BityThis Air Fryer Salmon is flaky, tender, and packed with flavor! Made with salmon fillets, avocado oil, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
I’ll admit it—salmon and I have had a complicated relationship. I love it in restaurants, but cooking it at home? That used to be a different story.
One time, I pan-seared a fillet, and somehow the entire apartment smelled like a fish market for two days. Another time, I baked it, and it came out so dry I had to drown it in sauce just to make it edible. Sound familiar?
But then… I discovered air fryer salmon, and let me tell you—total game-changer. It’s crispy on the outside, buttery soft on the inside, and (this is the best part) done in under 15 minutes with zero guesswork.
Now, I make it all the time—weeknight dinners, meal prep, even when I’m feeling lazy but still want something that feels fancy. And the best part? No lingering fishy smell.
So if you’ve been avoiding cooking salmon at home, trust me—this is the recipe that will change your mind.
Quick Breakdown
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe?
- Super fast. We’re talking 12-15 minutes total, including prep.
- Perfect every time. No more overcooked, dry salmon—it stays juicy and flaky.
- Crispy outside, tender inside. The air fryer works its magic for that perfect texture.
- Minimal cleanup. No greasy pans, no fish smell. Just one air fryer basket!
- Healthy and delicious. Packed with protein, omega-3s, and flavor—what’s not to love?
Ingredient Notes:
- Salmon Fillets – The Star of the Show: Go for four fillets, around 7 oz each. I prefer skin-on salmon because it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer and keeps the fish moist. But if you’re not a fan, skinless works too—just be careful when handling it since it’s more delicate.
- Avocado Oil – The Secret to a Beautiful Sear: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, meaning it can handle the air fryer’s high heat without burning. If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil is a good substitute.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Because Basics Matter: A little salt enhances the natural richness of the salmon, while black pepper adds a subtle kick.
- Lemon Zest – The Secret Flavor Booster: Fresh lemon zest adds brightness without making the salmon too tart. It’s a small step, but trust me, it makes a huge difference!
- Fresh Lemon Wedges – Because Salmon & Lemon Are Soulmates: A quick squeeze of lemon before serving gives the salmon a burst of freshness that ties everything together.
How To Make Air Fryer Salmon?
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is key—it helps the salmon start cooking right away and gets that perfect crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon: Pat your four salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. (I know, this step seems small, but it helps the seasoning stick better and keeps the fillets from steaming instead of crisping.)
Brush both sides with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil to prevent sticking and add a little richness.
Step 3: Season Like You Mean It: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper evenly over the salmon.
Next, zest one fresh lemon over the fillets. It’s like a little sprinkle of sunshine that makes everything taste fresher.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection: Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. No overlapping! Give them space to cook evenly.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes, depending on how thick your fillets are. You’ll know they’re done when they’re opaque, flaky, and reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Step 5: Rest & Serve: Once the salmon is done, let it sit for a couple of minutes. (This keeps it juicy!)
Serve with fresh lemon wedges and enjoy every perfectly flaky bite.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: The best way? Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. It keeps it crispy and moist. Avoid microwaving unless you love dry, sad salmon.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here are some easy tweaks:
- Garlic Butter Salmon: Swap the avocado oil for melted butter and add minced garlic before cooking.
- Spicy Cajun Salmon: Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Soy-Honey Glaze: Brush with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a little garlic powder before air frying.
- Herb-Crusted Salmon: Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill, parsley, or thyme for a herby twist.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon?
This salmon goes with just about anything! Here are some killer pairings:
- Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or garlicky green beans.
- Grains: Steamed rice, quinoa, or buttery couscous.
- Potatoes: Mashed, roasted, or crispy sweet potato fries.
- Salads: A light, citrusy salad balances the richness of the salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yep! Just increase the cook time to 12-14 minutes and check for doneness with a thermometer.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It’s ready when it reaches 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I cook skinless salmon in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just be extra careful when flipping or removing it so it doesn’t fall apart.
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to cook salmon, this Air Fryer Salmon is the answer. It’s fast, flavorful, and requires zero babysitting.
Give it a try and let me know—are you team crispy skin or no skin? Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets approximately 7 oz each
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of one fresh lemon
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel. This step removes excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to adhere better and promoting a crispier texture.
- Apply Oil and Seasoning: Lightly brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil. Evenly season with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Add Lemon Zest: Grate the zest of one fresh lemon over the salmon fillets, distributing it evenly. This adds a bright, citrusy note to the dish.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the Salmon: Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes to retain its juices. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the fillets before enjoying.
