Air Fryer Salmon

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Make perfectly flaky salmon in no time with this easy air fryer method. A simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper lets the natural flavor of the fish shine through!

Close up view of salt and pepper on salmon.

Cooking salmon in the air fryer is an easy way to make a healthy and delicious meal without much fuss. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or an air fryer pro, this recipe is a simple go-to that gives you perfectly cooked salmon every time. Let’s talk about how to make it, how to store it, and what you need to know to get the best results.

If you’re looking for other seafood recipes that are perfect for air frying, try our air fryer blackened mahi mahi, air fryer fish sticks, and air fryer mahi mahi.

Air fryer salmon and brussels sprouts on a plate.

Why Air Fryer Salmon?

If you’ve ever made salmon in the oven or on the stovetop, you know it can take some practice to get it just right. With the air fryer, it’s quick and straightforward. The salmon turns out flaky, tender, and full of flavor without needing a lot of ingredients or steps.

Plus, the air fryer cuts down on the cooking time and doesn’t heat up the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or making dinner for the family, air fryer salmon makes things easy.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

For this recipe, we use salmon filets, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s a simple combination, but it really lets the salmon shine.

Here’s what you’ll do:

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F to get it ready.
  2. Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and check for any small bones. This step helps the seasoning stick and ensures your salmon cooks evenly.
  3. Season the Filets: Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Keep it simple here – this helps bring out the natural flavors of the fish.
Salt, pepper, and olive oil sprinkled over uncooked salmon.
  1. Cook the Salmon: Place the filets in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook them for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Two uncooked salmon filets in a basket.

That’s it! You’ll have perfectly cooked salmon that’s great on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Success

  • Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh salmon works great for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen filets, it’s best to thaw them before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
  • With or Without Skin: You can cook the salmon with the skin on or off, depending on your preference. Keeping the skin on helps lock in moisture, but both options will work.
Salmon filet and lemon on a grey plate.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salmon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to reheat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

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Side view of freshly cooked air fryer salmon next to veggies.

Air Fryer Salmon

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Author: Kim
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces salmon filets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, and gently run your hands across it to check for small bones.
    12 ounces salmon filets
  • Drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    ¼ teaspoon salt
    ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Place the filets, skin side down, into the air fryer basket.
  • Cook for 7-10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should read 145°F on a meat thermometer. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the fish.
  • Serve immediately!

Suggested Equipment

Notes

  • The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 (6-ounce) filet. Actual calories will vary.
  • Add more salt and pepper after the fish finishes cooking if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ouncesCalories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 0.1gProtein: 34gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 366mgPotassium: 835mgFiber: 0.03gVitamin A: 69IUCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
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