Name: Air Fryer Salmon for Beginners | air fryer easy recipes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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This air fryer salmon recipe is my go-to for when I’m craving something that tastes like I put in effort—without actually putting in effort. You know that feeling when you walk in the door, tired, hungry, and not even a little interested in washing a mountain of pans? Yeah, this is the answer to that. Just a few ingredients, no babysitting required, and your salmon comes out golden on the outside and buttery-soft on the inside. If you’re like me and you sometimes forget to thaw the salmon until the last minute (guilty!), you’ll be thrilled to know the air fryer doesn’t judge. Pair it with some rice, toss it on a salad, or flake it into tacos—it fits into your dinner routine like it was always meant to be there. This is real-deal flavor with none of the dinner stress. Just salmon, crisp air, and the magic of a countertop appliance.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon
4) How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon
6) Making Air Fryer Salmon Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Salmon
8) Try these Air fryer recipes next!
9) Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Can you really make juicy salmon in just 10 minutes?
What’s the best way to season air fryer salmon without overpowering it?
How does the air fryer help cook fish without drying it out?
What’s the easiest way to clean up after cooking salmon?

2) Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

I love recipes that don’t ask for a full kitchen cleanup afterward, and this air fryer salmon is one of them. It checks every box for a weeknight win. You get flaky, tender salmon with a crisp, golden crust—and all it asks in return is ten minutes and one hand to toss it in the basket.

Here’s where it gets better. You don’t need to be a chef. I’m not. I just like eating well without making it a production. This is one of those air fryer easy recipes you can throw together after a long day and still feel like you’ve treated yourself.

Whether you’re keeping things light with a side salad or building a bowl with rice and roasted veggies, this salmon adapts. It plays well with others. And thanks to the air fryer, you don’t even have to preheat the oven or touch a pan. You just press a button, and boom—dinner.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon Fillets: I usually go with two fillets, about 6 ounces each. Fresh is great, but thawed works too. Just make sure they’re patted dry so they cook up nice and crisp on the edges.

Olive Oil: One tablespoon will do. Rub it over the fillets to help the seasoning stick and give the fish that golden glow.

Garlic Powder: One teaspoon. It adds depth and warmth without overpowering the salmon’s natural flavor.

Paprika: Half a teaspoon for color and just the right touch of smoky flavor. You can use smoked paprika if that’s what you’ve got.

Salt and Pepper: To taste. Start light—you can always add more at the table if needed.

Lemon Wedges: Optional but highly recommended. A squeeze of lemon at the end lifts everything and cuts through the richness in the best way.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

Step 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This should take about three minutes. The air fryer works best when it’s already hot, so don’t skip this part.

Step 2. While it heats, pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. This step helps with that crispy crust we’re after. No one likes soggy fish.

Step 3. Rub the fillets with olive oil, then season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t stress the measurements. Trust your taste buds.

Step 4. Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t crowded—airflow is key here.

Step 5. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes. Thicker fillets might need the full 10. Check for doneness by flaking with a fork—the inside should be tender, not dry.

Step 6. Remove carefully with a spatula, serve hot, and add lemon if you’ve got it. That citrus finish is chef’s kiss.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon

Don’t forget to preheat the air fryer. Cold starts lead to uneven cooking. You want a hot blast to get that crispy edge while keeping the inside tender.

Dry the salmon. This might seem small, but if there’s moisture on the surface, your seasoning won’t stick well, and the salmon might steam instead of roast.

Use a spatula, not tongs, to remove the fish. Tongs can break delicate fillets. I’ve made that mistake once or twice, and it’s always a little sad when your perfect piece splits in half right at the finish line.

6) Making Air Fryer Salmon Ahead of Time

This recipe holds up surprisingly well. I often make a few extra fillets on Sunday to have on hand for meal prep. It saves me during those midweek slumps.

Let the salmon cool completely before storing. If it’s warm when it hits the container, condensation builds up and makes things a bit soggy.

Keep the seasoned fillets raw in the fridge and air fry just before eating for maximum freshness. That way, you keep the crisp exterior and the soft center—just how salmon should be.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Salmon

Wrap any leftovers tightly or store them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll stay good for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy finish.

You can flake cold leftovers into salads or wraps. I’ve even added them to rice bowls with a little soy sauce and chopped scallions. Zero waste, big flavor.

Just avoid the microwave if you can. It dries out the salmon fast and leaves that fishy smell we all try to escape.

8) Try these Air fryer recipes next!

9) Air Fryer Salmon Recipe