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This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe is seasoned with a flavorful homemade spice rub using everyday pantry ingredients. Low carb, gluten-free, and on the table in just 15 minutes!
Salmon is my go-to source of protein whenever I’m in the mood for something that isn’t chicken breast. Loaded with omega 3’s and healthy fats, it’s incredibly versatile and even tastes amazing reheated. In this post, I’m sharing how you can cook the most perfect, flaky, and flavorful salmon fillets in the air fryer for the easiest weeknight dinner. All you need is about 10 minutes from start to finish.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
Heads up! You can find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
Salmon fillets: Wild salmon is leaner, firmer, and more flavorful, with a vibrant natural color. It’s great for high-heat cooking but more expensive. Farmed salmon is milder, fattier, and more affordable, with a softer texture and consistent availability. Both work well in the air fryer depending on your flavor and budget preferences. Tip: If possible, try to purchase fillets of equal size and thickness.
Homemade seasoning blend: The salmon is rubbed with a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. It’s simple, but super flavorful.
Variations
- Cajun Style: Bold and smoky with a kick of heat. Use about 1 tablespoon of store-bought or this Cajun seasoning recipe.
- Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the salmon with a couple tablespoons of homemade teriyaki sauce in the last couple minutes of cooking for a sweet, savory, and sticky. Pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried noodles, and this garlic bok choy recipe.
- Spicy: Turn up the heat with sriracha, chili flakes, or a hot honey glaze. Great with creamy coleslaw or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Honey Dijon: A tangy and slightly sweet option that’s delicious with roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa, or a fresh house salad. I like to mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon with 1-2 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup) and brush it on halfway through cooking.
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
This is the air fryer that I own and use all the time – it’s amazing.
To start, combine all of the ingredients for the dry rub. For this recipe, I made my own salmon rub made using brown sugar, paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Feel free to use your own salmon rub, a simple sprinkle of salt and black pepper, or cajun seasoning (a personal favorite).
Next, pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels, drizzle or brush with olive oil, and season generously. Transfer the seasoned salmon to the air fryer skin-side-down. Cook for 7-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 145°F as measured by a digital meat thermometer.
Last, remove from the air fryer to a clean plate. Best served warm with fresh lemon juice.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
In a 400°F air fryer it will take approximately 7-10 minutes to cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (as measured by a digital meat thermometer). The exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, whether you’re using wild-caught or farmed salmon (wild-caught cook faster), and the specific brand or model of your air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although expect that your salmon will take longer to cook and may not cook as evenly as salmon that had been thawed prior to cooking. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7-9 per side, for a total of 14-18 minutes. Total cooking time will vary.
Not necessarily. It seems that most air fryer recipes start by instructing you to preheat your air fryer, but air fryers heat up so quickly that I find it unnecessary in most cases.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the salmon for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 salmon fillets, approx. 6 ounces each
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Combine the ingredients for the dry rub (brown sugar, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder) in a small bowl.
- Transfer the salmon fillets to a clean plate or cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with oil and season generously with the prepared seasoning mixture (it's ok if you don't use it all).
- Transfer the salmon fillets to the air fryer basket skin-side-down and air fry for 7-9 minutes (you may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your fillets). The salmon is finished cooking once the internal temperature registers 145°F as measured by a digital meat thermometer.
- Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and all of your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets (thicker fillets will take longer to cook). Try to purchase fillets that are equal thickness.
- Leftover salmon is delicious up to 3 days after cooking when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or in a preheated skillet until heated through.
- The dry rub recipe provided within this recipe is just a suggestion. Feel free to use your favorite salmon seasoning or marinade.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serving Ideas
Air fryer salmon is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a wide range of sides and sauces. For something fresh and hearty, serve it alongside this Mediterranean orzo salad or this easy lentil salad with lemon Dijon dressing. Coconut rice or creamy mashed cauliflower make excellent bases to soak up any extra juices, while this fried potatoes and onions recipe add a crispy, comforting contrast.
Brighten the plate with mango salsa or a easy fruit salad, which balance the richness of the salmon with sweet and tangy flavors. For dipping or drizzling, try my homemade tartar sauce recipe or a bold Cajun remoulade sauce. And if you’re looking to turn your salmon into a wrap or handheld meal, warm pita bread is the perfect vehicle.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Love cooking with your air fryer? Here are more easy and delicious recipes to try next:
- Air Fryer French Fries– Golden and crunchy fries with a fraction of the oil—great with burgers, sandwiches, or salmon.
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders– Juicy, tender, and perfectly breaded, these are a kid-friendly favorite that’s great for dipping.
- Air Fryer Shishito Peppers– Lightly blistered and full of flavor, these make a quick and healthy appetizer or side.
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp– Sweet, crunchy, and golden-brown, they’re great for dipping in your favorite sauce.
- Air Fryer Asparagus– A simple, crisp-tender veggie side that cooks in minutes and pairs well with just about any main dish.
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs– A quick, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner option that delivers crispy skin and juicy meat without the mess of deep frying.
And if you love salmon but don’t have an air fryer, try making this easy 20-minute baked salmon recipe with lemon butter or this honey garlic salmon recipe.
