This Air-fryer Salmon makes a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner. Lightly seasoned and air-fried for just 7–9 minutes, the fillets come out tender, moist, and perfectly flaky. I like to serve them with simple steamed seasonal vegetables and a bowl of rice.
About This Recipe
After experimenting with cooking times and seasonings, I settled on a simple method that consistently produces juicy, well-flavored salmon. The keys are to season generously, brush a little olive oil and honey on the fillets for flavor and light caramelization, and check doneness a few minutes before the end of the cooking window so the fish doesn’t overcook.
Brush the salmon with the oil-and-honey mixture, sprinkle on the spices, and air-fry until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If your fillets vary in thickness, remove the smaller pieces earlier. Avoid cooking frozen salmon straight from the freezer: it dramatically increases cooking time and often yields a dry result.
Key Ingredients
Salmon fillets: Farmed Atlantic salmon is ideal because its higher fat content keeps the flesh tender, but you can use wild varieties if you prefer. If using frozen fillets, defrost completely—submerge vacuum-sealed fillets in cold water for about 30 minutes to speed thawing.
Olive oil and honey: A light brush adds moisture, flavor, and a touch of caramelization.
Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt for a balanced, simple seasoning.
For serving (optional): Lemon wedges brighten the flavor; tartar sauce is a classic accompaniment.
Instructions
STEP 1: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and honey. Brush the mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. In a separate bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt, then sprinkle the spice blend over the fillets.
STEP 2: Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, skin-side down if skin is on. Do not overcrowd — leave space for air to circulate.
STEP 3: Air-fry at 400°F (about 200°C) for 7–9 minutes. No flipping is required. The salmon is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork; thicker pieces may need an extra minute or two. Remove the smaller fillets early if they finish before the rest.
📋 Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon
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Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (farmed Atlantic salmon is the best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- lemon wedges (for serving)
- tartar sauce (for serving)
Instructions
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Combine the olive oil and honey in a small bowl and brush the mixture over the salmon.
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Mix the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt in another bowl and sprinkle evenly over the fillets.
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Place the salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air-fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes. The fish is done when opaque and flaky; add a couple of minutes if needed.
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Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce. Enjoy!