Name: Easy Air Fryer Salmon – Crispy, Juicy, and Healthy Every Time
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 14 min
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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Let’s talk salmon. Specifically, air fryer salmon. Quick question—have you ever had one of those days where the last thing you want to do is babysit a stove or clean a greasy pan? Same here. That’s exactly why this air fryer salmon recipe became my weeknight savior. It’s not just fast. It’s reliable. And it tastes like you actually tried, even if dinner was a five-minute decision. I love how the edges get a little crispy, like they caught a kiss of fire, but the center stays tender and juicy. And seasoning? We’re keeping it simple—because honestly, salmon doesn’t need a red carpet of spices to shine. A pinch of this, a swipe of that, and boom—you’ve got dinner that looks like you had a plan. If you’re looking for air fryer salmon recipes healthy enough for your goals, easy enough for your schedule, and tasty enough to make your picky eater pause mid-complaint, this is it. It checks all the boxes: Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipes, Salmon Recipes Baked Healthy Air Fryer, Salmon Recipes Baked Air Fryer, Salmon Air Fryer Recipes, and Air Fryer Recipes Salmon. Let’s keep it delicious, shall we?

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 Seafood recipes next!
9) Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick, healthy weeknight salmon that tastes like you spent hours
Only 5 minutes of prep, no flipping, no babysitting
Great for meal prep or tossing into salads or wraps
Minimal ingredients, big flavor, and no messy clean-up

2) Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Some nights, dinner needs to be easy. Like, really easy. No marinating. No complicated steps. Just good food, fast. That’s where this recipe comes in. Air fryer salmon recipes healthy enough to make your doctor proud but tasty enough to convince your kids it’s a treat. We’re hitting all the marks here.

I can’t tell you how often this recipe has saved my evenings. It takes barely 15 minutes from fridge to plate. And let’s be honest, on a Tuesday after a long day? That’s a win. You don’t need culinary training. You just need a salmon fillet, a splash of oil, and a few pantry seasonings.

We’re working with the air fryer’s magic here—high heat, quick cook, crispy skin, juicy center. It’s the salmon recipe that actually works, every time. Easy air fryer salmon recipes don’t get simpler than this, but the flavor’s something else. It’s like a little secret weapon for those of us who want dinner done fast but still crave a bite worth remembering.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon Fillets: Look for fillets around 6 ounces each. Skin-on or skinless, either works. Just pat them dry first so they crisp nicely in the air fryer.

Olive Oil: A tablespoon’s enough. It helps the seasoning stick and gives the edges that golden finish. I always drizzle a bit and rub it in with my fingers—feels right.

Garlic Powder: Adds depth without needing to mince anything. I love garlic but don’t love the cleanup. This does the trick with zero mess.

Paprika: Just a hint brings color and smoky flavor. Sometimes I swap for smoked paprika if I’m feeling extra cozy.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, but don’t skip it. Salmon needs seasoning. A good pinch of both goes a long way.

Lemon Wedges: Optional, but worth it. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end lifts everything and balances the richness of the salmon.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your machine doesn’t have a preheat button, just let it run empty for three minutes while you prep.

Step 2: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps get that crisp, golden edge we all love.

Step 3: Rub olive oil on each fillet. Then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands—it’s quicker and coats better.

Step 4: Lay the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Give each fillet some space. Crowding the basket keeps it from crisping properly.

Step 5: Cook for 7 to 9 minutes. Start checking at the 7-minute mark. If the salmon flakes easily with a fork, it’s done.

Step 6: Serve with lemon wedges and whatever sides you like. Rice, salad, roasted veg—this salmon plays well with just about anything.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon

Use salmon that’s roughly the same thickness. That way, it all cooks at the same pace. Thicker pieces might need another minute or two.

Don’t overcook it. Dry salmon is no one’s friend. That’s why I start checking mine early. You can always cook it longer. You can’t un-dry it.

If you’re new to air fryer salmon recipes healthy meals, try pairing this with steamed broccoli or quinoa. You’ll feel like a real grown-up and still be eating in 20 minutes flat.

6) Making Air Fryer Salmon Ahead of Time

You can absolutely make this salmon ahead. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and makes a great base for weekday lunches.

I like to cook two or three fillets at once. That way I’ve got protein for the week—ready to toss onto salad greens or into a wrap with some tzatziki and greens.

If you’re planning to eat it later, cook the salmon just shy of done. That way, when you reheat it, it won’t go dry. Just a quick zap in the microwave or a couple of minutes in the air fryer brings it back to life.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Salmon

Leftovers? Great. Store cooked salmon in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. Any longer and the texture starts to change.

To reheat, pop it back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Or microwave in short bursts. Just don’t overdo it—you want it warm, not rubbery.

You can also flake cold salmon into a salad or a grain bowl. It’s one of my go-tos for a fast, no-cook lunch that still feels satisfying.

8) Try these Seafood recipes next!

9) Air Fryer Salmon Recipe