Air Fryer Salmon for Beginners | air fryer easy recipes
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.
Servings: 2 servings
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Rub each fillet with olive oil, then season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 7–10 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove carefully, squeeze lemon over the top if using, and serve immediately.