Air-Fryer Salmon

A flaky, tender salmon has to be one of the most versatile seafoods out there. The flavor combinations and side dishes for pairing are endless, and for that, we love it. Our very simple air-fryer salmon makes for a perfectly effortless meal with glorious results.

Salmon is one of the easier seafood recipes to make at home, and it also happens to be one that doesn’t need much to spruce it up. To make this dish your own, use our recipe as a starting point. Test out your favorite marinades until you find the flavors you and your family love. To get you started, here’s our complete guide to marinades!

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Salmon

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• Olive oil: There aren’t many other ingredients in this recipe, so using a high-quality olive oil will make a world of a difference. Here are some of our tips for finding real versus fake olive oil.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika create a fabulous seasoning mix you can make using your spice rack alone. Opt for freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor just a bit.
• Salmon: There are a few types of salmon that would work well here, and, ultimately, the choice is up to your preference! Whichever type you choose, make sure it still has the skin on. This will help the fish stay together instead of falling apart.

Directions

Step 1: Season the salmon

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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, garlic powder, pepper and paprika. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon fillets (the skin side should be facing down).

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Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the tops.

Step 2: Cook the salmon

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Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air-fryer basket with the skin side down. You can layer the bottom of the basket with foil if you like, but you don’t have to since the skin is still on the fish.

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Cook the salmon until the fish is lightly browned and just beginning to flake easily with a fork, seven to nine minutes.

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Air-Fryer Salmon Variations

• Salmon with creamy dill sauce: There are tons of easy salmon recipes we go back to all the time, but for those who like a little something more with their salmon, this creamy dill sauce is just the topping you need.
• Salmon with horseradish pistachio crust: Another topping that will upgrade this simple air-fryer salmon is a crispy, saucy, flavor-packed crust. Because the horseradish-pistachio crust is a powerful blend of flavors, keep your sides simple.
• Garlic-lime salmon: If you don’t have time to whip up fancy toppings, swap in fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder, and squeeze some lime juice into the mixture for a citrusy air-fryer salmon.

How to Store Air-Fryer Salmon

Store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat it slowly in the oven, 10 to 15 minutes at 300°. This will keep the salmon from drying out. You can eat the salmon skin, but it tends to get soggy in the refrigerator, so we recommend removing it before eating.

Air-Fryer Salmon Tips

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Can you use frozen salmon for air-fryer salmon?

You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer without thawing it. Frozen salmon takes longer to cook, though, so the timing depends on the size of the fish fillets and your air fryer. Try checking the salmon at the high end of the suggested cook time, and consider adding a few minutes on top of that. We suggest skin-on fillets regardless of whether the salmon is fresh or frozen. The salmon skin protects the fish from overcooking, and you can easily remove it after if you don’t want to eat the skin. Of course, you can always remove skin from salmon before cooking the fillet if you prefer.

How can you tell when the salmon is done cooking?

The best way to determine when salmon is done cooking is with an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon should reach 145°. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the flesh to turn opaque and flake apart easily when tested with a fork. This recipe doesn’t require you to flip the salmon, so you won’t have to worry about it falling apart as you turn. However, it’s important to make sure that all four fillets fit in the basket without overcrowding so the fish cooks properly.

What do you serve with air-fryer salmon?

You can serve a variety of side dishes for salmon, from leafy green salads to citrus-forward salads made with quinoa or couscous. Most vegetables complement salmon, too, especially asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and potatoes.