The Easiest Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Just 15 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to get this tender, flaky air fryer salmon on the dinner table tonight! Top with my 5-minute creamy lemon dill sauce and pair with air fryer asparagus or roasted potatoes for a delicious dinner your family will love!

 

The Best Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

This simple salmon recipe could not be easier to throw together! Spend a few minutes seasoning the fish and then pop it in the instant vortex and let the air fryer do the rest of the work. No need to waste time pre-heating the oven! The air fryer cooks this salmon in about 10 minutes which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon

I prefer wild-caught Alaskan salmon, Coho salmon, or sockeye salmon for the best flavor. You can use fresh or frozen. If you buy frozen just thaw overnight in the fridge before air frying.

Olive Oil

Organic olive oil is my go-to, but you can also use avocado or grapeseed oil.

Herbs & Spices

Garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning are the main spices for this salmon. Feel free to use your favorite dried herbs in place of the Italian seasoning and add smoked paprika for a smokier flavor. Don’t forget to use Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper moderately when seasoning. The ingredient list is short and sweet for this recipe which means salt and pepper are going to go a long way in boosting the flavors of the overall dish.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard adds a delicious depth of flavor, and don’t worry, your salmon won’t taste like mustard! Dijon mustard is a really popular ingredient in many dishes because of its tanginess and complex flavor. You can substitute with spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard.

How to Make Salmon in the Air Fryer

• Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
• In a small bowl combine olive oil, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, paprika, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper.
• Drizzle salmon with the seasoning mixture and place onto the air fryer tray or basket.
• Cook for 10 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
• Serve with lemon dill sauce, lemon slices, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill, and enjoy!

Tips for Making Salmon in the Air Fryer

• Cook the salmon skin-side down. The best way to air fry salmon is to cook it skin-side down. This helps lock in the moisture and ensures that it cooks evenly. 
• Adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s taste. This recipe is super forgiving so feel free to add your family’s favorite herbs and spices!
• Don’t skip the creamy dill sauce! My 5-minute homemade creamy dill sauce compliments the crispy salmon beautifully. It’s fresh, cool, and flavorful and once you try it with this air fryer salmon you’ll never want to eat salmon any other way!

Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon

• Even “fresh” salmon that you get from the seafood market is typically flash-frozen immediately after being caught.
• So there’s nothing wrong with frozen salmon and in many cases, frozen salmon is still super fresh!
• I prefer to buy fresh (unthawed) salmon from the grocery store or seafood market if I know that I’m going to cook it within the next couple of days.
• Otherwise, frozen salmon works well too. Just defrost it in the fridge overnight before cooking.

FAQ

How long should I cook salmon in the air fryer?

Depending on your air fryer, you’ll only need to cook the salmon for about 10 minutes which is what makes it a great option for cooking salmon quickly!

Can you stack salmon in the air fryer?

No. The salmon must be in the air fryer tray/basket in a single layer with a bit of space in between each fillet.

Do I have to flip salmon in the air fryer?

There is no need to flip the salmon over while it’s cooking. That’s the beauty of the air fryer is that the air circulates all around the food you’re cooking.

How do I know salmon is cooked?

When you test the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon – it should read 145 degrees. You can also use a fork to gently press into the salmon and see if it flakes easily. The salmon should be mostly opaque all the way through and just slightly translucent pink in the center of the thickest part

Making Air Fryer Salmon Ahead of Time

This salmon can be made ahead and simply reheated when you’re ready to eat. Season the salmon with the spice mixture and air fry as directed. Then store in the fridge until ready to eat. You can also season the raw salmon and then refrigerate it for up to 2 days before air frying.

Storing Leftover Air Fried Salmon

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

Reheating Air Fryer Salmon

You can reheat the salmon in an air fryer preheated to 350 degrees for about 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat.

Try these easy salmon recipes next!

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