Okay, so let’s talk about dinner. You know those nights when you really don’t feel like cooking, but you also don’t wanna feed your kids cereal for the third time this week? That’s when I whip out my air fryer and make the easiest salmon ever. Seriously, air fryer fish is a total game changer—it’s quick, it’s crispy, and it actually tastes like real food (not just something I threw together in survival mode).
This easy air fryer salmon is one of my go-to air fryer oven recipes because it’s done in 10 minutes and requires almost no effort. Just season, air fry, and boom—perfectly flaky air fryer salmon crispy on the edges, juicy in the middle, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for easy salmon recipes air fryer style, this is it. Whether you want air fryer salmon bites, a full filet, or just need the best air fryer salmon seasoning, I got you.
So if you’ve been searching for easy air fryer salmon recipes that don’t require a million ingredients or tons of cleanup, you’re in the right place. Let’s make some Air Fryer Salmon Crispy enough to impress, but easy enough for a busy mom who’s just trying to survive dinner time.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon
- Cooks in 10 minutes – Seriously, 10. That’s like one episode of Bluey.
- Minimal cleanup – No oily splatter, no stuck-on mess. Just easy.
- Tastes fancy but is actually lazy-mom-friendly – Like, “I should be on a cooking show” vibes.
- Endless flavor combos – Switch up the seasonings to match whatever you’re craving.
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy, I promise. Just the basics:
- Salmon fillets – Fresh or frozen (just thaw it first). Skin-on or off, totally up to you.
- Olive oil – Keeps it juicy and helps the seasoning stick.
- Seasonings – I keep it simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lemon – A little fresh lemon at the end makes a huge difference.
Wanna get fancy? Try adding a drizzle of honey, soy sauce, or even a little Cajun seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Okay, first things first—preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Some air fryers don’t need preheating, but I do it anyway for extra crispiness.
Step 2: Pat the Salmon Dry
Grab a paper towel and pat your salmon dry. This is the secret to getting that perfect crispy outside. No one wants soggy salmon.
Step 3: Season It Up
Drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can add more seasonings if you want, but trust me—simple is still so good.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket (if they have skin). Don’t crowd them—give ‘em some space so the hot air can work its magic.
Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. No flipping needed! Just sit back, sip your coffee (or reheat it for the third time), and wait for that salmon to turn golden and flaky.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The salmon is ready when it’s flaky and opaque in the middle. If you wanna be extra sure, use a meat thermometer—it should read 145°F in the thickest part. If it’s not quite there, air fry for another minute or two.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top and serve it with whatever sides you like. Rice, roasted veggies, a side salad—honestly, anything works.
Tips to Nail Air Fryer Salmon Every Time
- Don’t overcook it! Salmon can go from juicy to dry real fast, so check it around the 8-minute mark.
- Use parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup (because no one wants to scrub an air fryer basket).
- Switch up the flavors – Try Cajun, lemon pepper, teriyaki, or even a honey garlic glaze.
- Cooking from frozen? Just add 3-4 extra minutes and season after it starts thawing in the air fryer.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon
If you need some side ideas, here are my go-tos:
- Garlic butter rice – Easy and always a hit with the kids.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Crispy, caramelized, and so good with salmon.
- Air fryer sweet potatoes – Because the air fryer is already out, might as well use it.
- A big ol’ side salad – For when I wanna pretend I’m healthy.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to warm it up without drying it out.
- Freezing? I wouldn’t recommend freezing cooked salmon, but if you must, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month.
FAQs – Air Fryer Salmon
Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yep! No need to thaw—just add 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time. I recommend seasoning it after it starts thawing in the air fryer so the flavors stick better.
How do I make air fryer salmon crispy?
To get that perfect air fryer salmon crispy finish, make sure to:
Pat the salmon dry before seasoning.
Cook at a high temp (400°F) so the edges crisp up.
Lightly brush with oil—this helps with crispiness!
Do I need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?
Nope! Air fryers circulate hot air all around, so no flipping is needed. Just place it skin-side down and let it cook.
Can I make air fryer salmon bites?
Yep! Just cut the salmon into cubes, toss in oil + seasoning, and air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Easy Air Fryer Salmon
Easy Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets fresh or frozen, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- 1 lemon for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel to help them crisp up.
- Season by drizzling with olive oil and rubbing with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Air fry the salmon skin-side down in the basket for 8-10 minutes. No flipping needed.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the salmon is flaky and reaches 145°F internally. If needed, air fry for 1-2 more minutes.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite sides.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- For extra crispy edges, make sure to pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning.
- Cooking from frozen? Add 3-4 extra minutes and season once it starts thawing in the air fryer.
- Best sides to serve with this? Try rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Alright, so there you have it—the easiest air fryer salmon recipe ever. If you’ve been looking for a no-fail way to make air fryer fish that’s crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and packed with flavor, this is it. No flipping, no babysitting a pan, just pop it in the air fryer and let it do its thing.
This is hands down one of my favorite air fryer oven recipes because it’s so fast and simple. Whether you’re making a full fillet or some quick air fryer salmon bites, this method works every time. And the best part? You can switch up the air fryer salmon seasoning however you like—sweet, spicy, garlicky, lemony—whatever you’re craving.
So if you need easy air fryer salmon recipes that actually fit into a busy schedule (aka real life), give this one a shot. It’s proof that easy salmon recipes air fryer style don’t have to be boring. Try it out, and let me know how crispy you like your Air Fryer Salmon Crispy—because in this house, we like it extra crispy!
