Okay, gather ’round, friend! Let’s talk about my absolute go-to weeknight dinner miracle: the air fryer salmon recipe. I remember the first time I tried making salmon in the air fryer – it was a total experiment fueled by desperation. I was staring down a thawing salmon fillet, two hungry kids, and that familiar dread of “what on earth am I going to make for dinner TONIGHT?” The oven felt too slow, the pan-frying too messy (splatter central!), and then, BAM! The air fryer. A lightbulb moment.

The first attempt wasn’t perfect, I’ll admit. The salmon was a little dry, and the seasoning was… well, let’s just say the kids weren’t thrilled. But something about the speed and the ease of it all kept me coming back. I tweaked, I experimented, I even endured a few more less-than-stellar dinners (sorry, kiddos!). But eventually, I landed on a method that consistently produces perfectly cooked, flaky, and flavorful salmon in a fraction of the time. Now, it’s a dish requested at least once a week! It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel good about what you’re feeding your family, without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. This air fryer salmon recipe is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you need something fast, healthy, and delicious. The kids actually cheer when they see salmon on the menu now!

This air fryer salmon recipe has really become a staple in our busy lives. The best part is, it’s so incredibly versatile. You can change up the seasonings to fit your mood, pair it with almost any side dish, and even sneak in some extra veggies while it’s cooking. And hey, if I can conquer weeknight salmon dinners with two rambunctious kids underfoot, trust me, once you try this air fryer salmon recipe, you’ll be hooked too! This easy salmon recipe is the answer to your dinner dilemmas, I promise. It’s even better than a restaurant, plus it’s a healthy salmon recipe that the whole family will enjoy. You’ll find that the crispy salmon air fryer method gives it that restaurant quality!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. I always use wild-caught salmon for my air fryer salmon recipe, if I can find it. It’s a bit more expensive, but I feel like the flavor is richer.

1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off, cut into 4 equal portions
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

For my air fryer salmon recipe, I always try to get center-cut fillets if they are available; I find that they cook more evenly. When making air fryer salmon recipe, you can often find good deals on salmon at Costco or your local fish market. I’ve also had great luck ordering online when I can’t get to the store. Here’s a trick I learned from my mom when making air fryer salmon recipe: pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the seasonings adhere better and also promotes browning. For a busy weeknight shortcut when preparing this air fryer salmon recipe, I often buy pre-cut salmon fillets to save on prep time.

You can save money by buying a larger piece of salmon and cutting it yourself. Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s great in salads or as part of salmon cakes! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick to this air fryer salmon recipe! The versatility of this air fryer salmon recipe is one of the many reasons it’s a staple in our home.

How To Make – Step-By-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfectly cooked air fryer salmon recipe in no time.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is important to ensure even cooking. I learned the hard way with air fryer salmon recipe that preheating makes a HUGE difference.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, dill, salt, and pepper. This is your flavorful marinade for the air fryer salmon recipe!
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure to coat both sides. Don’t worry if your air fryer salmon recipe fillets are slightly different sizes. The air fryer is pretty forgiving.
Arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down if using skin-on fillets. Make sure the fillets aren’t overcrowded; you may need to cook them in batches for your air fryer salmon recipe.
Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The salmon cooking times can vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. In my kitchen, air fryer salmon recipe usually takes about 10 minutes. I usually check on the air fryer salmon after 8 minutes to make sure it is not drying out.
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful air fryer salmon recipe.
Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, if desired, and serve immediately. Your air fryer salmon recipe is ready to go!

While the air fryer salmon recipe is cooking, I usually throw together a quick salad or steam some veggies. Talk about a complete meal in under 20 minutes! Your air fryer salmon recipe should smell amazing – that combination of garlic, paprika, and dill is just heavenly. If the salmon starts to brown too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly or tent it with foil during the last few minutes of cooking to make the perfect air fryer salmon. Add some parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer for easy clean-up.

This step-by-step air fryer salmon recipe is the easiest recipe in my repertoire! This recipe is a healthy salmon recipe and a great option for anyone trying to eat healthier and faster! The result is a crispy salmon air fryer sensation!

Serving

Now for the best part: enjoying your delicious air fryer salmon recipe! The kids love our air fryer salmon recipe when I serve it with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. I usually drizzle a little extra lemon juice over everything for a bright, fresh flavor.

My go-to side dishes that pair with air fryer salmon recipe are quinoa salad, couscous, or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette. These options are quick, easy, and complement the salmon perfectly. This air fryer salmon recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough to serve to guests. I often make it when I have friends over for a casual get-together.

For air fryer salmon recipe presentation tips, I like to arrange the salmon on a platter with the side dishes and garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives. If you have extra air fryer salmon recipe, it’s fantastic flaked into a salad or used as a topping for tacos. Trust me, leftover salmon never goes to waste in my house!

For a seasonal air fryer salmon recipe variation, try using different herbs and spices. In the spring, I love adding fresh chives and parsley. In the fall, I might use a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a dash of maple syrup. My friends always ask for this air fryer salmon recipe recipe whenever I make it! They can’t believe how easy and delicious it is. The family also loves this easy salmon recipe because it is healthy and delicious.

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions about making the perfect air fryer salmon recipe.

Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this air fryer salmon recipe?

A: You know what I do when my air fryer salmon recipe craving hits and I only have frozen salmon? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking, and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Otherwise, it will be more steamed than air fried!

Q: What temperature should salmon be cooked to?

A: I always aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for my air fryer salmon recipe. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but not overdone.

Q: Can I cook salmon with the skin on in the air fryer?

A: You know what I do when I want that extra crispy skin when making air fryer salmon recipe? Yes, you absolutely can! Cooking the salmon skin-side down will result in crispy skin. I actually prefer it this way!

Q: My salmon is dry after cooking in the air fryer. What am I doing wrong?

A: That’s happened to me before with air fryer salmon recipe. You might be overcooking it. Reduce the cooking time slightly or lower the temperature. Also, make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and drying out the salmon. And, add more oil!

Q: Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the salmon?

A: You know what I do when I want to make a complete meal in the air fryer with my air fryer salmon recipe? Yes, you can! Add veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers to the air fryer basket alongside the salmon. They might need slightly less cooking time than the salmon, so keep an eye on them.

Q: What are some other seasonings I can use for this air fryer salmon recipe?

A: You know what I do when I want to switch up the flavors of air fryer salmon recipe? The possibilities are endless! Try using lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or a mixture of brown sugar and smoked paprika. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors!

Q: My air fryer is small. Can I still make this air fryer salmon recipe?

A: You know what I do when I’m working with a smaller air fryer and making air fryer salmon recipe? Absolutely! Just cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

My Final Thoughts

This air fryer salmon recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that I can always count on to be quick, easy, and delicious. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when I need to get dinner on the table fast, and it’s also a dish that I’m proud to serve to guests.

Here are my Pro Tips for the best air fryer salmon recipe:

Don’t overcrowd the basket: This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.
Pat the salmon dry: This helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes browning.
Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the salmon is cooked to the perfect temperature.

Here are a few air fryer salmon recipe variations that I’ve tried with my family:

Honey-Glazed Salmon: Brush the salmon with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and ginger before cooking.
Lemon-Herb Salmon: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme to the marinade.
Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

My daughter loves the honey-glazed version, while my son prefers the spicy salmon. As for me, I’m a fan of the classic lemon-herb combination with my air fryer salmon recipe.

I encourage you to make this air fryer salmon recipe your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and variations to find your favorite combination.

I hope you enjoy this air fryer salmon recipe as much as my family and I do. Happy cooking! This easy salmon recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. The result is a healthy salmon recipe that even the pickiest eaters will love. The crispy salmon air fryer method is a total game-changer! Enjoy! This air fryer salmon recipe is a weeknight dinner superhero.

FDA Seafood Information

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: My Weeknight Dinner Savior

Print Recipe

This air fryer salmon recipe is quick, easy, and delicious! Perfect for a weeknight meal.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Seafood
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, sliced

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Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Brush the mixture over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve immediately with lemon slices.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking. Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.