Name: Air Fryer Salmon – easy air fryer recipes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 14 min
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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Some nights, I want dinner to taste like I tried — but without, you know, actually trying that hard. This air fryer salmon is my answer. It’s flaky, fast, and doesn’t need babysitting. Just season, air fry, and boom — dinner’s done in under 15 minutes. And yes, the skin gets crispy. Win. I love how the air fryer makes this feel like I did something fancy, even though it’s just a piece of salmon, some pantry seasonings, and hot air doing its thing. It’s perfect for those of us who’ve burned fish in a pan, or worse — overcooked it in the oven while distracted by a text message from Mom. This recipe fits the bill for easy air fryer recipes, quick and easy recipes, healthy and easy recipes, dinner air fryer recipes, seafood dinner recipes, easy food recipes, and quick dinner recipes.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon
4) How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon
6) Making Air Fryer Salmon Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Salmon
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Air Fryer Salmon
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Air fryer salmon cooks in under 10 minutes with crispy edges
You only need a few pantry staples to bring it to life
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a healthy dinner
Use this method for consistent results every time

2) Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

When dinner needs to be fast and feel grown-up, I lean on this air fryer salmon. It’s simple. It’s healthy. And it actually tastes like I knew what I was doing in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and how little time it takes from fridge to plate. You can pair it with a quick side or toss it on a salad, and suddenly you’ve got a meal that looks planned.

This dish hits all the high points: minimal cleanup, major flavor, and zero guesswork. Using an air fryer means no oil splatter, no fishy smell lingering in the kitchen, and no flipping. It’s just a straight shot to flaky salmon that feels like a win, even when your day didn’t.

It falls into the category of easy air fryer recipes, especially when you’re juggling dinner and about five other things at once. You’ll appreciate this kind of reliable simplicity, especially on the nights when everything feels like too much.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon Fillets: I usually grab skin-on fillets because the air fryer crisps up that skin like magic. Each piece should be around six ounces, fresh or thawed, nothing fancy.

Olive Oil: Just a little rub on each side keeps things juicy and helps the seasoning stick. You don’t need much — a tablespoon does the trick for two fillets.

Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle punch of flavor. It’s not overpowering, just enough to notice in the best way.

Paprika: I like smoked paprika for its depth, but sweet paprika works fine too. It gives a warm undertone that plays well with the salmon.

Salt: Go light and taste after. Salmon’s already flavorful, and too much salt can get in the way.

Black Pepper: Freshly cracked if you have it. It brightens everything without stealing the show.

Lemon Wedges: Optional, but I always squeeze one over my plate before eating. That bit of acid ties it all together.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

Step 1: Dry the salmon with a paper towel. A dry surface makes a better crust and helps everything cook evenly.

Step 2: Rub both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on top. No measuring anxiety here — just season to your taste.

Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Three minutes is plenty. That hot basket helps the salmon start crisping right away.

Step 4: Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between them so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Cook for 7 to 9 minutes. Thicker pieces take longer. No flipping needed. Just peek at five minutes if you’re nervous.

Step 6: Use a fork to check if it flakes easily. When it does, you’re done. Remove and rest for a couple minutes before serving.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon

If your salmon has skin, don’t worry about flipping it. The hot air will crisp it up without any help. This is what makes this one of my favorite easy air fryer recipes for weeknights. Also, dry your fish before seasoning. Wet salmon steams instead of crisps, and we want that golden edge.

Thickness matters. Thin fillets may be done in six minutes, while thicker cuts can take up to nine. Check with a fork, not your timer. It should flake easily and look opaque.

And don’t forget the lemon. A quick squeeze brightens everything. I keep a wedge nearby even when I’m lazy about plating. This small step really brings out the best in this healthy and easy recipe.

6) Making Air Fryer Salmon Ahead of Time

You can make air fryer salmon ahead of time if your evenings feel like a moving train. I cook it fresh, let it cool, and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It holds up well for two or three days and still tastes great cold.

Want to prep the seasoning earlier? Mix your spices in a small jar so they’re ready when you are. You can even rub the salmon with oil and season it ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

This works especially well if you’re planning for easy food recipes that need zero thought at 6 pm. I love pulling this out and throwing together a quick rice bowl, salad, or wrap. It makes me feel like I’ve got it together — even if only for dinner.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Salmon

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container once it cools. If you’re planning to use it in a salad or bowl, there’s no need to reheat. It’s flaky and flavorful straight from the fridge.

If reheating, use the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F. This helps preserve the crisp edge instead of making it mushy in the microwave. Reheat gently so the salmon doesn’t dry out.

This makes a great option for quick dinner recipes when you’re tired or stretched thin. Add it to grain bowls, sandwiches, or flake it into scrambled eggs if you’re feeling wild. Leftovers never felt so useful.

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9) Air Fryer Salmon