Air Fryer Salmon

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!

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 – 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 to the spice blend recommended in the recipe.
• Herbs de provence or Italian seasoning – omit the paprika and cumin and add about 1 tablespoon of herbs de provence or italian seasoning for a herby, delicious salmon without any spice.
• Squeeze of lemon or lime – add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice at the end right before serving to brighten the flavor.

Top 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.
• Cook the salmon with the skin on if you can! 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.

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 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).