Air Fryer Salmon (Easy 20-Minute Recipe)

Air Fryer Salmon is one of my favorite weeknight dinners - it's quick, healthy, and so delicious. With just a few simple seasonings and 20 minutes, you'll have tender, flaky salmon with a crispy edge. Perfect when you want something homemade but don't feel like spending forever in the kitchen!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients You'll Need
• What spices to use with salmon
• Skin or no skin
• How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
• Pin for later!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy - From start to finish in about 20 minutes.
• Healthy & Nutritious - Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3s.
• Versatile - Works with so many spice blends, sauces, and sides.
• Lazy-Friendly - Great for nights when you forgot to defrost chicken or just want something fast.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Salmon filets - fresh or thawed, skin-on or skinless (your choice).
• Cooking spray - avocado oil spray, olive oil spray, or whatever you like.
• Salt, to taste
• Your favorite seasonings - garlic salt, paprika, onion powder, cumin, Old Bay, or Creole seasoning.

👉 Tip: If you like a saucy finish, try drizzling with teriyaki, honey garlic, or chili crisp after cooking.

What spices to use with salmon

I encourage you to use your favorite spice blend on it! But here are some awesome delicious ideas:

Salt and Pepper - You can't go wrong with good old salt and pepper! When you're in a rush this is the way to go!

Salt and Garlic Powder - I love garlic so in reality I add garlic powder basically to everything. Actually, I have this Garlic Salt I buy that I use on everything, it's so easy and delicious!

Salt and Other Seasonings - Some other seasonings I like to use include paprika, onion powder, cumin, ground ginger.

Store Bought Seasonings - These are awesome too because you don't have to even think about it! Some of my favorites are Old Bay and Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning.

Another idea outside of rubbing/sprinkling the salmon is to serve it with some sort of sauce afterwards.

Skin or no skin

Should you cook salmon with or without the skin? This is completely up to your personal preferences. I prefer my salmon to have skin. It's best when it comes out crispy too! (Think crispy salmon skin sushi or Japanese Salted Salmon (Shiozake) 塩鮭 - yum!)

If you cook with the salmon skin, make sure to cook it skin down the first 10 minutes, and then skin up the last 10 minutes for maximum crispiness!

If salmon skin is not something you are used to eating or like, you can totally also cook it without the skin on also, the directions are basically the same.

How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer (Step by Step)

Making salmon in the air fryer couldn't be easier! Here's how to do it.

First, gather your ingredients:

• 2 4-oz salmon filets
• Cooking spray
• Salt, to taste
• Any seasoning blend you like (garlic salt, paprika, Old Bay, etc.)

Making salmon in the air fryer is so simple, and it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. I usually start by lining my air fryer basket with foil for easy cleanup, but this part is optional. A quick spray of cooking oil helps keep the salmon from sticking.

Next, place your salmon filets directly in the basket. Spray them lightly with oil, then season with salt and whatever spices you're in the mood for. Most of the time, I keep it really simple and just sprinkle seasonings on top instead of rubbing them in - less mess, and it still comes out delicious.

Cook the salmon at 425°F for 10 minutes with the skin side facing down if you're using skin-on filets. Then flip them over and cook for another 8-10 minutes until they're perfectly tender and flaky. If you left the skin on, flipping them this way lets the skin crisp up beautifully.

Once the salmon is done, remove it from the air fryer and serve right away. I love pairing mine with quick sides like broccoli, green beans, or even a simple cucumber salad for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it tasting fresh, I recommend reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes, just enough to warm it through without drying it out. You can also gently reheat in the oven or on the stovetop, but the air fryer keeps the texture closest to freshly cooked.

You can also microwave the salmon but it won't be as good - it tends to overcook the fish and make the kitchen smell pretty strong. But hey, I do it when I'm in a rush!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes! If your salmon is frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Air fry at 400°F for about 7 minutes to thaw slightly, then season and continue cooking at 425°F until it reaches 145°F inside.

Should I cook salmon with or without the skin?
That's totally up to you! I love cooking mine with the skin on because it crisps up in the air fryer and adds great flavor. But if you prefer it without, the directions are exactly the same.

How do I know when salmon is done?
The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F. You'll know it's ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. If you like salmon a little more tender, you can take it out around 135-140°F since it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.

What seasonings go best with salmon?
Salmon is super versatile! Garlic salt, paprika, and black pepper are my go-tos for everyday cooking. For more flavor, try Cajun or Creole blends, Old Bay, or an Asian-inspired mix of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.

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