I have to admit, I used to dread cooking salmon. I’d either overcook it, under-season it, or end up with a fishy, sad mess that nobody wanted to eat. Then I discovered the air fryer, and everything changed.

Now, air fryer salmon is my secret weapon for busy weeknights or when I want a healthy, impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The edges get beautifully crispy, the inside stays tender and flaky, and the flavor is always spot-on.

Honestly, the first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how effortless it was. I literally set the timer, walked away, and came back to perfectly cooked salmon that tasted like I’d spent all afternoon fussing over it.

I want you to feel that same “wow” moment in your kitchen. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen fillets, keeping it simple or jazzing it up with herbs and spices, this method makes salmon practically foolproof.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to get perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful salmon every single time — and maybe even fall in love with cooking it as much as I have.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this easy air fryer salmon recipe, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) – fresh is my go-to, but frozen works perfectly too if you’re in a pinch. I usually leave the skin on for extra crispiness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil) – this gives the salmon a beautiful, golden sear without making it greasy. I like rubbing it gently all over each fillet.
• ½ teaspoon salt – I sprinkle it evenly so every bite is seasoned just right.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – adds that subtle kick. I like freshly cracked for extra flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – I can’t resist the aroma it adds while cooking.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – optional, but I love the smoky depth it brings to the salmon.
• Lemon wedges – for serving. I squeeze fresh lemon over the fillets right before eating; it makes all the difference.

Optional Seasoning Variations

• Lemon Herb – I sometimes add fresh dill, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon to make the flavor bright and fresh.
• Garlic Butter – melt some butter with garlic and brush over the salmon before air frying. It’s rich, indulgent, and irresistible.
• Spicy Cajun – for days when I’m craving heat, I sprinkle Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy kick.
• Teriyaki Glaze – if I want a sweet-savory twist, brushing teriyaki sauce on top before cooking is my favorite trick.

I always tell myself that the beauty of air fryer salmon is how flexible it is—you can stick to the basics or go wild with seasonings. Either way, it turns out tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every single time.

Also Check out – 17 Quick & Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

How to Air Fry Salmon (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

I always start by patting my salmon dry with paper towels. It might seem small, but removing that extra moisture makes a huge difference—you’ll get a crispier exterior instead of a soggy finish.

Then I brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil. This is my little trick for that golden, slightly crunchy edge. After that, I sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over the top. I like doing it generously, because each bite should be packed with flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While I season the salmon, I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.

Preheating is key—it helps the salmon cook evenly and gives you that gorgeous slightly crisp crust that I love. I find this step makes all the difference between a meh fillet and a wow-worthy one.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

I place the salmon skin-side down in the basket, making sure the fillets aren’t crowded. I like to give them a little space so the hot air can circulate and cook them evenly.

Then I air fry at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness. I promise, no flipping is needed! The air fryer does the magic for you, cooking the fillet perfectly on all sides. While it cooks, the smell fills the kitchen and makes me impatient to eat.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

I usually check my salmon with an instant-read thermometer—it should be 125-130°F for medium, or 145°F if you prefer well-done. If you don’t have one, no worries: just gently flake the salmon with a fork.

If it flakes easily but is still moist inside, it’s perfect. I love this part because it’s when I get excited to see that gorgeous pink, tender flesh.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once cooked, I let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. This keeps it juicy and tender. I serve it with fresh lemon wedges, maybe a sprinkle of parsley, and whatever dipping sauce I’m feeling that day.

Every time I take that first bite, I love how the edges are crisp, the inside is silky, and the seasoning is just right.

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How Long to Air Fry Salmon?

The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets and whether they are fresh or frozen.

Type of Salmon	Air Fryer Temp	Cooking Time
Fresh Salmon (1-inch thick)	400°F (200°C)	7-10 minutes
Thicker Fresh Salmon (1.5-inch+ thick)	400°F (200°C)	10-12 minutes
Frozen Salmon (No Thawing Needed)	400°F (200°C)	12-15 minutes
Salmon Patties	375°F (190°C)	8-10 minutes

Pro Tip: If cooking frozen salmon, add 2-3 extra minutes and season after the first 5 minutes once the surface is thawed.

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Best Seasonings & Marinades for Air Fryer Salmon

Herb Butter
I absolutely love brushing my salmon with a mix of melted butter, garlic, parsley, and thyme. It feels luxurious, and the garlic and herbs soak right into the fish as it cooks. You’ll notice the aroma fills the kitchen and makes you almost impatient to eat. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want extra for dipping!

Spicy Cajun
If you like a little heat, try a Cajun-inspired mix with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper. I like to adjust the cayenne to my mood—sometimes a gentle warmth, other times a bold kick. You’ll get that smoky, spicy flavor on the edges without losing the salmon’s natural juiciness.

Honey Garlic
For a sweet-savory twist, I mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Brushing it over the salmon before air frying creates a caramelized glaze that’s slightly sticky, slightly tangy, and completely irresistible. I love serving this one when I want something a little different but still simple.

Lemon Pepper
Sometimes I keep it classic with lemon zest, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. I sprinkle it generously over the fillets, and the bright citrus flavor makes the salmon taste fresh and vibrant. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when I want something light but still packed with flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

Pat the salmon dry
I always start by patting my salmon dry with paper towels. It might seem small, but it makes a huge difference. Removing the extra moisture helps the outside get that beautiful, slightly crispy crust you crave while keeping the inside tender.

Add lemon slices on top
I love tucking thin lemon slices on top of the fillets before cooking. As the salmon cooks, the citrus infuses into the fish, giving it a bright, fresh flavor. If you’re like me and love that little extra zing, you won’t want to skip this step.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
Give your salmon some space! I make sure the fillets aren’t touching, so the hot air can circulate and cook everything evenly. If you try to fit too much at once, you risk steaming the fish instead of getting that perfect golden exterior.

Brush with oil
Before cooking, I lightly brush the salmon with olive or avocado oil. It locks in moisture, enhances flavor, and gives that slightly crisped edge that makes every bite so satisfying.

Let it rest for 2 minutes
After cooking, I always let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This little pause helps the juices redistribute, keeping each fillet tender and juicy. Trust me, it’s worth it—you’ll notice the difference with every forkful.

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FAQs About Air Fryer Salmon

Can you air fry frozen salmon?
Yes! I do this all the time when I forget to thaw my fillets. Just add 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time, and I like to season the salmon halfway through so it still gets that delicious flavor.

What temperature should I air fry salmon at?
I always set my air fryer to 400°F (200°C). I find it gives the salmon a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

You can’t go wrong with this temperature for most fillets.

How long does it take to air fry salmon?
For fresh fillets, I usually cook them for 7-10 minutes depending on thickness. Frozen fillets take a bit longer—around 12-15 minutes.

I like to check for flakiness with a fork if I’m unsure, because every air fryer can vary slightly.

Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
Nope! I never flip my fillets. The hot air circulates evenly, so the salmon cooks beautifully without flipping. It also keeps it from breaking apart.

Can I use this method for salmon patties?
Absolutely. I love making salmon patties this way. I air fry them at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, and they come out golden and crispy every time.

What’s the best way to reheat air fryer salmon?
When I reheat leftovers, I set the air fryer to 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside tender, so it tastes almost as good as freshly cooked.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Eat with Air Fryer Salmon

When I serve air fryer salmon, I love pairing it with sides that complement its rich, flaky texture and crispy edges. Here are some of my favorite ways:

Rice & Quinoa – I often make a simple side of brown rice or quinoa. It’s hearty and keeps the meal balanced. You can even toss in some herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Roasted Vegetables – I like roasting asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini while the salmon cooks. The caramelized veggies pair perfectly with the savory, garlicky salmon, and you can’t beat how colorful the plate looks.

Salad – A fresh green salad or Caesar salad is one of my go-to options. It adds a crisp, refreshing bite that balances the richness of the fish. I usually drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice for brightness.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – Sometimes, I get a little indulgent and make sweet potato fries in the air fryer alongside the salmon. They’re crispy, naturally sweet, and honestly, the perfect comfort combo.

I find mixing and matching these sides makes every salmon dinner feel special, whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat for yourself.

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Final Thoughts

I have to tell you, making salmon in the air fryer has completely changed the way I cook fish. It’s quick, healthy, and consistently turns out perfectly cooked every single time.

I love that you can get crispy edges, tender, flaky flesh, and amazing flavor with almost no effort.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, making a fast weeknight dinner, or just treating yourself to something nutritious and delicious, this air fryer method makes it completely stress-free.

I promise, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start cooking salmon this way sooner.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out—I love hearing how it works for you in your kitchen. And if you enjoyed this guide, don’t forget to share it or save it for later. You’ll thank yourself next time you need a fast, flavorful dinner!