This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This healthy Air Fryer Salmon has an exceptional amount of flavor, and is so tender and flakey on the inside. An extremely quick and easy meal that can be ready in about 20 minutes. Dishes like this are the perfect weekday meal for any busy family.
Air Fryer Salmon
Wow! I can’t say enough about my amazing air fryer. It has to be one of the best inventions. Making great meals in a fraction of the time, with very little mess, using one-pot, with essentially no prep time, and typically less calories because there’s no pan frying or deep frying. This recipe is fantastic because all you need is some fish, some spice, and cook it!
This restaurant quality, tender, succulent salmon is undeniably one of the quickest meals to make, and so incredibly delicious. When paired with rice, potatoes, vegetables or any salad, you get a very filling and healthy dinner. You can decide how healthy you want to go depending on the side dish you choose. I think this is one of the best air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Salmon Highlights
✅ TENDER AND DELICIOUS. This salmon is absolutely delicious and is beautifully tender and flakey on the inside. What an enticing and delicious meal!
✅ HEALTHY. Fish is a healthier protein choice which is also lower in fat and calories.
✅ FAST AND EASY. Dinner can be on the table in about 20 minutes. It’s so quick and easy to make, anyone can easily put this dish together. Although salmon is great baked in the oven, it is so much faster to make in the air fryer because it probably takes 10 minutes just to heat the oven.
✅ SIMPLE INGREDIENTS. Chances are you already have all the simple spice ingredients in your pantry!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon – Select firm and fresh salmon fillets about 1½-inch in thickness. If fresh fish is not available, use defrosted frozen fillets and then pat them dry once thawed.
- Oil – I like to use olive oil to brush a little bit on the fish first. A little olive oil helps crisp up the salmon.
- Italian seasoning – I use my simple homemade Italian seasoning with a mixture of 5 herbs; oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram and basil.
- Paprika – Some ground paprika has a subtle earthiness, and will provide a sweet and peppery taste.
- Lemon – Cut in wedges, lemon is a great garnish for any fish.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Prep the salmon. Brush olive oil all over each salmon fillet.
- Make the spice blend. In a small bowl combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Season the fish. Rub the spice blend generously over each salmon fillet.
- Air fry. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Check for doneness. When the timer goes off, check with a fork to make sure the salmon is cooked through. Salmon should be opaque and flake easily when pressed upon with your finger. You may require a little more or less cooking time depending on the size of the fillets.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with a wedge of lemon. Also, squeezing some of the lemon juice tastes great on any fish. Optionally sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a gourmet looking dish. Serve with your favorite side.
How Do You Know When Salmon Is Perfectly Cooked?
The best way to tell if your fish is done is by testing it with a fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it’s done and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance. A good rule of thumb is to cook the fish to an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
What To Serve With Salmon
So many great sides or salads pair perfectly with this fish. Here are just a few great ideas:
✅ Salsas – Not only will this add great freshness to your fish, but you will keep it light yet still delicious.
✅ Salads – Still keeping it light with these salads but you will turn this fish into a heartier meal.
- Avocado Salad
- Thai Cucumber Salad
- Sesame Cabbage Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Tomato Basil Salad
- Chickpea Salad
- Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad
✅ Other Sides – And finally other regular side dishes that would pair wonderfully with this fish.
- No Knead Bread
- Greek Rice
- Corn On The Cob
- Mashed Potatoes
- Smashed Potatoes
- Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Green Beans
Expert Tips
- Overcooking fish can really ruin it, so tend it carefully while air frying salmon. It’s okay to open the basket up to check periodically.
- Place a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the salmon to ensure the internal temperature (140-145°F) is perfect. Remember that it will continue to cook a little after it’s done cooking.
- Using fresh fish when available can’t be beat.
- If the salmon fillet has skin, ensure you place it skin side down in the basket.
- If using frozen fish, make sure you pat dry the thawed fish with a paper towel for best results.
- Feel free to add a little garlic powder in the mix as well if you’re a garlic lover.
- Make a salmon salad with any leftover fish.
Leftovers
Store leftover salmon in a shallow covered container to allow the fish to cool to the proper temperature more quickly. Cooked fish can be stored for up to 2-3 days in a fridge at 40°F or less.
Freezer
Wrap the cooked salmon in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.
More Great Recipes To Try
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 3 salmon fillets about 1½-inch in thickness
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 lemon cut in wedges
Instructions
- Prep the salmon. Brush olive oil all over each salmon fillet.
- Make the spice blend. In a small bowl combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Season the fish. Rub the spice blend generously over each salmon fillet.
- Air fry. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Check for doneness. When the timer goes off, check with a fork to make sure the salmon is cooked through. Salmon should be opaque and flake easily when pressed upon with your finger. You may require a little more or less cooking time depending on the size of the fillets.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with a wedge of lemon. Also, squeezing some of the lemon juice tastes great on any fish. Optionally sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a gourmet looking dish. Serve with your favorite side.
Tips & Notes:
- Overcooking fish can really ruin it, so tend it carefully while air frying salmon. It’s okay to open the basket up to check periodically.
- Place a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the salmon to ensure the internal temperature (140-145°F) is perfect. Remember that it will continue to cook a little after it’s done cooking.
- Using fresh fish when available can’t be beat.
- If the salmon fillet has skin, ensure you place it skin side down in the basket.
- If using frozen fish, make sure you pat dry the thawed fish with a paper towel for best results.
- Feel free to add a little garlic powder in the mix as well if you’re a garlic lover.
- Make a salmon salad with any leftover fish.
- Store leftover salmon in a shallow covered container to allow the fish to cool to the proper temperature more quickly. Cooked fish can be stored for up to 2-3 days in a fridge at 40°F or less.
