Easy Air Fryer Salmon
You’ll never want to cook salmon any other way once you try this Air Fryer Salmon! It’s crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and it cooks up in under 10 minutes!
One of our favorite dinners is salmon, which is why I’m always looking for new (and easier) ways to prepare it.
I didn’t think it could get easier than my broiled salmon or baked lemon dijon salmon recipes, but cooking salmon in the air fryer is by far the easiest.
The air fryer is one of the best kitchen appliances I’ve ever purchased. I love how crispy air fryer brussels sprouts get with just a touch of oil, and how amazingly juicy air fryer chicken breast turns out every time.
This Air Fryer Salmon is my latest obsession. The crispy exterior and juicy interior are nothing short of amazing with such little effort!
If you love seafood, you’ll love my air fryer shrimp and this air fryer sea bass as well!
These are just more examples of easy air fryer recipes that produce stellar results. 🙂
Why you should make salmon in the air fryer:
- It’s nice and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside.
- There’s no oven to preheat. Simply prep the salmon, pop it in the air fryer and cook.
- The salmon cooks up in about 10 minutes depending on the size of the filet(s).
- It’s practically effortless and clean up is a breeze!
Recipe ingredients
There are only 3 ingredients in this air fryer salmon recipe, and they can be customized to suit your tastes or by using ingredients that you already have on hand.
Ingredient notes
- Salmon. I highly recommend using salmon filets that are the same size and thickness to ensure that they finish cooking at the same time, and they may be either skin-on or skinless. If your salmon is frozen, see this post on how to make frozen salmon in the air fryer by Fork to Spoon.
- Olive oil. The oil will help the seasoning adhere to the salmon and promote even more browning. The olive oil may be substituted with your favorite oil.
- Seasoning. I used my blackened seasoning for this recipe, but you can season the salmon with your favorite spice rubs or simply with salt and pepper if desired.
How to make this recipe
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is virtually effortless already, the prep for this recipe is minimal, and it’s ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Pro tip: If your salmon is under 1″ thick, begin checking for doneness after 5 minutes of cooking time to ensure that the salmon does not over cook.
- Brush olive oil over each filet, then sprinkle evenly with the seasoning.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 390 degrees for 5-10 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the salmon. It’s done when a thermometer inserted in the center of the salmon registers 145 degrees or when the white fat has rendered and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
FAQs
Air fryer salmon is incredibly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and it’s ready in 15 minutes or less. There’s no oven to preheat, and clean up is a breeze!
It will take salmon between 5 and 10 minutes to cook at 390 degrees in the air fryer depending on the size and thickness of the filets. If the filets are under 1″ thick, begin checking for doneness after 5 minutes of cooking time to ensure that the salmon does not over cook.
Salmon should be cooked to 145 degrees. Insert thermometer into the thickest part of the filet, or you can tell it’s done when the white fat has rendered out and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
How to serve this recipe
One of the best things about this air fryer salmon recipe is how versatile it is. It can be changed up so many ways so that it never gets boring!
- Season the salmon with my blackened seasoning or jerk seasoning, or use your favorite spice blends or rubs.
- Serve as a main dish with a side of rice pilaf or mexican corn salad. It’s also wonderful with mashed potatoes or air fryer potatoes!
- Serve atop my massaged kale salad or salmon nicoise salad.
- Air fryer salmon is a great addition to fish taco bowls or grilled tacos. Be sure to top it with my pineapple salsa or guacamole!
Recipe notes
- Cooking time will vary based on the size and thickness of your salmon filets. Pro tip: If your salmon is under 1″ thick, begin checking for doneness around 5 minutes by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the filet. It’s done when it registers at 145 degrees or when the white fat has rendered and it flakes easily with a fork.
- The skin may be left on the filet as it’s easy to remove after cooking.
- If you’re worried about sticking, brush a bit of oil over the air fryer plate before placing the salmon in the basket.
- Leftover air fryer salmon will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making a great meal prep option.
More salmon recipes you’ll love:
- Blackened salmon
- Miso salmon
- Salmon burgers by A Couple Cooks
- Salmon cakes
- Smoked salmon appetizer
- Smoked salmon breakfast platter
- Teriyaki salmon
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Easy Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 4-6 ounce salmon filets make sure they're as close to the same size and thickness as possible for best results
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoon blackened seasoning use more or less seasoning to taste; sub with your favorite seasoning!
- Lemon and parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brush 1 teaspoon olive oil on each salmon filet, then sprinkle evenly with the blackened seasoning (or your favorite seasoning).2 4-6 ounce salmon filets, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 2 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and cook at 390 degrees for 5-10 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the salmon. It's done when a thermometer inserted in the center of the salmon registers 145 degrees or when the white fat has rendered and the fish flakes easily with a fork.Lemon and parsley
Notes
- Cooking time will vary based on the size and thickness of your salmon filets. Pro tip: If your salmon is under 1″ thick, begin checking for doneness around 5 minutes by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the filet. It’s done when it registers at 145 degrees or when the white fat has rendered and it flakes easily with a fork.
- The skin may be left on the filet as it’s easy to remove after cooking.
- If you’re worried about sticking, brush a bit of oil over the air fryer plate before placing the salmon in the basket.
- Leftover air fryer salmon will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making a great meal prep option.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
8 Comments on “Easy Air Fryer Salmon”
Great food with less effort…just how cooking should be! Absolutely loved this recipe and will definitely be making again! Also really loved the aluminum foil tip.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I’d never thought to put salmon in an air fryer, but this is such a great idea. I have some salmon coming in that I ordered over the weekend and can’t wait to try this out. That said, I have a question: Does the fish smell linger in the air fryer? I’ve got a vegetarian in the house who likes to use the air fryer for veggies.
Hi Kate! I hope you love this recipe, and no — I have not encountered a fishy smell lingering in the air fryer. 🙂
we do not have a Ninja, but have a Cuisinart oven/broiler/air fryer, etc.
Do you think it will work with this?
Yes it will work. Simply use the air fry method!
We don’t have an air fryer but your salmon looks delicious. I also like to use blackening seasoning for other than frying.
Thank you Larry, and blackened seasoning is so nice and versatile. 🙂