Air Fried Salmon Recipe

Name: Air Fried Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 4 oz filets of salmon; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ⅛ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp paprika; 4 Tbsp sauce of choice (**)

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Cook your salmon perfectly in only 9 minutes. You can't go wrong with air fried salmon, there is little clean up, less smell and the best cook to the salmon every time! I have over 5 ways for you to cook your salmon in the air fryer for a wholesome dinner or lunch.

White plate with air fried salmon with teriyaki sauce, quinoa, avocado and mushrooms.

Why Make This Recipe

It is easy! Cooking salmon in the air fryer is quick and less clean up. It also doesn't make the house smell as bad.

Lot's of options. This post has several ways to dress your salmon. I feel confident you will find a few great ways to season or sauce your salmon. It only takes 9 minutes to cook!

Diet friendly. You can easily make this recipe and pair it with healthy sides.

Recipe Ingredients:

Different flavor ideas for your air fried salmon. Marinades, jams and jelly's, seasonings, hot sauce, mustards, miso.

Salmon. A wild caught salmon with the skin on is my favorite. I use Butcher Box Salmon and meats. But any salmon will do.

Air Fryer. I love my air fryer. I use it daily, for me it was a great investment. It saves the day when your oven breaks, keeps the house cooler in the summer temps and it cooks things up perfectly & quick! This is the air fryer I have here. I highly recommend it. I have had a few and they weren't nearly as good.

Seasoning. I always use garlic powder, paprika and salt! You may also use chipotle, fish rub and thyme. They all pair great.

Sauces or marinades. You will want to grab a good sauce for your salmon once it's done cooking. Unlike the grill and oven, the air fryer cooks things differently so I typically sauce after I air fry. You can play around with it here.

Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard, hot sauces like sriracha, harissa are great as well.

How To Make This Air Fried Salmon:

Step 1: Defrost salmon and rinse. Pat dry with a paper towel and lay on a plate. Step 2: Lightly sprinkle with salt about 1/8 of a tsp or less on ONE side of the salmon. The side without skin if you have skin.

Step 3: Season salmon with your favorite seasonings. I always use garlic powder and paprika as a base for my salmon.

Step 4: Top with sauce (most sauces will be addd after cooking. Please read instructions carefully before deciding when to add you sauce or marinade.

Photos of putting seasoning onto salmon and sauce.

Step 3: Air fry your salmon. This is the air fryer I have here I highly recommend it! You will be cooking the salmon for about 9 minutes on 390 degrees for the most perfect cook on a single serve 4 oz filet.

Salmon placed in an air fryer, skin side down with seasonings on top.

Step 4: Pick your flavor! Below are the options (which are truly endless but these are the tried -and -true flavors that always impress my friends and family.

Dijon, whole grain or honey mustard (rub on salmon prior to cooking)
Harissa, hot sauce, sriracha (rub on salmon prior to cooking)
Peach habanero jelly/jam, mango salsa, pico de gallo (place on salmon after cooking)
Teriyaki sauce, lemon pepper marinade, miso paste (rub on salmon prior to cooking)

FAQs and Expert Tips

Is cooking salmon in the airy fryer different from the oven?

Yes, it comes out a bit more crisped on the outside. You can cook your filet for less time if you prefer a medium cook. This is my prefer method.

Will farm raised salmon work?

Yes! You can use any salmon you prefer (with or without skin) but do be sure if you buy a big filet you cut it into 4 oz portioned filets.

Can I use any style air fryer?

absolutely! Any air fryer will work. I prefer mine because it is reliable and I trust the cook on it. If you are using a different style, be sure to check your salmon after 7 minutes to be sure it doesn't over cook!

What can I serve with my air fried salmon?

I love to have rice or quinoa as a side along with a veggie like broccoli or asparagus. Squash makes a perfect side as well! Check out my SuperFood Salad here as another great option!

Up close Salmon on a white plate with quinoa, avocado, mushrooms and seasoning.

If you loved this recipe let me know! Also, follow me on Instagram & Pinterest for even more fun recipes to make you feel good from the inside out. Thanks for being here!