Air Fryer Salmon: 8 Delicious Ways to Serve It

Sometimes, after a long day, the thought of cooking a healthy, delicious meal feels like climbing Mount Everest. But then I remember my air fryer and a beautiful fillet of salmon, and suddenly, dinner stress melts away. This recipe isn’t just about cooking salmon; it’s about unlocking a world of quick, flavorful, and incredibly versatile meals that fit seamlessly into any busy schedule. Get ready to transform your weeknights with perfectly cooked, tender, and flaky Air Fryer Salmon.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Air Fryer Salmon is a game-changer, plain and simple. It delivers an incredibly moist, flaky interior with a beautifully crisp exterior, all without heating up your entire kitchen or leaving you with a greasy mess. For those striving for healthier eating, it’s a lean protein powerhouse packed with omega-3s, cooked to perfection with minimal oil.

It’s also incredibly fast. Forget waiting for the oven to preheat and then 20 minutes of cooking; your air fryer can have perfect salmon on your plate in under 15 minutes from start to finish. This makes it ideal for frantic weeknights, meal prep, or even a quick, impressive lunch. Plus, as you’ll see, it’s a blank canvas for eight (or more!) incredibly delicious serving variations, ensuring you’ll never get bored.

> “I used to dread cooking fish, but the air fryer changed everything! This salmon recipe is foolproof, fast, and always comes out perfectly. It’s now a regular in my dinner rotation, and my kids even love it!” – A Happy Home Cook

The Cooking Process Explained

Making Air Fryer Salmon is remarkably straightforward. First, you’ll want to pat your salmon fillets dry; this is key for achieving that lovely crisp exterior. Then, a simple seasoning blend, often just salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder or paprika, is all it takes to enhance its natural flavor. A light brush or spray of oil helps with browning and prevents sticking. The air fryer does the rest, circulating hot air around the fish, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful finish. The magic truly lies in its ability to deliver tender results in record time.

What You’ll Need

To get started with your perfectly cooked Air Fryer Salmon, gather these simple items:

• Salmon Fillets: 2-4 (6 oz/170g each), skin on or off, about 1 inch thick. I often buy a larger fillet and cut it myself for consistency.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: 1-2 tablespoons, or cooking spray.
• Salt: ½-1 teaspoon, to taste.
• Black Pepper: ¼-½ teaspoon, freshly ground.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon.
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional, but adds a lovely color and subtle smokiness).
• Lemon Wedges: For serving.

Chef’s Note: Don’t skimp on patting the salmon dry. Excess moisture steams rather than crisps, and we’re aiming for that fantastic texture!

Directions to Follow

Here’s how to create effortlessly delicious Air Fryer Salmon:

1. Prep the Salmon: Remove salmon fillets from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before cooking to bring them closer to room temperature. Gently pat each fillet completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season: In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Brush or lightly spray the salmon fillets with olive oil on all sides. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the salmon.
3. Preheat Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended): If your air fryer has a preheat function, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure more even cooking and a better sear.
4. Cook: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.
5. Air Fry: Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your fillets and your specific air fryer model. For a 1-inch thick fillet, 10 minutes is often perfect.
6. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum moisture. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

The beauty of Air Fryer Salmon lies in its versatility. While a simple squeeze of lemon is divine, here are 8 amazing ideas to elevate your meal:

1. Classic Lemon-Dill: Flake cooked salmon over a bed of quinoa or wild rice, topped with fresh dill, a generous squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Mediterranean Bowl: Cube the salmon and add it to a bowl with couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a light lemon-herb vinaigrette.
3. Spicy Salmon Tacos: Break the salmon into pieces and fill warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, a creamy sriracha mayo, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
4. Asian Noodle Salad: Serve alongside cold sesame noodles tossed with shredded carrots, snap peas, and a light soy-ginger dressing.
5. Creamy Pesto Pasta: Flake the salmon into a bowl of pasta tossed with fresh pesto, a touch of cream, and sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Breakfast Hash: Mix flaked salmon into a potato and bell pepper hash, topped with a fried egg and fresh chives.
7. Smoked Salmon Inspired: Serve chilled, leftover salmon with cream cheese, capers, and red onion on a toasted bagel or crusty bread.
8. Power Bowl: Combine your salmon with roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Proper storage ensures your delicious Air Fryer Salmon remains safe and tasty for future meals.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend again! Place the salmon back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out quickly. You can also gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave on a low setting for short bursts.
• Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Chef Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your salmon fillets space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping, resulting in a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Check for Doneness: The best way to tell if salmon is cooked is with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply check if it flakes easily with a fork.
• Skin On or Off? If you love crispy salmon skin, cook with the skin on, placing it skin-side down in the air fryer. The skin will crisp up beautifully and act as a natural barrier to keep the flesh moist. You can easily remove it after cooking if preferred.
• Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider marinating your salmon for 15-30 minutes before air frying in a simple marinade like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, or lemon and herbs. Just pat dry again before cooking to ensure browning.

Creative Twists

While our basic seasoning is fantastic, here are some fun ways to change things up:

• Honey-Garlic Glaze: Whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Brush the salmon with this glaze during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Cajun Spice: Use a store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning blend for a zesty, spicy kick.
• Herb Crusted: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano with breadcrumbs and olive oil, then press onto the top of the salmon before air frying for a flavorful crust.
• Sweet Chili: Brush with a sweet chili sauce during the last few minutes for a sticky, slightly spicy finish.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle a generous amount of everything bagel seasoning on top of the salmon for a savory, textural delight.

Common Questions

Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

A: Yes, you can! For best results, it’s ideal to thaw salmon completely first. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can air fry frozen salmon. Increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes (depending on thickness), checking for doneness frequently. You might also want to season it halfway through cooking once the exterior has thawed slightly.

My salmon is dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Most likely, it was overcooked. Air fryers cook efficiently, so it’s easy to go too far. The internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C). Cooking beyond this will result in dry fish. Start with the lower end of the cooking time range and check frequently, especially until you know your air fryer well.

Do I need to flip the salmon while it’s cooking?

A: Generally, no. One of the advantages of the air fryer is its circulating hot air, which usually cooks food evenly from all sides. For salmon fillets, placing them skin-side down (if applicable) or seasoned-side up will allow the top to crisp beautifully, and the air circulation will cook the underside.

Effortless Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon-Dill

This recipe provides a quick and easy way to prepare salmon fillets using an air fryer, resulting in a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish with a crispy exterior and tender interior, infused with lemon and dill.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Servings 1 fillet

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Small bowl
• Paper towels
• Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 (6 oz/170g each) salmon fillets
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Take salmon out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before cooking and pat dry.
• Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; brush salmon with oil and coat with seasoning.

Cooking

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, if necessary.
• Place salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook for 8-12 minutes until done.

Serving

• Remove salmon, let rest 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle with dill and serve with lemon.

Notes

Ensure salmon is patted very dry to achieve the crispiest skin. An instant-read thermometer is useful for ensuring the salmon is cooked to the perfect temperature. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets.