Air Fryer Salmon
This air fryer salmon recipe is quick, easy, and requires almost no prep, just season and cook for 11–12 minutes. The result is juicy, tender salmon that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or topping a salad. No preheating needed, and cleanup is a breeze!
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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
Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil (this helps ensure the skin won’t stick). Spray avocado oil on the salmon fillets, top them with the spice mixture. Cook at 400F for 9-11 minutes. After cooking, allow to rest 2-5 minutes so the juices can redistribute.
Top tips
- You do not need to flip the salmon or shake the basket.
- Add different spices to change the flavor.
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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!
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Servings: 2
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound salmon
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- non-stick spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Cut the salmon into individual filet if too big to fit in air fryer.1/2 pound salmon
- Combine the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl.1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Spray the basket of the air fryer with non-stick spray (avocado oil). Place the salmon in, skin side down.non-stick spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
- Spray the top of the salmon with non-stick spray and sprinkle it with the spice mixture.1/2 pound salmon, non-stick spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
- Close the air fryer and set it to 400F for 9-11 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.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- 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.
- 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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Other seasonings to use
- Cajun seasoning – omit the cumin and add about 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning
- Ranch seasoning – omit the cumin and smoked paprika and add 1/2 tablespoon dried chives, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill.
- Taco seasoning – add about 2 teaspoons of your favorite taco seasoning
- Herbs de provence or Italian seasoning – omit the paprika and cumin and add about 1 tablespoon of herbs de provence or italian seasoning
- Squeeze of lemon or lime – add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice at the end
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
- Sauce: Sweet & Sour Sauce, Chimichurri, Sriracha Mayo, Lemon Herb Tahini, Sriracha Honey Sauce
- 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 leftovers
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).
