air fryer salmon recipe
This air fryer salmon recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a healthy, fuss-free meal that tastes gourmet. It cooks in under 15 minutes, delivering perfectly flaky, tender salmon with a beautifully crispy exterior. Easy to customize with various seasonings and requiring minimal cleanup, it's a true lifesaver for families seeking a quick, nutritious, and delicious dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 Fillets Salmon (about 6 oz each, 1.5 inches thick)
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
0.5 teaspoon Salt
0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Fresh Lemon Wedges
Chopped Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- First, pat your salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the skin crisp up and the seasonings adhere better
- Next, place the salmon fillets on a plate or cutting board. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the salmon. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over all sides of the salmon fillets, pressing gently to ensure it sticks
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes
- Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers. Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching, allowing air to circulate properly around each piece for optimal crisping. Do this in batches if necessary
- Cook the salmon for 10-14 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness. For a 1.5-inch thick fillet, 12 minutes usually results in perfectly flaky, medium-cooked salmon. There's no need to flip the salmon during cooking
- The salmon is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy
- Carefully remove the cooked salmon from the air fryer basket. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges
Notes
Pat the salmon thoroughly dry with paper towels; excess moisture prevents crispy skin.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and crisping; cook in batches if needed.
Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes for even cooking and a better sear.
Monitor for doneness closely; salmon cooks quickly. An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F (63°C).
Allow salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, resulting in a more moist fillet.
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes; avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent drying.
Find it online: https://powerecipe.com/air-fryer-salmon-recipe/