This recipe delivers wonderfully flaky and moist salmon every single time. Consequently, it has become a staple in my busy kitchen routine. The exterior achieves a subtle crispness that truly elevates the simple seasoning blend. Learning to cook Air Fryer Salmon perfectly changed my weeknight cooking game forever.
I often make this when I need dinner fast but refuse to compromise on taste. Moreover, leftovers reheat beautifully, which is a huge win for lunch prep. Honestly, this simple approach yields unbelievably good seafood results.
Why I Love This Recipe
This quick salmon recipe is my weeknight hero. It cooks faster than baking, truly. Think tender results in under fifteen minutes total. Furthermore, cleanup is honestly a breeze, which busy moms appreciate. You get that perfectly cooked, flavorful centerpiece dish without the fuss. It’s consistently reliable and utterly delicious.
Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients
This simple combination of pantry spices works magic on fresh salmon fillets. The oil helps the seasoning cling beautifully, creating a flavorful crust. We are building layers of savory depth here! Remember, all exact measurements are listed below on the card.
Substitutions and Tips
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil works very well too.
- Dried Dill: Skip it, or try a pinch of thyme instead.
- Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic works, but use far less.
- Flavor Boost: A tiny squeeze of Dijon mustard before seasoning adds tang.
- Storage Shortcut: Buy pre-portioned fillets to save time trimming.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
Step 1: Preparation and Preheat
First, preheat your air fryer unit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I generally give mine five minutes to warm up fully. Next, gently pat your salmon completely dry using paper towels. Drying the surface is vital for that nice exterior texture we want. Don’t skip this important step!
Step 2: Seasoning the Fillets
Brush the tops and bottoms of the fillets with olive oil now. Then, mix your paprika and garlic powder in a small dish. Sprinkle that lovely seasoning mix over both sides evenly. Make certain every surface gets some of the tasty mixture. Seasoning your Air Fryer Salmon well ensures great taste.
Step 3: Air Frying the Salmon
Lightly oil the air fryer basket surface first. Place the seasoned fillets in a single layer inside the basket. Be sure they aren’t touching much, if at all. Now, air fry these beauties for about eight to twelve minutes total. This cooking method really speeds up dinner prep.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness and Serving
Check your fillets around the eight-minute mark carefully. Thicker pieces obviously need more cooking time to reach perfection. For medium salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. Carefully remove the finished salmon pieces now. Serve right away with fresh lemon wedges for brightness.
How to Store Air Fryer Salmon
Leftover cooked salmon stores excellently in the fridge for up to three days. Always place it in a well-sealed, airtight container first. For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to two months, ensuring you thaw it overnight before reheating. This makes planning for easy weeknight meals much simpler.
Tips for Success
- Always pat the salmon really dry first for a crispier finish.
- Adjust the cook time based on your fillet thickness variance.
- Use parchment liners made for air fryers if cleanup worries you.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Invest in a good instant-read thermometer for perfect results.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air Fryer (of course!)
- Pastry brush for oil application.
- Small bowl for mixing up your dry spices.
- Paper towels for crucial drying before the seasoning.
- Tongs for carefully removing the hot, flaky fish.
Serving Suggestions
- A bright side salad tossed with vinaigrette makes a nice contrast.
- Roasted asparagus or quick steamed green beans pair wonderfully.
- Serve alongside fluffy quinoa or simple garlic mashed potatoes.
- A crisp white wine cuts through the richness of the salmon beautifully.
Air Fryer Salmon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 13-17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and quick recipe for perfectly cooked salmon using an air fryer, resulting in a moist interior and slightly crisp exterior.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried dill (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes if your model requires preheating.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispier exterior.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, dried dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers (ensure air can still circulate).
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick fillet, 10 minutes is usually perfect for medium-well. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-cooked.
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry is crucial for a crispier skin/surface.
- Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness; thicker fillets require more time.
- For medium-cooked salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
