Introduction
The air fryer has revolutionized weeknight cooking, and nowhere is its magic more apparent than with fish. Air Fryer Salmon is the ultimate fast food—a tender, flaky fillet with perfectly crisp edges, ready in under 15 minutes. Unlike baking, which can dry out the fish, or pan-frying, which requires constant attention, the air fryer uses convection heat to lock in moisture while achieving that desirable crust. This recipe is simple, requiring only basic pantry staples, and guarantees restaurant-quality results every single time. It’s the perfect healthy centerpiece for any busy evening meal.
Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets: 2 (approx. 170g / 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Salt (Kosher or Sea Salt): ½ teaspoon (approx. 2.5g)
- Black Pepper (Freshly Ground): ¼ teaspoon (approx. 1.2g)
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (optional, for added flavor)
- Lemon Slices: For serving
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This crucial step helps the seasoning adhere and promotes crispy skin (if cooking skin-on).
- Season the Fish: Brush the tops and sides of the fillets generously with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the salmon.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the cooking environment is hot immediately, preventing the fish from sticking and guaranteeing even cooking.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the seasoned salmon fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. If cooking skin-on, place them skin-side down.
- Air Fry: Cook the salmon for 7 to 10 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness. For fillets approximately 1-inch thick, 8 minutes is usually sufficient for medium-well.
- Check and Rest: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Immediately remove the fillets from the basket and allow them to rest on a plate for 2 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
Nutritional Information
Salmon is renowned for being one of the healthiest proteins available. A typical serving (6 oz/170g) prepared with this recipe contains approximately 300–350 calories, 35 grams of high-quality protein, and is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These essential fatty acids are vital for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular function. Salmon is also rich in Vitamin D and B Vitamins.
Storage
Leftover Air Fryer Salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will remain fresh and safe to consume for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to dry out the fish. Instead, reheat gently in the air fryer at a lower temperature (300°F / 150°C) for about 4 to 5 minutes until just warmed through. Alternatively, leftover salmon is fantastic served cold over salads or flaked into wraps.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Salmon recipe proves that healthy, delicious cooking doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. The air fryer delivers exceptional texture—moist on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside—with virtually no effort. Serve your salmon immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon, alongside simple sides like steamed asparagus, quinoa, or a fresh cucumber and dill yogurt sauce. For a flavor variation, try brushing the salmon with a touch of honey mustard or a glaze of soy sauce and ginger before cooking.