Air fryer salmon cooks in less than 10 minutes. Making flaky salmon in the air fryer is a quick and delicious way to make a meal!
If you were to ask me what my favorite things to cook in the air fryer, it would be hard for me to choose. I love cooking so many things!
However, if you were to ask me what the thing I cook MOST in my air fryer is... the answer would have to be salmon.
I make air fried salmon at least twice a week? Sometimes more. It's just so easy and delicious. And quick!
I usually just make a single serving of salmon for myself, as I'm cooking lunch for myself at home, but all my recipes can be modified to cook for 2, 3, or 4 servings. Super easy and fast. And ready in less than 15 minutes, start to finish.
Ingredients
- Salmon
- Olive Oil
- Dried thyme or other dried herbs
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon
How to customize
I almost always love to squeeze fresh lemon juice over my salmon. It adds such a nice acidity. However, you could squeeze fresh lime juice instead.
You can also swap out any of the dried herbs and spices. I used dried thyme, but you could easily use dried oregano, dried parsley, dried tarragon, or a spice blend.
You can also swap out the smoked paprika for chili powder, regular paprika, or something else.
Want to give the salmon a touch of sweetness? Add a little brown sugar to your spice mixture.
Air fryer salmon recipes
- Air fryer honey garlic salmon
- Air fryer honey mustard salmon
- Air fryer panko salmon
- Air fryer brown sugar salmon
- Air fryer salmon steak
- Air fryer salmon bites
What to serve with the air fried salmon
Air fryer salmon is delicious served with so many items!
I love air fried salmon with air fryer green beans, air fryer smashed potatoes, or air fryer vegetables.
Recipe tips
- Cook times on the salmon may depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet. 8-10 minutes usually works perfectly for me, however you may need to alter cook times.
- If you are worried about salmon sticking to your air fryer basket, you can use air fryer parchment paper or brush your air fryer basket with oil. However, I did not do either on this recipe since the salmon is coated in oil, and my salmon turned out great.
How to make salmon in the air fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer for 5 minutes.
While air fryer preheats, prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and put on a plate. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salmon.
Rub the olive oil into the salmon fillet and then season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, add the dried thyme leaves, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Stir to combine.
Add the seasonings to the top of the salmon.
Add the salmon to the air fryer basket.
Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
Plate, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top of the salmon. Enjoy!
FAQs
How long do you cook salmon in the air fryer?
Cook times will depend on your size and thickness of salmon. Most salmon will be cooked within 6-8 minutes. Thicker cuts may need closer to 10 minutes or longer.
Cook times also may depend on your preference of how much you want the salmon. Seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Can you use frozen salmon?
For best results, I recommend thawing frozen salmon completely before adding oil and spices. I frequently use frozen salmon, but always thaw safely before preparing to cook.
How to store leftover salmon
Leftover salmon can be stored for 2-3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
How to reheat leftover salmon
To reheat leftover salmon, either pop back into the air fryer and cook for 2-4 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet or in the oven.
Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 ounce salmon
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes.
- While air fryer preheats, pat salmon dry with paper towels and place on a plate. Drizzle olive oil over salmon and rub into all surfaces to coat. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, add thyme, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle spice mixture over the top of the salmon.
- Add salmon to the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
- Plate, and serve with fresh lemon.
Notes
- Cook times on the salmon may depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet. 8-10 minutes usually works perfectly for me, however you may need to alter cook times.
- If you are worried about salmon sticking to your air fryer basket, you can use air fryer parchment paper or brush your air fryer basket with oil. However, I did not do either on this recipe since the salmon is coated in oil, and my salmon turned out great.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
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