The Ultimate Air Fryer Salmon that Will Blow Your Mind

Indulge in a tender and flaky salmon that’s cooked to perfection in your trusty air fryer. With a straightforward recipe requiring just a handful of ingredients, this dish is ready in a remarkable 15-minute time frame. In reality, it takes less time than queuing up for a burger at a fast-food restaurant!

Our air fryer has become indispensable in our daily routine. Its ease of use and versatility as a kitchen appliance make it one of our most frequently used appliances. This trusty gadget allows us to prepare quick and healthy (or indulgent) meals at lightning speed, even in the sweltering heat of summer.

An air fryer is essentially a small convection oven with a heating element situated above the cooking surface. It functions by blowing hot air down and around the food, dispensing the need for copious amounts of oil. It's the perfect multipurpose appliance that allows you to create numerous delicious dishes, including our favorite air fryer salmon recipe.

We love our air fryer so much that we’d like to take it out for a cup of coffee and treat it to the priciest drink on the menu - all as a thank you!

It's worth noting that this recipe doesn't necessitate any breading (we mean it, not a single flake required!). We season the salmon with melted butter, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. You can opt for a standard paprika or use the smoky variety to enhance the salmon's flavor with earthy, fragrant notes.

We strongly recommend using foil to line the tray or basket of the air fryer to avoid any cleaning up hassle. The salmon skin (if using skin-on filets) tends to stick, and the foil prevents it from ruining the outcome of the dish. However, if you prefer not to use foil, rest assured that this recipe cleans up quite well without it. Brush the salmon filets with butter, season it for flavor, and air fry it for ten minutes. Voila! The result is a caramelized, tender-in-the-center, and flaky-on-the-outside salmon that will have you dancing and singing with joy.

To achieve that perfect salmon dish, a preheated air fryer at 390°(F) for 5 minutes is key. By doing so, the salmon will come out with a beautifully caramelized top. Cook the 6 ounce filets for 10 minutes, then adjust accordingly if the filets are larger in portion. Afterward, the salmon will easily flake with a fork, and a meat thermometer should read at least 145°(F) in the thickest part. Keep in mind that using an instant-read thermometer is vital in consistently producing great salmon.

Once the cook time is complete, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the filets for an extra boost of flavor. Pair it with fresh asparagus, which can be cooked in the air fryer alongside the salmon for perfect timing. As we all know, salmon is not only delicious, but also a healthy option. It is a great source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA. Most health professionals recommend that healthy adults get between 250-1000mg of EPA and DHA combined daily.

As the salmon is versatile in pairing with different side dishes, have fun with it! Add some flair to it with Instant Pot Parmesan Ranch Potatoes or Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. If you're feeling fancy, give our Air Fryer Asparagus a try! Don't forget Peppers and zucchini make for a delicious and easy side dish to accompany salmon.

Last but not least, satisfy that sweet tooth with a delectable dessert after enjoying a healthy and flavorful salmon dinner.

Looking for a quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight? Look no further than our Best Damn Air Fryer Salmon. This dish is simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.

When it comes to cooking salmon, there's no need to thaw it ahead of time. Just run the filet under cold water to remove any frost or ice crystals, and then pat it dry with a paper towel. This will give you a good surface to season. For more details on defrosting salmon, check out our full post on the subject.

Whether you prefer skin on or off, both options will work just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to cook the 6 ounce filets for the same amount of time.

When cooking salmon in the air fryer, there's no need to flip it. Simply place the filets on the basket or tray, skin-side down (if using with skin), and let them cook. Once they're done, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, if you want to freeze them, double wrap them in plastic freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 4 months.

When it's time to reheat your salmon, skip the microwave. Instead, lightly oil your air fryer basket, set the temperature to 350°F, and let it heat up for a few minutes. Then, place your cooked salmon on the basket and air fry it for 3-5 minutes, or until it's warmed through. This method will give you perfectly moist salmon without any unpleasant odors.

To round out your meal, try our Summer Fresh Burst Fruit Salad or our Best Damn Red Velvet Cupcakes. Both are beautiful and delicious desserts that will have everyone giving you high fives and fist bumps. So go ahead and give our Best Damn Air Fryer Salmon a try – you won't be disappointed!

Indulge in the delectable simplicity of air fryer salmon, perfectly cooked to flakey and buttery perfection. Ideal for a satisfying meal, this dish promises to ignite your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

To begin, melt a generous amount of butter and brush it onto the tops of each salmon filet. In a separate bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful seasoning. Sprinkle the mixture onto the filets, making sure to coat them evenly.

Before placing the salmon into your air fryer, prepare the basket by applying a layer of foil and spritzing it with a light cooking spray. Preheat your air fryer to 390° (F) for five minutes.

Once the air fryer is heated, carefully place the seasoned salmon onto the foil, skin side down, and set it to "air fry" at 390° (F) for 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the fish to ensure that it is fully cooked; it should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees (F) and flake easily with a fork.

To add a zesty twist, serve your salmon with a dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice. For a healthier option, substitute the butter with extra-virgin olive oil.

Enjoy this heavenly dish in the comfort of your own home, courtesy of your air fryer."