Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe You’ll Love

Have you ever found yourself staring at a beautiful piece of salmon, wishing you could recreate that restaurant-quality flavor at home without the fuss? That perfectly crisp exterior with a tender, flaky center that melts in your mouth? You’re not alone. For years, I avoided cooking salmon at home, convinced it was too complicated to get right. Then I discovered the air fryer method, and everything changed.

This air fryer salmon recipe isn’t just another cooking technique—it’s the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. In just 10 minutes of cooking time, you’ll create a meal that tastes like it took hours of expertise to prepare. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a healthy option that won’t have your kids turning up their noses, or someone trying to incorporate more omega-3s into your diet without sacrificing flavor, this recipe will become your new go-to.

Air Fryer Salmon

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, especially when it comes to seafood. Traditional salmon recipes often leave you with either undercooked, raw centers or overcooked, dry fillets. The air fryer eliminates this problem by circulating hot air evenly around the salmon, cooking it to perfection every time.

This recipe combines the efficiency of air fryer cooking with a simple yet flavorful seasoning blend that enhances the salmon’s natural taste without overpowering it. You’ll achieve that coveted crispy exterior while maintaining a moist, tender inside—the hallmark of perfectly cooked salmon.

Best of all, this method is virtually foolproof. Even if you’ve never cooked salmon before, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to get started.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon

For the Basic Recipe:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless based on preference
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the Honey Dijon Glaze (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Steps of Air Fryer Salmon

Preparation

1. Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking throughout the fillets.
2. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dill. Whisk together until well blended.
4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior as excess moisture will create steam instead of that desired crisp texture.

Cooking

5. Brush the salmon fillets generously with the olive oil mixture on all sides, ensuring they’re completely coated.
6. If using the Honey Dijon glaze, combine all glaze ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside for now.
7. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket—depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
8. Cook the salmon for 7-8 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, or 9-10 minutes for well-done. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your preferred level of doneness.
9. If using the Honey Dijon glaze, carefully open the air fryer at the 5-minute mark and brush the glaze onto the salmon. Continue cooking for the remaining time.
10. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked salmon or 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.

Serving

11. Carefully remove the cooked salmon from the air fryer using a spatula.
12. Let the salmon rest for about 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
13. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

Variations of Air Fryer Salmon

Cajun Spiced Salmon

Transform this recipe with a bold Cajun twist by replacing the dill and garlic with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. The spicy kick pairs wonderfully with the rich salmon flavor, creating a perfect balance. Serve with a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce on the side to balance the heat.

Asian-Inspired Salmon

For an Asian flair, swap the original seasoning mix for a blend of 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon honey. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. This variation works beautifully with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Mediterranean Salmon

Create a Mediterranean version by seasoning your salmon with a mix of 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. After cooking, top with a mixture of diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley. This variation brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

Selecting Your Salmon

Choose salmon fillets of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Wild-caught salmon typically has a deeper flavor, while farm-raised tends to be milder and more fatty. Both work well in this recipe, so choose based on your preference and budget.

Temperature Matters

Bringing the salmon to room temperature before cooking ensures it cooks evenly throughout. Cold salmon placed directly in the air fryer often results in overcooked exteriors and undercooked centers.

Don’t Skip the Oil

While air fryers reduce the need for oil, don’t eliminate it completely in this recipe. The olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the salmon and contributes to that gorgeous golden exterior.

Watch the Time Carefully

Salmon cooks quickly in an air fryer, and the difference between perfectly cooked and overdone is just a minute or two. Start checking for doneness at the minimum time suggested, especially if your fillets are on the thinner side.

Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover salmon, reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 2-3 minutes. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the moisture in the salmon without drying it out as a microwave might.

Conclusion

The air fryer truly is a game-changer when it comes to cooking salmon. This recipe delivers consistently delicious results with minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. By mastering this basic technique and experimenting with the variations, you’ll have an impressive repertoire of salmon dishes at your fingertips.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. As you become more comfortable with the basic method, don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and accompaniments. Salmon pairs beautifully with countless flavors, from bold and spicy to subtle and herbal.

Remember that cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. With this foolproof air fryer salmon recipe in your arsenal, you’ll find yourself looking forward to salmon night—and your family will too. So go ahead, pick up some fresh salmon on your next grocery trip and prepare to be amazed at how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Air Fryer Salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but you’ll need to thaw it completely first for best results. Cooking salmon from frozen in the air fryer often results in uneven cooking and can affect the texture.

How do I know when my salmon is done?

Perfectly cooked salmon will flake easily with a fork while still maintaining its moisture. For the most accurate results, use an instant-read thermometer—145°F (63°C) is considered fully cooked, though many prefer salmon at 125°F-130°F (52°C-54°C) for a medium doneness that’s more moist.

Can I cook salmon without the skin in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Both skin-on and skinless salmon fillets work well in the air fryer. If using skinless, you may want to reduce the cooking time by about a minute as they tend to cook slightly faster.

What sides pair well with air fryer salmon?

Air fryer salmon pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, quinoa or rice pilaf, a simple green salad, or roasted potatoes. For a complete meal in the air fryer, you can even cook vegetables alongside your salmon—just add them to the basket during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While salmon is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, you can prepare the seasonings or glazes ahead of time. If you need to cook in advance, slightly undercook the salmon, then gently reheat it in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before serving.