Air Fryers Guide

Method 1: Simple Seasoned & Air Fried

A straightforward, no-fuss method that truly highlights the natural, delicious flavor of the salmon while ensuring perfect texture.

Ingredients

• 1-2 salmon fillets (about 4-6 oz each), skin on or off (choose similar size fillets for even cooking)
• 1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray (just enough to coat lightly)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (adds nice color and a touch of flavor)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional, but highly recommended!)

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Meat Thermometer (Recommended for checking internal temperature)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step is surprisingly important for achieving a good exterior texture, especially if you want crispy skin.
2. Season: Lightly brush or rub salmon fillets all over with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. Season generously on all sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure the salmon starts cooking immediately and achieves that nice outer texture.
4. Air Fry: Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding – cook in batches if necessary. If you want crispy skin, place the fillet skin-side down first for about half the cook time, then flip (though some prefer cooking skin-side up the whole time for crispier skin). If cooking skin-on and don't care about crispy skin, cooking skin-side down the whole time helps protect the delicate flesh. Cook for 7-10 minutes. The exact time depends heavily on the thickness of the fillet and your desired doneness.
5. Check Doneness: Salmon is safely cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Use a meat thermometer to be precise and avoid overcooking! Our Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart offers general guidance for various foods, including fish.
6. Rest (Optional): For best results, let the salmon rest for just 1-2 minutes on a plate before serving. This brief rest helps keep the fish moist.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, perhaps with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top.

Method 2: Air Fried with Garlic Herb Butter

This variation infuses the salmon with incredible flavor from a simple garlic herb compound butter, resulting in a rich and luxurious-tasting dish.

Additional Ingredients Needed

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or grated)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare and season salmon fillets as in Steps 1 of Method 1 (pat dry). You can add salt and pepper, but omit the paprika and garlic powder from the dry seasoning for this method, as the flavor comes from the butter.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and slightly creamy.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
4. Place seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then open the basket and carefully dollop about half of the prepared garlic herb butter mixture evenly on top of each fillet.
6. Close the basket and continue air frying for another 3-5 minutes (or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork). The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). The butter will melt beautifully over the fish.
7. Serve immediately. Carefully spoon any melted butter from the air fryer basket over the cooked fish before enjoying.

This method results in moist, flaky salmon with a burst of fresh, savory flavor!

Tips for Cooking Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

• Dry Fish = Better Results: Always pat your salmon dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve better texture and allows seasonings to stick.
• Don't Overcook: Salmon cooks very, very fast in an air fryer! Use the cooking time as a guide, but always check for doneness a minute or two early, especially the first time you make it. Flaky and opaque is done; if it's falling apart and mushy, it's likely overcooked. Aim for a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Skin On or Off: If you want delightfully crispy skin, try placing the fillet skin-side down first, then flipping halfway through. If you prefer not to eat the skin or don't care about crispiness, cooking skin-side down for the entire time can help protect the delicate flesh from drying out.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook fillets in a single layer in the basket with space around them for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the fish instead of air frying it. Learn more about avoiding this common mistake in our Air Fryer Tips for Success.
• Flavor Variations: Salmon takes well to so many different flavors! Besides the simple seasoning and garlic herb butter, try lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, teriyaki glaze (add towards the end of cooking), or just salt and pepper.
• Quick Meal: Paired with air-fried veggies (like our roasted vegetables) or a simple grain, air fryer salmon is a complete, healthy Air Fryer Dinner or fast Air Fryer Lunch.
• Keto Friendly: Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats, making it perfectly suited for Keto Air Fryer Recipes.