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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.
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.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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 broccoli.
More easy air fryer recipes
- Air fryer chicken thighs
- Air fryer steak
- Air fryer pork chops
- 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
It was fantastic as usual!
Hey Big Man, you made Salmon dinner so much easier! I always also pan-seared the salmon as well as flipped it halfway. And always made a mess. I had been intimidated by my air fryer but your simple air fryer instruction works magic! I get the seared carmelization and the neat one piece now. Thanx Arman!
I made this for lunch. It was delicious!
I loved the subtle sweetness against the smoked paprika.
Next week I plan to thaw out my left overs and add it to a salad.
Love salmon, and it’s great in the air fryer 🙂
I was always afraid of cooking salmon because it isn’t inexpensive and I was always afraid of overlooking it. This is such a simple recipe and everyone should try it. Delicious and easy.
Just amazing! I tell myself that Salmon is always dried out, but not this!
I love all the recipes that the big man’s world… Arman posts there also not only healthy but yummy & I love that there’s so few ingredients!
Thank YoU for sharing your great ideas and talents
Candace
I love the air fryer salmon. Everything in air fryer is so simple & delicious. Thank you Arman
We love your recipes and I use many of them and save them for next time.
Thank you
Very flavorful and moist!
My favorite way to make salmon! So easy to make and the salmon stays so moist. I like to add a little ancho chili powder also to give it a sweet and spicy crust.
It’s Salmon Season here in the North West. I have cooked Salmon many different ways, Smoked, BBQ, Pan Fried, in the oven on a cedar wood plank, & sashimi. When I got your post I was thinking Air Fryer!!!” I was very sceptic”. So I had to try it. I prepared my Salmon, Preheated my Air fryer all along thinking “I don’t know about this” I have a upright Air fryer with a glass window. I put the Salmon in & pulled up a chair. And watched it cook. The Salmon came out pretty good 👍. Thank You
Very easy to make and very tasty!!
Will definitely try!!
I had never cooked salmon before because I wasn’t sure how to cook it. My airfryer us my go to appliance so I tried it. It was great. Love it.