📝 Introduction.
You know that feeling you get when you see a quality air fryer salmon at a restaurant? You want to eat it, but the cost is prohibitive. (For many people) I say that because I’ve been there.
Last Tuesday, when I opened the fridge to see what I was making for dinner, I saw some salmon fillets. I remembered that I hadn’t used my air fryer in a while. I thought, Why not give it a try?
Air-fried salmon is a high-quality dish. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essentially brain food. Today, we’re talking about a fish that can make you smarter and one that tastes incredibly good. Are you making this recipe for one person or feeding your whole family?
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe.
- It can be made in less than 15 minutes – you can make and finish this dish faster than ordering food delivery.
- You get crispy skin without any mess – no oil splatters all over the stove. And you get that perfect golden crispiness.
- This meal is nutritious – the salmon gives you omega-3s and protein, which your body definitely needs.
- It can be made just right every time – the air fryer does all the hard work. All you have to do is add the spices and seasonings.
- It doesn’t take much time to clean – you only have one basket or one plate to wash.
📊 Recipe Overview.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories (Approx): 320 per serving
🧂 Ingredients & Substitutes.
Choosing the right ingredients for this recipe is essential. I’ll explainExactly what you need to buy and why they’re crucial.
- First, choose a good quality salmon – fresh salmon works best, but frozen salmon will work just as well. Thaw it thoroughly before cooking. Selecting high-quality fillets with the skin on will help you feel assured that you’re making a delicious, nutritious meal that turns out perfectly.Try to choose fillets that are about 6 ounces and about 1 inch thick, as they will cook more evenly.
- Olive oil – You’ll need about a teaspoon per fillet. This helps the seasoning adhere and promotes browning. You can use avocado oil or melted butter for more flavor.
- Spice mix – Use ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices will give your salmon a great flavor.
The smoked paprika makes a big difference in the flavor. It adds a rich flavor, and if you want a fresh, bright flavor, you can add a little lemon zest. - A fresh lemon – Squeeze a little lemon juice over your salmon before serving. This step pulls all the flavors together.
🔪 Kitchen Tools Required.
- Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style, both work)
- Paper towels (for patting the salmon dry)
- Small bowl (for mixing seasonings)
- Cooking brush or spoon (for oil application)
- Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)
- Tongs or fish spatula
- Cutting board
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Air Fryer Salmon.
Step 1: Prepare the salmon.
Take your salmon out of the refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking. Cold fish doesn’t cook as well as we’d like. Fish cooks best at room temperature.Next, use paper towels to pat the fillets dry completely. Don’t skip this!
(Photo by Caroline Attwood on Unsplash)
Step 2: Season as you wish.
Place the garlic powder, paprika, dried dill, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl and mix well.
Now, brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil, then generously coat them with the spice mixture. Press the seasoning into the fish so that it adheres. If using honey, drizzle a small amount of honey over each fillet.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it run for 3-4 minutes.
This step will heat your air fryer properly, and you will get a nice crispy skin from the start.
Step 4: Cook to perfection.
Place the salmon skin side down in the basket. Leave space between each piece.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chosen fish. Check whether the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Do not turn the salmon. The hot air will cook it on all sides.
(Image Credit: iStock)
Step 5: Rest and serve.
About 2 minutes before the end of cooking, add the lemon slices to the air fryer basket. It gives a pleasant aroma.
Once ready, gently lift the salmon with a spatula or tongs. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. For extra flavor, add some fresh parsley and the wonderfully caramelized lemon slices.
📹 Watch the video below for a visual walkthrough of each step.
💡 Pro Cooking Tips.
Tip 1: Room temperature fish cooks better – Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly than cold fish straight from the fridge. Take your fillets out about 10 – 15 minutes before cooking – you’ll notice a big difference in texture.
Tip 2: Test your air fryer beforehand – Air fryers work differently. Check your salmon at the 8-minute mark. You can always cook it longer. But you can’t fix overcooked fish.
Tip 3: Don’t flip the salmon – you’ll get a perfect crust without any flipping. The hot air will move around and do all the work for you.
🔄️Healthier Swaps.
Swap 1: If you are more concerned about calories – you can use a tablespoon of olive oil. Otherwise, you can use cooking spray instead of olive oil.
Swap 2: To further enhance the nutrition here – you can use bagel seasoning or nuts like almonds for extra protein and healthy fats.
Swap 3: For a lower-sodium option – use half the amount mentioned above and add additional herbs, such as fresh thyme or oregano. This will help preserve the fish’s natural flavor, and you won’t miss the extra salt.
🥡 Storage & Reheating.
Got leftovers? Good luck!
Place your cooked salmon in an airtight container. Refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Reheating tip: Put it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This will keep the skin crispy. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. But it will be mushy.
Can you freeze it? Yes! Wrap each piece tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat.
📌 Conclusion.
This Air Fryer Salmon has completely changed the way I cook during the week.
This Air Fryer Salmon recipe proves an important point. You can still make excellent food without any special skills or expensive tools.
Now it’s your turn! Make this Air Fryer Salmon recipe and let me know how it turns out. Comment below with your favorite spice combinations or any questions you have. I read every one, and I’d love to hear from you. 💬👇
(Some images in this article were generated using AI)
Crispy Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove salmon from fridge 10 minutes before cooking. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over salmon fillets and rub evenly. Season the flesh side with spice mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Place salmon skin side down in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove carefully and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over salmon and serve immediately.
❓ FAQs
- Question: What to serve with these salmon sides?
Answer: Roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad would go beautifully with this one. I am also over the moon about it, heaped over a pile of quinoa with some roasted Brussels sprouts. - Question: Can I use frozen salmon?
Answer: You can, but defrost it entirely and be sure to pat it bone dry. Because frozen salmon can be wetter than fresh, it can stop the outside from getting as crispy as we’d like. - Question: Can I freeze leftovers?
Answer: Absolutely! Do not freeze uncooked or raw salmon. For best results, place cooked salmon in a freezer bag that will keep it fresh for up to 2 months. I mean, shrink wrap it in plastic and aluminum foil. Defrost the night before and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes on gentle heat. - Question: How do I know when the salmon is done?
Answer: The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the fish should flake easily with a fork. It’ll also look opaque throughout and have a slightly firm texture. - Question: Why is my salmon skin not getting crispy?
Answer: Usually, it’s a moisture issue. Make sure the salmon is thoroughly dry before cooking. Also, check that your air fryer is fully preheated.
