Air Fryer Salmon
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My air fryer salmon turns out tender and flaky every time and cooks in just six minutes. My family loves it for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Air fryer salmon is a weeknight dinner staple
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- and it did just that!
The air fryer creates a beautifully crisp, caramelized crust while keeping the inside perfectly tender and flaky. Here’s why it’s a staple:
- It’s fast. Salmon is already one of the fastest-cooking proteins, and air frying takes just 6-8 minutes (depending on thickness).
- Crispy edges, moist, flaky texture. Just like how well-cooked salmon should be!
- 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.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Made this tonight: my husband said it is his all-time favorite salmon recipe! So quick and very delicious!!“ – Lee
Table of Contents
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.
More air fryer seafood recipes
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.
Did I miss the temp to airfryer? Where is it!
Perfect dinner for any night but especially fish Friday. Salmon is always a favorite
Excellent recipe. Thank you! This is now my go to recipe for Salmon! I’ve made it many times!
Thanks, Margaret!
My favorite air fryer salmon recipe ever- it really does take just 6 minutes and it’s perfectly flaky and tender.
Great to hear that!
This was delicious! Juicy , slight crisp outside and wonderful flavors. I stead of tossing it in a bowl, we just brushed oil on the tops and added the rub to the tops while the air fryer preheated. Turned out well and was a little less messy this way
Thanks, Kristen!
I want to thank you. I just found out I am going to have to go on the Low FODMAP diet and so many of your recipes meet the diet requirement or just needs a few adjustments. I have been looking for quick and easy recipes and you are the first to meet my requirements. Again thank you, you are a life savior.
You are welcome, Monica
I eat a lot of salmon – so I’m always looking for different ways to cook
This was good but I didn’t have smoked paprika so I used a meat seasoning. Probably turned out a little differently than intended.
Seriously the best foolproof way to cook salmon. My kids request this weekly. Making it tonight.
Thanks!
Another way to thank you. We found a way to cook in our oven..
We make this air fryer salmon weekly!
Made Salmon last night. Forgot about making in the air fryer. Will definitely do this next time.
It was delicious and juicy! Never baking it in the oven again!
The salmon was moist and delicious. This will be one of my go-to recipes for salmon.
Looks like a really good dish