works its magic to create a perfectly crispy and flaky exterior while locking in all the juices, and the sweet and spicy spice rub takes them to the next level.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Ready in 6 minutes. Fish is already one of the fastest-cooking proteins, and the air fryer makes it even faster.
- Best way to cook salmon. In my household, I used to strictly bake salmon, saute salmon, or pan-sear salmon, but once my air fryer arrived, it became my favorite way to cook this fish (along with air fryer salmon bites).
- It’s a healthy meal option. Salmon is a nutritious and healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and cooking it in the air fryer allows you to enjoy all of its health benefits without added oil or fat.
- Easy to customize. To the above point, I kept this recipe simple with a few seasonings but you can douse it in a sauce or marinade or use your favorite spice mix.
If you love cooking seafood in the air fryer, try my air fryer tilapia, air fryer shrimp, air fryer cod, and air fryer mahi mahi next.
Key Ingredients
- Salmon fillets. I prefer skin-on salmon, as the skin helps cook the fish more completely and evenly. I also find they trap the juices better and yield a more tender fish. You can, of course, use skinless salmon fillets, but be sure to grease the air fryer basket to prevent any sticking generously.
- Olive oil. Although salmon is naturally oily, adding a touch of oil will help the seasonings stick to the fish and also prevent it from sticking to the basket. Melted unsalted butter will also work.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
- Brown sugar. My secret ingredient! Adding a touch of sugar helps caramelize the fish and gives it a crispy exterior and a very subtle sweetness.
- Spices. Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhance the fish’s flavor and give it a lovely, smokey aroma.
- Sauce. This is optional, but I like to glaze the freshly cooked salmon with sweet chili sauce or honey soy sauce.
How to cook salmon in the air fryer
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Pat dry the salmon to ensure there is no moisture.
Step 2- Season. Add the salmon and olive oil to a small bowl and mix. Add the seasonings and rub them onto the fish.
Step 3- Air fry. Put the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket and air fry for 6 minutes.
Step 4- Rest and serve. Remove the salmon, let it rest for a minute or two, then serve.
What to serve with this
Air-fried salmon is healthy in itself, 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 broccoli.
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 145F.
- Choose even-sized salmon fillets. Opt for fillets that are similar in size and weight. This will ensure the fish cooks evenly and completely at the same time.
- Adjust the cooking time. For 6-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.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. If needed, I cook the fish in batches, as adding too many to the air fryer basket will affect the overall texture.
- Add parchment paper. Or air fryer liners to the base of the air fryer. This makes cleanup an absolute breeze!
Storage instructions
To Store: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge 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.
Frequently asked questions
In my recipe, the salmon does not need to be flipped, 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 it as is.
Yes! You can use frozen salmon, and there is no need to thaw it, either. To compensate, increase the cooking time by 2 minutes.
Air-fried salmon is healthy in itself, 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.
More easy air fryer recipes
- Air fryer chicken thighs
- Air fryer steak
- Air fryer pork chops
- Air fryer taquitos
- Air fryer turkey breast
- Or any of my air fryer recipes
6-Minute Air Fryer Salmon
Video
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon 4-6 ounces each
- 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
- 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 air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 6 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145F.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and glaze with a sauce, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published April 2022, updated and republished February 2025
I tried this recipe tonight and it was so tasty! Cooked to perfection and went well with rice and quinoa! Thanks !!!
Salmon is really easy fish. I hope it will not fall apart. Tuna I can also make in air fryer?
My daughter made this and it was absolutely delicious!
Thanks, Doris!
Quick, easy, delicious
Did it! Love it ! I found red miso paste at Publix like cheesecake Factory uses . Delicious.!!
First time making salmon in the air fryer, I was skeptical but glad I took the leap of faith, it was awesome! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. We just used the rub in the recipe, no extra marinade and it was perfect. Thanks Arman for the recipe.
First time making salmon in the air fryer, I was skeptical but glad I took the leap of faith, it was awesome! My husband and I thought it was one of the best salmon recipes. perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. We just used the rub in the recipe, no extra marinade and it was perfect. Thanks Arman for the recipe.
I have made this several times and love it! It is so easy and the seasoning blend is perfect. So fast and easy to make!
yummmy!
This turned out awesome!
The pic looked great so I tried the recipe, no changes. The family enjoyed it, no leftovers. I will definitely make this again, maybe upping the spices some and creating a glaze to add.
Couldn’t have been better- so impressed with the combo of flavours, tenderness and how easy and quick it is.
Arman Liew, of the bigsmansworld.com…Your recipe was delicious!! Googled air-fryer recipe and yours sounded very tasty. I am older, grand mother status to you. I do a dash of this and a dash of that, versus exact measurements. I did estimate your measurements. Instead of the brown sugar; I used a HEAPING tablespoon of manuka honey. Mixed all ingredients in a frying pan, gently heated the honey with all your wonderful seasonings, coated the filets, cooked them at the temp you suggested for 6 minutes in my air-fryer and OH MY GOSH!! This was the best salmon every. I will be looking up something for chicken breasts for tomorrow. Thank you!, Sheryl H. from Georgia, USA.
I bought salmon yesterday and today followed this recipe. It was veeery tasty!!
ReaWel *****