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Easy Air Fryer Salmon

Easy Air Fryer Salmon

Easy Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy recipe perfect for busy nights, delivering crispy skin and tender, flaky salmon in under 20 minutes. This nutritious dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, with minimal added fat and cleanup. Customizable with various seasonings and served with your favorite sides, it’s an ideal choice for a flavorful, fuss-free seafood meal.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4–6 oz skin-on salmon fillets (fresh preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for finishing)
  • Fresh herbs (dill or parsley), chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin from the moment the salmon hits the basket.
  2. Prepare Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon dry thoroughly with paper towels. Rub each fillet lightly with olive oil, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. This builds flavor and helps form a crispy crust.
  3. Air Fry the Salmon: Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow proper air circulation. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and the skin is crispy and golden.
  4. Add Finishing Touches: Remove the salmon and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for color and added flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Dry the skin thoroughly before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; air circulation is key for even cooking.
  • Start checking the salmon at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  • Use fresh salmon when possible for better flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with seasonings like paprika, chili powder, or dried herbs to customize flavor.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet (about 4-6 oz)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: air fryer salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, crispy salmon skin, easy seafood recipe, gluten free salmon