Air fryer salmon is the easiest way to make juicy salmon in less than 15 minutes! This simple recipe creates perfectly cooked salmon filets every time, and you won’t believe how easy it is to make salmon in the air fryer!
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Why this recipe works
- This recipe requires little to no prep! All you need to do is add your favorite spices to the salmon, place the salmon in the air fryer and cook for 11-12 minutes.
- Air fryer salmon is super juicy and tender, perfect for weeknight meals or to add onto a salad!
- No need to preheat the air fryer, the entire dish is ready in just 11-12 minutes with minimal oil!
- Great for busy weeknight meals, this recipe has easy clean up and fits into most meal plans! Paleo, Whole30 and keto friendly!
How does the air fryer work?
The air fryer is like a mini convection oven. It circulates the air in a very small space and because of that, food tends to cook much quicker than it does in the oven with less heat.
The key to the air fryer working properly is that it gets proper air flow in the basket. Because of this, it’s important that you don’t cover the basket completely with food, foil or parchment paper!
How to make air fryer salmon
- Cut the salmon into similar size pieces.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray (I prefer avocado oil for this)
- Add the salmon, skin side down, to the basket.
- Make your spice rub. Spray the salmon with non-stick and sprinkle the spice rub over the salmon.
- Place the basket into the air fryer. Turn the air fryer on 400F and set it for 11 minutes.
- After 11 minutes, take the salmon out of the air fryer and carefully press down on the center of the thickest part of the salmon. If it flakes, it’s done. If not, add 1 more minute to the air fryer.
- After the salmon is done cooking, allow it to rest for 2-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute after cooking.
Tips on making air fryer salmon:
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- You do not need to flip the salmon during cooking. Just place the salmon in the air fryer and cook for 11 minutes.
- Be sure to cook the salmon with the skin on! The skin helps to lock in the juices. After cooking, the salmon skin gets crispy and can be eaten. However, the skin can easily be peeled away from the salmon as well.
- Cooking time will depend on how thick the salmon is. This recipe is written for pieces of salmon that about an inch thick. If the salmon is thicker, you may need to add 1-2 minutes.
- The more you cover the bottom of the basket, the harder it is for the air to flow. If you fill the basket with salmon, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time to account for this.
- If you decide to cook the salmon in batches in the air fryer, it’s important to know that once the air fryer has been preheated, it will need less time. So if you are cooking in batches, check the second batch after 9 minutes.
- This recipe is very easy to clean up as written. If you must use parchment paper, be sure to use the parchment paper designed for air fryers.
What are other ways to season this air fryer salmon recipe?
- Cajun seasoning
- Ranch seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Herbs de provence
- Squeeze of lemon or lime at the end
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make salmon in under 15 minutes!
- 7 minute salmon – uses the stove and the broiler
- Sheet pan salmon – bake salmon on a sheet pan for 12 minutes at 450F
What air fryer is the best?
This is the air fryer I have. It’s easy to clean and easy to use!
I have my eye on this air fryer, as it would replace my toaster oven and will likely be the next one I purchase!
What can you serve with air fryer salmon:
- Dairy free coleslaw (paleo)
- Crunchy Broccoli Salad
- Cauliflower Potato Salad
- Creamy kale
- Cruciferous crunch salad
What other recipes can you make with an air fryer
★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon is one of the easiest ways to make juicy, perfectly cooked salmon every time! This recipe takes just 12 minutes and is so easy to make! Great for weeknight meals, this recipe is gluten free, dairy free, paleo, Whole30 and keto friendly!
Print Pin RatePrep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 164kcal
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound salmon
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- non-stick spray avocado oil
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into individual filet if too big to fit in air fryer.
- Combine the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl.
- Spray the basket of the air fryer with non-stick spray (avocado oil). Place the salmon in, skin side down.
- Spray the top of the salmon with non-stick spray and sprinkle it with the spice mixture.
- Close the air fryer and set it to 400F for 11 minutes.
- After 11 minutes, take the salmon out of the air fryer and carefully press down on the thickest part. If it starts to flake, it's done. If not, return to the air fryer for 1 minute.
Notes
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- The salmon does not need to be turned and you do not have to shake the basket.
- Be sure to cook the salmon with the skin! The skin helps to lock in the juices. After cooking, the salmon skin gets crispy and can be eaten. However, the skin can easily be peeled away from the salmon as well.
- Cooking time will depend on how thick the salmon is. This recipe is written for pieces of salmon that about an inch thick. If the salmon is thicker, you may need to add 1-2 minutes.
- The more you cover the bottom of the basket, the harder it is for the air to flow. If you fill the basket with salmon, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time to account for this.
- If you decide to cook the salmon in batches in the air fryer, it’s important to know that once the air fryer has been preheated, it will need less time. So if you are cooking in batches, check the second batch after 9 minutes.
- This recipe is very easy to clean up as written. If you must use parchment paper, be sure to use the parchment paper designed for airflow.
Nutrition
Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 341mg | Potassium: 556mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 168IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
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