Name: Disgustingly Easy 9 Minute Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; half teaspoon paprika; half teaspoon salt; half teaspoon black pepper; Lemon wedges for serving; Tartar sauce for serving

Jump to Recipe

Okay, seriously, if you’re not making air fryer salmon yet, what are you waiting for?! I used to think cooking salmon was some fancy, complicated thing best left to restaurants. Boy, was I wrong! My air fryer changed *everything*. Now, perfectly cooked, flaky salmon is totally doable on even the busiest weeknights.

This air fryer salmon recipe is seriously life-changing. I mean, talk about a healthy and FAST dinner option! We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth salmon in under 10 minutes. TEN MINUTES! Plus, clean-up is a breeze. Honestly, it’s so easy, even my kids can practically make it (okay, *I* handle the air fryer part, but they do the seasoning!).

I stumbled upon air fryer salmon completely by accident, actually. I was rushing to get dinner on the table, and the oven was already occupied. I thought, “Hey, why not try the air fryer?” And wow! The results were incredible. Perfectly cooked, juicy salmon every time. Since then, it’s become a staple in our house, and I’m so excited to share my super simple method with you!

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Seriously, get ready to fall in love! This air fryer salmon recipe is a game-changer. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

We’re talking from fridge to table in about 10 minutes, folks! You just can’t beat that.

Healthy and Delicious

Salmon is packed with good-for-you fats and protein, and air frying means you don’t need a ton of extra oil. It’s a total win-win!

Minimal Cleanup

The air fryer basket is SO much easier to clean than a baking sheet. A little soap and water, and you’re done. Hallelujah!

Perfect for Weeknights

When you’re juggling work, kids, and everything else, this air fryer salmon is your superhero. Dinner is served, fast!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing air fryer salmon. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty short and sweet list. My favorite part is that you probably already have most of this stuff in your pantry!

You’ll need: 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets – skin on or off, totally your call! A tablespoon of olive oil (the good stuff!), a teaspoon of garlic powder (because everything’s better with garlic, right?), and then a half teaspoon each of paprika, salt, and black pepper. Almost there! Grab some lemon wedges for serving – they add the perfect zing! And finally, tartar sauce. I mean, it’s optional, but c’mon, it’s classic for a reason!

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How to Cook Air Fryer Salmon

Alright, let’s get down to business! This is where the magic happens. Trust me, even if you’re a total newbie in the kitchen, you can nail this air fryer salmon. Just follow these super simple steps, and you’ll be chowing down on some seriously delicious fish in no time!

Preparing the Salmon

First things first, grab those salmon fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. I know, it sounds weird, but trust me – this helps them get nice and crispy! Next, drizzle each fillet with a bit of olive oil. Okay, now for the fun part: the seasonings! Sprinkle each fillet with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy, but don’t go overboard either. You want to taste the salmon, not just the spices!

Air Frying Instructions

Now, crank up that air fryer! You’ll want to preheat it to 400 degrees F. This is important, so don’t skip it! Once it’s preheated, carefully place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping – you want that air to circulate! Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes. Now, here’s the thing: every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on it! After 7 minutes, peek inside and check for doneness with a fork. If it flakes easily, you’re good to go! If not, pop it back in for another minute or two. Just don’t overcook it, or it’ll get dry. Nobody wants that!

Serving Your Air Fryer Salmon

Woohoo, you did it! Now for the best part: eating! Serve your gorgeous air fryer salmon with some lemon wedges for a little zing. And of course, a dollop of tartar sauce is always a good idea! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon

Want to take your air fryer salmon game to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way to guarantee perfect, flaky salmon every single time. Trust me, these tips are gold!

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

Seriously, give your salmon some space! If you cram too many fillets in there, the air can’t circulate properly, and you’ll end up with steamed instead of perfectly air-fried salmon. And nobody wants that! Work in batches if you need to. It’s worth it!

Pat the Salmon Dry

I know, I know, it sounds weird, but this is a game-changer. Patting the salmon dry before you add the oil and seasonings helps it get nice and crispy on the outside. Otherwise, you’re just steaming it in its own moisture. Yuck!

Adjust Cooking Time Based on Thickness

Not all salmon fillets are created equal! If your fillets are super thick, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. If they’re thin, you might need to shave off a minute. Just keep an eye on them and use a fork to check for doneness. Remember, you want it to flake easily, but you don’t want it to be dry!

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Air Fryer Salmon Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic air fryer salmon recipe. Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! The possibilities are seriously endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own signature flavor. Here are a few of my go-to twists on the classic!

Spice It Up!

Ditch the garlic powder and paprika and try something new! Cajun seasoning gives it a nice kick. Or how about some Italian herbs for a Mediterranean vibe? Everything bagel seasoning is also surprisingly amazing! Seriously, raid your spice cabinet and see what inspires you!

Add a Glaze

Oh man, a glaze takes air fryer salmon to a whole new level! Honey-garlic is always a winner – just mix equal parts honey and soy sauce with a little minced garlic. Or try teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky, delicious finish. Careful, it splatters!

Herb Crusted Air Fryer Salmon

Chop up some fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives and mix them with a little breadcrumbs and olive oil. Press the mixture onto the salmon before air frying for a crispy, flavorful crust. Seriously, my favorite part is the aroma while it’s cooking!

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Salmon

Alright, you’ve got your perfectly cooked air fryer salmon. Now, what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorite ways to round out this super easy meal. Trust me, these pairings are a total home run!

Side Dishes

Fluffy rice is always a winner. Or, for a low-carb option, try some roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette is also a perfect complement. Mmm!

Sauces

Okay, tartar sauce is classic, but let’s think outside the box for a sec! A creamy dill sauce is amazing with salmon. Or how about a zesty lemon-herb aioli? Even just a simple squeeze of lemon juice works wonders. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Salmon

Okay, so you’ve got some leftover air fryer salmon (if you’re lucky!). Don’t let it go to waste! Here’s the lowdown on how to store it and reheat it so it’s almost as good as the first time. It’s super easy, so don’t sweat it!

Storage Instructions

Pop that leftover salmon in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. Or, if you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then put them all in a freezer bag. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat air fryer salmon is…you guessed it…in the air fryer! Just pop it back in at 350 degrees F for a few minutes until it’s heated through. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out! You can also microwave it, but be careful – it can get a little rubbery. I prefer the air fryer method every time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Salmon

Got questions about making air fryer salmon? I get it! It’s a super simple recipe, but sometimes little things can trip you up. Don’t worry, I’ve got the answers to some of the most common questions right here!

Can I use frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Absolutely! You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time a bit. I usually add about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the salmon fillets are separated, and there’s no ice clinging to them. You might also want to pat them dry a couple of times during cooking to remove any excess moisture. It might not be *quite* as good as fresh, but it’s still a super convenient option!

What temperature should salmon be cooked to?

Safety first, friends! You want to make sure your salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to be sure. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet. Better safe than sorry!

How do I prevent my air fryer salmon from drying out?

Ah, the million-dollar question! The key is not to overcook it! Keep a close eye on your salmon and check for doneness frequently. Remember, it should flake easily with a fork, but it shouldn’t be dry. Also, make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket, as that can lead to uneven cooking and drying out.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Salmon

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the approximate nutritional info for one serving of this delicious air fryer salmon. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the size of your salmon fillet and the specific ingredients you use. But it’ll give you a pretty good idea!

We’re looking at roughly 350 calories, 25 grams of fat (mostly the good kind!), a whopping 30 grams of protein, and just 2 grams of carbs. Not bad, right? So, you can enjoy this guilt-free meal knowing that you’re fueling your body with some seriously good stuff!

Enjoyed This Air Fryer Salmon?

Awesome! I really hope you loved this air fryer salmon as much as my family does! If you did, pretty please leave a comment below and let me know! Or even better, give the recipe a rating! And hey, if you make it, snap a pic and share it on social media – I’d love to see your creations!