Air Fryer Salmon

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This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe is perfect for beginners, or anyone looking for a super simple meal. The salmon filets are juicy, flaky, and perfectly cooked with the skin on and no flipping is required.

This has become my go-to meal! It is insanely simple to make, can be flavored with a multitude of different spice blends, and it’s also healthy!!

Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to your health. Salmon is also high in protein and low in calories and barely any oil is used when cooked in an air fryer.

More delicious salmon recipes

Ingredients needed

• Center-cut salmon filets that are equal thickness, about 1.25 to 1.5-inches thick. I have a square basket air fryer, so only 3 filets will fit and still allow for air flow. You can cook 1 or 2 if that is all you need.
• Olive oil to keep the top moist and help the Garlic & Pepper Seasoning stick. Some stores sell a Garlic-Pepper-Salt blend, either way they contain dried bell pepper flakes.

Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below

Cooking salmon in an air fryer

Start by patting the filets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Brush the tops with olive oil, or use a misto sprayer, then sprinkle with garlic pepper seasoning.

Fold any skinny ends under the filet to help the salmon cook evenly.

Press the “Air Fry” button, then the “Time” button. Twist the knob until the time reads 7 to 9 minutes. Press the “Temp” button and twist the knob until it reads 380 degrees.

8 minutes is my preferred cooking time, but some air fryers may cook differently, and the thickness will make a difference.

Allow the air fryer to “pre-heat” and add the salmon filets skin-side down when the display reads “Add Food”. You do not need to “Turn Food”, just ignore it when it beeps.

Cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork when done, and have an internal temperature of 130 degrees in the thickest part. It will continue to cook for a few minutes after it is removed from the air fryer.

Serve while hot with lemon wedges, Basil Risotto, Instant Pot Irish Champ Potatoes, or Instant Pot Garlic Rice and your favorite vegetable.

Look how moist and flaky it is…..

True story –

My friend Michelle stopped in Arizona on her way to New Mexico last month. I wanted something simple for dinner since I had no idea when she would arrive. I served this salmon with the garlic rice listed above. She absolutely L-O-V-E-D it!!

When she drove back through town two weeks later, I made it again and this time we topped it with my Guinness Glaze and had Irish champ potatoes. She L-O-V-E-D it again!!

Last week I made it again to go along with the basil risotto recipe and it was perfection. I didn’t have to share with anyone, I got to enjoy all three filets over the course of 3 days. LOL

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Store leftover salmon in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat using the “Reheat” setting (I believe it is programmed for 5 minutes), or in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds.
• Any seasoning blend will work; garlic-lemon, southwest seasoning, etc.

Tools used to create this recipe

You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!

• Instant Vortex Air Fryer
• Silicone Brush
• Tongs
• Instant Read Thermometer
• Flexible Turner to remove when cooked.

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Enjoy!!