Air Fryer Salmon is a recipe for those who look for low carb, low calorie, and easy recipes. In only 15 minutes the salmon cooked in the air fryer will turn out into an elegant and healthy fish dish.
Salmon cooked in an Air Fryer is amazingly delicious and incredibly easy. The result is one of the softest, tenderest and delicious pieces of salmon with seared edges and a flaky interior. Cooked in an air fryer, salmon is suitable for those who are following a low carb and low-calorie diet. It is a must-cook recipe because it is healthy and rich in beneficial protein and good fats.
It is not very long since I purchased the air fryer but I’m already in love with it. I couldn’t believe how fast and how easy most of the dishes were prepared. It is so easy to handle it and to wash it afterward. I am so happy to share with you my new favorite recipes I cooked in the air fryer, don’t miss the 30 minutes Air Fryer Ribs, Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe, and the Air Fryer Hot Dogs.
How to make air fryer salmon?
Start the cooking process by preparing the fish. Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture and clean if necessary. Use a sharp knife to cut the fillets into even sizes. Do not remove the skin, I found that salmon with skin is more tender and succulent than without the skin.
At this point preheat the oven to 375. In the meantime season the salmon fillets with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder if you like the curry powder, and some ground black pepper. Gently rub the spices into the fish then drizzle some olive oil and spread the oil all over the surface to seal the spices beneath. The curry powder and the paprika will enhance the color of the salmon. Also, when already cooked, the color will be somewhere near bronze – very beautiful. The fillets are ready to be cooked in the preheated air fryer.
Cook the salmon fillets in the rack for 12-15 minutes maximum, that depends on the thickness of the fish. However, be sure that in 15 minutes it is cooked to perfection. How do you know it is cooked? When the fish flakes off easily – it’s done.
Remove it from the rack and place it on a plate, the air fryer salmon is now ready to be served.
How to serve air fryer salmon?
For a light meal, serve the air fryer salmon next to a salad. A fresh salad such as the Spinach Avocado salad, Chickpea and Radish Salad, Salad Bowl, or the Mixed Greens with Apricot Vinaigrette is a perfect pair to this crispy salmon cooked in the air fryer.
When combined with grains, the air fryer salmon becomes a more filling meal, yet, still healthy. Try pairing the fish with Tabbouleh or the Rice and Veggies.
If you simply love uncomplicated recipes, serve the air fryer salmon with Roasted Cauliflower or with Caramelized Baby Carrots.
Tips for cooking Air Fryer Salmon
The thickness of the fillets. Before cooking the fillets, make sure you cook fillets of equal size. Equal size or comparable thickness means equal cooking time. Thicker fillets will take up to 15 minutes to be perfectly cooked while thinner pieces may be ready in only 10. Don’t cook different sized fillets together, better cook them in 2 different batches.
Preheating the air fryer is a must. The air fryer’s working mechanism consists in rushing the hot air down and around the food. Therefore, by preheating the fryer, the walls and the interior of the air fryer get to an even temperature. Thus, allowing the food to be cooked rapidly and evenly. It is similar to deep-frying without oil. Which is way more healthy considering that it cuts down the harmful effects of frying in oil. Always preheat before cooking the air fryer salmon.
Leave space between the fillets inside the basket. Don’t place too many salmon fillets at once to cook, two fillets are usually enough. When the fillets are too close to each other, the hot air cannot circulate properly. The result may be too moist salmon, not as crispy as desired. It is best to cook air fryer salmon in 2 rounds if you have more than 2 fillets. After all, it will take you an additional 10-15 minutes maximum.
Air Fryer Salmon with Skin
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 fillets salmon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp curry powder optional
- 1 tsp black pepper ground
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375F for 5 minutes
- Slice equally two fillets of salmon, or purchase them
- Season with spices
- Coat in olive oil
- Place gently in the air fryer basket, make sure there is space left between the slices of salmon
- Cook in the air fryer for 15 minutes at 375F
- When the time expires, remove from basket and serve with pleasure
16 comments
15 minutes! Man that’s gonna be some overcooked fish!
Hi,
Sure, it is too much for a small, thin salmon piece.
I chose a thicker piece of fish; as you see in the picture and video, it just turned out perfectly.
Also, I have cooked it at a lower temperature. I like crunchy skin with a soft inside texture.
Thank you for your attention.
It’s great! I didn’t have curry powder, so I guessed and use turmeric + smoke paprika + regular paprika! I also topped (after cooking) with a bit of honey. Delightful!
Hello Caren,
So delighted to hear this. Hope that you enjoy our other recipes, as well.
Do u need a basket for air fryer? We bought an air fryer that has over toaster air fryer etc. But no basket came with it.?
Hello,
My air fryer comes with a small basket where I cook everything. You may try yours and see what happens.
This was PERFECTION!! A new family favorite. Even my six year old inhaled it.
Hello,
Thank you very much for your appreciation.
15 minutes would be well done I cook 10 minutes for perfection
Hello,
Sure, 10 minutes are enough. I could say even 7 min may be perfect, however, my piece of salmon was really thick so I wanted a crispy skin and a perfect inside texture, this is why I have cooked it that long.
Thank you,
What weight is/are your salmon fillet(s)? I have a small air fryer & only want to cook one 125g one (skin-on). I just want to know so I can adjust temp / timer. Cheers
Hello Kim,
I have used a small piece that weight app 200 g, in your case you can lower the temperature and lower the time by 5 minutes. The air fryer usually, cooks the food rather quickly so try not to overcook the salmon.
Wow i cook a lot of salmon and 15 min would be a very over-cooked piece nice fish!
Hello,
Suppose you cook at a higher temperature. Also, I always cook depending on the thickness of the fish filet and the type of air fryer!
Do you add more time if you have 4 filets?
No, because I didn’t cook them all together at a time. I have cooked them separately as my air fryer basket fits just 2 pieces.