Air fryer salmon is so easy to make and is ready in less than 15 minutes!
This simple recipe creates perfectly cooked salmon filets every time, and you won’t believe how simple it is to make healthy salmon in the air fryer!
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 in the air fryer and cook for 11-12 minutes.
- This 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! You can even use frozen salmon.
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Ingredients
- Salmon
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Salt
- Non-stick spray (avocado oil or olive oil)
How to make air fryer salmon
Check out the step by step story on how to make salmon in the air fryer.
Step 1: Cut the salmon into similar size pieces.
Step 2: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray (I prefer avocado oil for this).
Step 3: Add the salmon, skin side down, to the basket.
Step 4: Make your spice rub. Spray the salmon with non-stick and sprinkle the spice rub over them.
Step 5: Place the basket into the air fryer. Turn the it on 400F and set it for 11 minutes.
Step 6: 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 cook time.
Step 7: After they are done cooking, allow it to rest for 2-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute after cooking.
Other seasonings to use
- Cajun seasoning
- Ranch seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Herbs de provence or Italian seasoning
- Squeeze of lemon or lime at the end
Air fryer salmon tips
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- You do not need to flip the salmon or shake the basket.
- You can cook the salmon with the skin on! The skin helps to lock in the juices. The salmon skin gets crispy and can be eaten. However, the skin can easily be peeled away as well.
- Cooking time will depend on how thick the salmon is. This recipe is written for pieces of salmon that are about an inch thick. If yours are 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 in batches, it’s important to know that once preheated, less time is needed for cooking. So if you are cooking in batches, check the second batch after 9 minutes.
- The key to the air fryer working properly is that it gets proper airflow in the basket. Because of this, it’s important that you don’t cover the basket completely with food, foil or parchment paper! If you must use parchment paper, be sure to use the parchment paper designed for airflow.
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Common Questions
How to cook salmon without an air fryer
- 7 minute salmon – uses the stove and the broiler. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add oil to the skillet and place the salmon skin side down. After 4 minutes, put the salmon in a preheated oven under the broiler. Finish in the oven about 3 minutes or until done.
- Sheet pan salmon – bake on a sheet pan for 12 minutes at 450F
What to serve with air fryer salmon
- Dairy free coleslaw (paleo) or red cabbage slaw
- Crunchy Broccoli Salad
- Broccoli 4 ways or Creamy kale
- Cauliflower Potato Salad or Moroccan Potato Salad
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice or Cilantro Lime Quinoa
- Cruciferous crunch salad
How to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer
To cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, follow the steps in the recipe as written, except you will want to cook the salmon for 13-15 minutes at 400F.
How to store leftover air fryer salmon
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer (2-3 minutes at 375F).
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Air Fryer Salmon
$4.73 Recipe/$2.37 ServingAir 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!
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Servings: 2
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound salmon - $4.50
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika - $0.03
- 1/4 tsp cumin - $0.03
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder - $0.03
- 1/4 tsp salt - $0.02
- non-stick spray (olive oil or avocado oil) - $0.12
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.
- No need to flip the salmon or shake the air fryer basket.
- Be sure to cook the salmon with the skin! The skin helps to lock in the juices. After cooking, the 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 yours 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 in batches, it’s important to know that once preheated, cooking time will be less. 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 Information
Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
164
Fat
7
g
Carbohydrates
1
g
Sugar
1
g
Protein
23
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
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