If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious seafood dish, this Air Fryer Salmon is exactly what you need. Cooking salmon in the air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a light, nutritious dinner.
Salmon night has become one of my family’s favorite traditions. The first time I made this air fryer salmon, my husband was amazed at how perfectly cooked it was—crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. Even on our busiest evenings, this recipe saves the day because it cooks so quickly. Now, whenever I pull out the air fryer, my family already knows something delicious is coming, and this salmon is often the star of the table.
Why This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
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Quick and easy: Ready in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
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Healthy and nutritious: Salmon is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins.
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Crispy outside, tender inside: The air fryer cooks the salmon evenly while keeping it juicy.
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Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and spices.
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Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, salads, or pasta.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (about 600 g / 1.32 lb total)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (about 30 g / 0.07 lb)
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3 garlic cloves, minced (about 9 g / 0.02 lb)
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1 teaspoon paprika (about 2 g / 0.004 lb)
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1 teaspoon salt (about 5 g / 0.01 lb)
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½ teaspoon black pepper (about 1 g / 0.002 lb)
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 15 g / 0.03 lb)
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1 teaspoon dried parsley or dill (about 1 g / 0.002 lb)
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Lemon slices for serving (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice crispy texture. -
Season the fish
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and dried herbs. Brush this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. -
Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. -
Cook the salmon
Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. -
Check for doneness
The salmon should easily flake with a fork and have a slightly crispy top when done. -
Serve
Remove the salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon slices and your favorite side dishes.
Notes
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Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between the fillets so the hot air can circulate properly.
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Adjust cooking time: Thicker salmon pieces may require an extra 1–2 minutes.
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Substitutions: You can replace olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
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Extra flavor ideas: Add honey, soy sauce, or Dijon mustard to the seasoning mixture for a sweet or tangy twist.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently in the air fryer.