Air Fryer Salmon

Look no further for the best Air Fryer Salmon recipe! Tender, moist, and flaky salmon fillets that are deceptively simple to make and ready to eat in less than 15 minutes!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 7

Total Time 17

Servings servings

Calories 280kcal

Author John Kanell

Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
4 (6-ounce/168g) salmon filets (skin-on is preferred)
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

In a small bow, whisk together the olive oil and mustard until fully combined. In a separate bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels. Brush the flesh sides of each filet evenly with the olive oil mixture. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly all over the filets.
Spray the basket of an air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Set the filets in the basket, skin side down, leaving about ½” of space in between each filet. (Cook in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.)
Air Fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a spatula to carefully remove the filets from the basket (they will be very delicate). Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Dry the salmon fillets before seasoning. Removing moisture from the flesh of the fish is essential in allowing the Dijon mixture and seasoning blend to adhere to the fish. It also helps the fish to crisp up on the exterior, locking in the juices.
Space out the salmon for cooking. Leave at least ½ inch of space between each of the fillets to leave ample room for the hot air to circulate around the fish, cooking it evenly and creating a crisp exterior. If the air fryer basket is too small to accommodate all of the fish at once, cook it in batches.
Prep the air fryer basket for skinned salmon. Skin-on salmon releases more easily from the air fryer basket. If using skinned salmon, brush the air fryer basket with additional olive oil before adding the fillets.
Check the salmon near the end of the cooking time. Different air fryer brands run at varying temperatures and intensities, cooking salmon at different rates. Check the salmon for doneness starting at the 7-minute mark and adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you are cooking thin or wild salmon fillets, check the salmon at the 6-minute mark, as both of these can cook quickly.
Seasoning variations? Make this recipe for air fryer salmon your own by switching up the spices! For a vibrant and herbal twist, season the prepared salmon with dried dill and top with thin slices of lemon before air frying. You can also use other seasoning blends like everything bagel seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite spice mix. For a sticky glaze, brush the salmon with barbecue sauce before cooking.

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