Cooking salmon in the air fryer is a game-changer! It results in perfectly flaky, tender fish with a crispy outer layer—all in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re making a healthy weeknight dinner or a quick meal prep protein, this Air Fryer Salmon is fast, easy, and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients (Serves 2-4)
✅ 2-4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✅ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
✅ 1/2 teaspoon salt
✅ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
✅ 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for serving)
✅ Lemon wedges & fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps to achieve that crispy, golden exterior.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
1️⃣ Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2️⃣ Brush or rub olive oil over each fillet.
3️⃣ In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the salmon.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
1️⃣ Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
2️⃣ Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness. The internal temperature should reach 125-130°F (52-55°C) for medium or 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked salmon.
3️⃣ No flipping needed—just let the air fryer work its magic!
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
✔ Remove from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon.
✔ Garnish with lemon wedges & parsley, and serve with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
???? Serve with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes
???? Pair with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or steamed asparagus
???? Make it into salmon tacos or a salmon grain bowl
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
✔ Don’t overcrowd: Air needs to circulate for even cooking.
✔ Use skin-on salmon: The skin helps protect the fillet from drying out.
✔ Check for doneness early: Salmon cooks quickly, so check after 7 minutes.
✔ Marinate for extra flavor: Try soy sauce, honey, or Dijon mustard for a delicious twist.
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