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!

two salmon fillets on a plate with sliced lemon and garnished with basil

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.

plated salmon fish fillets

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!
raw salmon in the air fryer
Salmon in The Air Fryer Before Cooking

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.
raw seasoned salmon topped with lemons placed in an air fryer

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.
cooked salmon in an air fryer

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 on a white plate with garnish

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.

Should I flip my salmon in the air fryer?

No, it is not necessary. Cook the salmon skin side down so it will hold together and result in a more moist salmon.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

two salmon fillets on a plate with sliced lemon and garnished with basil

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:

two salmon fillets on a plate with slides lemon and fresh basil
Wild Caught Salmon Made In The Air Fryer

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 Salmon (Easy 15 minute recipe!)

This Air Fryer Salmon recipe will show you how to make salmon quickly and easily. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon that is golden on the outside and tender on the inside. And of course, this delicious entree is gluten-free and dairy-free!
5 from 44 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Meal Prep
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 188kcal
Author: Capri Lilly

Ingredients

  • 2 Salmon filets about 6 ounces each
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Aminos optional, can use olive oil or soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Olive Oil Spray

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Pat the salmon dry on both sides with a paper towel or clean cloth.
  • Season the fillets with coconut amino, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spray with a bit olive oil.
  • 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 salmon and desired degree of doneness. The salmon should be flaky with a fork when done.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon on top. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can easily double or triple the recipe as needed. Make sure to cook the salmon in batches for best results. 
goodfoodbaddie.com offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used to make the recipe. For more information read our Nutritional Disclaimer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1fillet | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 24.5g | Fat: 8.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 409mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 9mg

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

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12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I have never made salmon in the air fryer! What a great idea! And it looks really delicious! I’ll try it out right away! Thanks for the recipe!

  2. 5 stars
    Your salmon recipe is totally kid-friendly and loved by my family. Made it for the first time in an air fryer, followed your detailed instructions, and it turned out perfectly made, thanks!

  3. 5 stars
    I am always looking for new things to use my air fryer for but I had never thought about fish until I came across your recipe! The salmon moist, tender and flakey!

5 from 44 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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