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–+ servings
two air fryer salmon fillets on a green plate next to rice and a salad.
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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryer salmon is ready in just 10 minutes and comes out perfectly cooked every time. The outside is lightly crisp, while the inside stays moist and flaky. A simple seasoning makes it flavorful and pairs well with almost any side dish.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Lactose
Keyword: air fryer salmon, fish, salmon, seafood
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Paulina Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 (4.5 to 5 ounce) salmon filets
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Set the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and let it heat for 5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, stir together garlic powder, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
  • Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  • Brush olive oil over the salmon filets, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the top.
  • Place the filets in the air fryer basket with space between them. Cook for 10 minutes.
  • The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
    For accuracy, use an instant-read thermometer:
    FDA recommendation: 145°F at the thickest part.
    Cook’s Illustrated suggestion: 120°F for wild salmon, 125°F for farmed salmon.
    My preference: 135°F, which keeps the salmon tender and moist without being undercooked.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the flavor right before serving.

Notes

  • Pat the Salmon Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the outside crisp instead of steam.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a hot basket ensures even cooking and a nicely seared edge.
  • Skin-On Filets: Place them skin-side down in the basket. The skin helps retain moisture and crisps up nicely.
  • Glaze Option: For a sweeter finish, brush the salmon with a quick homemade glaze made with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon soy sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • Defrost First: Thaw frozen salmon before cooking. This recipe is written for thawed fillets.
 
Salmon for One
This recipe is written for two salmon filets, which makes it easy to cook dinner for yourself and have an extra piece ready for later. If you’d prefer to cook just one filet, simply use the adjusted ingredient amounts below.
  • 1 salmon filet (about 5 ounces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
  • pinch of black pepper
  • pinch of salt

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 310kcal | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 544mg | Vitamin A: 0.4IU | Calcium: 0.2mg | Iron: 0.02mg

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