If you’ve always wanted to cook fish perfectly but are too intimidated, well, guess what? You can kick those feelings to the curb! I’ve got the BEST way to cook salmon, and you will not believe how easy it is.
My Favorite Salmon Recipe
Dinner in 10 minutes? Yes, ma’am! Y’all, I make salmon a lot, and ever since I tried it in the air fryer, I can’t imagine cooking it any other way. It’s so simple—season the fillets, set the timer, and in just a few minutes, you’ve got tender, flaky salmon that feels like it came from a nice restaurant (but without the mess or fuss).
Most nights, I keep it classic with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. That way it goes with anything else I’m serving. And if I’ve got a lemon on hand, I always give the salmon a quick squeeze over the top before serving—it makes the flavors pop and tastes so fresh. It’s the kind of easy dinner that never lets me down.
My Best Tips For Success
Pat the fish dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray before putting the fish in.
When cooking salmon that weighs more than 3-4 oz, don’t overcrowd the basket. Just work in batches if you need to.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great to toss in a salad or pasta for lunch!
Ingredients Needed To Make Air-Fried Salmon
Fresh Salmon or Frozen Salmon – Whether you caught it yourself or snagged it from the store either type of salmon work, get about ¼ pound fillets of that slippery silver goodness.
Olive Oil – Drizzle a touch of this liquid gold to make sure your salmon gets that perfect crispy sizzle.
Garlic Powder – This adds a subtle kick that’s not too powerful, but just right.
Paprika – Add a pinch of paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Kosher Salt – Ensures your salmon is seasoned just right.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper – Grind up some fresh cracked pepper to add a spicy kick.
Flavor Ideas
Honey Dijon Glaze: Whisk together honey and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Brush the glaze onto your salmon filets before air frying for a sweet, tangy flavor twist.
Citrus Zest Infusion: Grate some orange or lemon zest and mix it with a bit of olive oil. Rub this citrus-infused mixture onto your salmon before air frying for a zesty and refreshing kick.
Cajun Spice: Create a homemade spice blend using ingredients like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. Coat your salmon generously with the Cajun spice mix for a bold and spicy Southern-inspired flavor explosion.
How To Make Juicy Air Fryer Salmon
Drizzle salmon with olive oil and season with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place in a sprayed air fryer basket.
Cook at 400°F for about 8 minutes, adding more time if needed.
Finish with fresh lemon juice before serving.
What To Serve With Salmon
For a meal that rivals anything you’ll find in a fancy restaurant, serve it with homemade tarter sauce, stuffed baked potatoes, and roasted asparagus. My family loves it with creamy coleslaw and cornbread muffins.
Best Air Fryer Salmon
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Cook Time: 9 minutesmins
Total Time: 14 minutesmins
Calories: 275kcal
Ready in under 10 minutes, this salmon turns out tender, flaky, and full of flavor. The air fryer gives it a golden outside while keeping the inside juicy—easy enough for weeknights and tasty enough to make again and again.
Ingredients
2Salmon Fillets(about ½ pound total)
½ tablespoonolive oil
⅛teaspoongarlic powder
⅛teaspoonpaprika
¼teaspoonKosher salt
¼teaspoonfresh cracked pepper
½lemonsliced
Instructions
Drizzle olive oil over salmon fillets.
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, Kosher salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the salmon.
Lightly spray the air fryer with cooking spray and place the salmon in the basket. Set the temperature for 400 degrees and the timer to 8 minutes.
When the timer goes off, check the salmon for doneness. Add another 1-minute if desired.
Remove the salmon from the air fryer and squeeze on fresh lemon juice and serve.
Notes
Variations To This Salmon Recipe
Brush salmon with a honey-Dijon mix for a sweet, tangy glaze.
Rub on lemon or orange zest with olive oil for fresh flavor.
Season with a Cajun spice blend for a bold Southern kick.
How to Store & Reheat
Cool salmon, then wrap in plastic wrap or foil.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight.
Reheat in a low-heat oven or air fryer until warmed through to keep it moist and flaky.
