Air Fryer Salmon | Easy 15-minute recipe!

Air Fryer Salmon. Make tender, flakey, delicious salmon quickly and easily in the air fryer. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon that is golden on the outside and tender on the inside. The best part is that it turns out perfect every time! This will surely become your favorite way to make salmon!

For more delicious salmon recipes, try our 3-ingredient Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon or Maple Ginger Glazed Salmon next!

You may be wondering, “Can you cook salmon in an air fryer?” or “Does salmon turn out good in the air fryer?”. The answer is YES and YES! The air fryer is the easiest way to make flakey, flavorful, tender salmon that is cooked to perfection. We certainly know that first hand. Our 3-ingredient Air Fryer Salmon is super popular on the site and has millions of views and tries on Pinterest!

Making salmon in the air fryer is the best way to cook salmon because it’s quick and easy, and results in flaky fish with a crisp, flavorful coat of seasoning every time! It’s seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon, and coconut aminos to keep this recipe gluten-free.

You’ll love this Air Fryer Salmon because it’s:

• Healthy – This superfood is low carb, low calorie, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Additionally, salmon is high in protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Easy – From the seasoning to the clean-up, this whole process is simple and quick; just perfect for a laidback weeknight dinner. It’s also a great protein for meal prep!
• Delicious – This restaurant-quality entree is succulent, flavorful, and downright tasty!

Ingredients You Will Need

• Salmon: Skin-on or skinless, it’s up to you! You can also use fresh or frozen salmon. We like to use wild-caught salmon for the best quality!
  • If you make air fryer salmon frozen, cook it for 7 minutes, or until thawed, then season it. Afterward, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Spices: A simple yet delicious mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Coconut Aminos: Gluten-free soy sauce alternative that helps keep the salmon moist. You can skip the coconut aminos if you like, or use soy sauce or even olive oil instead.
• Cooking Spray: Just a bit sprayed on top of the salmon and into the basket.

How to Season Salmon

You can keep it simple and season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon but salmon is such a versatile protein. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add spices like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, curry powder, or cajun seasoning.
• Dijon mustard is a great tangy addition that would pair perfectly with brown sugar for a sweet spicy flavor. Simply rub a teaspoon of each on the salmon fillets before seasoning.
• Use honey, fresh ginger, maple syrup, and fresh garlic, like in our Maple Glazed Salmon or 3-Ingredient Air Fryer Salmon.

How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer?

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon dry on both sides with a paper towel or clean cloth. 
3. Season the fillets with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and coconut aminos (optional). Lightly spray the fillets with a bit of olive oil (this helps to get the perfect golden outer layer). 
4. Spray the basket with olive oil. Place two fillets in the air fryer and air fry for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet and desired degree of doneness. The salmon should be flaky with a fork when done.
5. Squeeze lemon juice on top. Serve and enjoy!

Air Fryer Salmon Time:

Cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Thin pieces of salmon will need less time.  An instant thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 135 degrees F when fully cooked.

How to Reheat Leftover Salmon in the Air Fryer

Reheat the salmon in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350 or until heated through. No microwave is needed!

No-Air Fryer? No Problem! Cooking Alternatives:

• You can also broil the salmon. Follow the same instructions and broil on high for 7-10 minutes, or until you reach your desired doneness. 
• You can also try baking the salmon in the oven with roasted asparagus and potatoes. Check out our Sheet Pan Salmon Recipe.

What to eat with your Air Fryer Salmon:

The meal possibilities for air-fried salmon are endless! Here are a few ideas:

• Salad: For a well-balanced meal, serve your salmon on top of a fresh salad. Our Smoked Salmon Salad, Vegan Caesar Salad, or Superfood Salad would be tasty options!
• Veggies: You can’t go wrong with vegetables as a side dish. It saves you even more time if you make them in the air fryer too! Consider adding air fryer asparagus, broccoli, or brussels sprouts to this dish for an easy lunch or dinner.
• Pasta: Salmon over a bed of creamy pasta would be the ultimate comfort meal! Try one of our recipes like this Avocado Pesto Pasta or Mediterranean Pasta Salad.

I hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe! 

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

More Delicious Fish Recipes!

• Air Fryer Tuna Steak
• Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Fish
• Easy Smoked Salmon Salad
• Jerk Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa
• Maple Ginger Glazed Salmon
• One-Pot Coconut Curry with Blackened Salmon
• One-Pot Blackened Salmon in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

We love using the air fryer to make delicious dishes! Check out our air fryer recipes for more ideas and inspo!