This Air Fryer Salmon is the very best way to cook perfectly tender, flaky, and delicious salmon every single time. Seasoned with a flavorful homemade spice rub using everyday pantry ingredients, it’s low carb, gluten-free, and takes just 10 minutes to cook!
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.
- 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.
- If you own and love your air fryer just as much as I do, try making these easy air fryer chicken legs, air fryer coconut shrimp, and air fryer baked potatoes.
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is the air fryer that I own and use all the time – it’s amazing.
Second, 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, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously. Transfer the seasoned salmon to the preheated 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.
The Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Garlic powder
- Salt and Black pepper
- Fresh lemon juice
How Long to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
In a preheated 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. Factors that will affect the total cooking time include the thickness of your salmon fillets, whether it’s farmed or wild-caught salmon, and the brand/model of the air fryer being used to cook the salmon.
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.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the salmon for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
It’s so easy to make and so easy to clean up! Juicier and more flavorful than 95% of the salmon that I’ve ordered from restaurants, it’s quick to make and guaranteed delicious.
How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon
I like to serve my salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of soy sauce (soy sauce and salmon go so well together). Serve with all of your favorite veggies like roasted asparagus, sauteed zucchini, or air fryer green beans.
Have you tried making this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe?
Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.
RECIPE CARD
Air Fryer Salmon
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.
Jessica’s 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.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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