Thanks to this recipe for Air Fryer Salmon, dinner can be on the table in 10 minutes! How’s that for convenience?
I admit it—I resisted getting an air fryer for years. The same goes for an Instant Pot. Now I have both. I’m enjoying experimenting with the air fryer, and although there have been a few mishaps along the way, most of the things I make come out great. At the top of my go-to list, you will find this recipe for Air Fryer Salmon.
Seriously, air fryers were made for fish. Last week, I became obsessed with cod after making it in the air fryer—no breading necessary. (We won’t discuss the disaster I had making it on the stove the other day—I’m just glad that tonight is garbage night so I can get it out of my fridge.) I’m not joking—my fish went from undercooked to a rubbery hockey puck before my eyes. That hasn’t happened in the air fryer.
Does It Get Any Healthier or Tastier Than This?
I don’t know about you, but I love to put healthy meals on the table. When they taste as delicious as this air fryer salmon, no one will care that you’re serving a “healthy dinner.” However, you will feel great knowing that the abundant vitamins and nutrients in the salmon are good for your family’s health.
Making Salmon In the Air Fryer
Learning how to use an air fryer for the first time can have some missteps. I think it was my second attempt when I forgot to spray the basket with oil, and all my food stuck to it. Since I have one of those combination air fryer convection toaster ovens, I manage to find a million ways to burn my fingers or hands. I’m still learning, but one thing I have gotten good at is air fryer salmon (and cod, halibut, and haddock). As you can tell, I love fish. I think there is no better way to cook it than in the air fryer.
Here’s my air fryer fish cheat sheet:
- Remember to spray your basket with oil
- Always preheat the air fryer
- Leave a little room between the fish filets for the air to circulate
- Use high heat to get that beautiful caramelization on the top
- Check your fish at the earliest time to see if it’s done—it cooks fast
- Remember that fish continues to cook a little when you remove it from the heat, so it’s ok if it is still a drop under when you take it out
- Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork
- Thicker pieces may require longer cooking time than thinner ones—cut them before putting them in the air fryer, so you can remove those thinner pieces when they are done
How to Make Ahead and Store
Air fryer salmon can be made ahead of time as it remains fresh for up to 4 days when stored in shallow, airtight containers in the fridge. You can serve it cold, such as in salads, use it flaked in other recipes, or reheat it in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes at 350˚F. Cooked salmon can be wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe container for freezing for up to 4 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve salmon alongside almost anything, from healthy salads like this Picnic Perfect Couscous Salad to decadent pasta side dishes like Southern Mac and Cheese. Serve some light and tasty Lemon Blueberry Scones for dessert, and you have a meal worth bragging over.
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Brush each salmon fillet with oil. Season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 7-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
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