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Moist, delicious salmon can be made perfectly in the air fryer and I’m going to show you how! This recipe only requires 15 minutes (5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking) and 7 ingredients that are all in your pantry!
Watch the Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Video!
Table of Contents
Things to Know Before You Make This Recipe
- This recipe includes the skin of the salmon – I personally love eating salmon skin (it’s so delicious when crisped up, like in this recipe) and it’s also very good for you (rich in omega-3 fatty acids). If you don’t like salmon skin, you can still make this recipe – just use skinless salmon and follow the instructions as is.
- I always cook with a thermometer because I like to cook protein to the optimal internal temperature. In my opinion, it’s not only safer but food cooked to the optimal temperature always tastes better! For salmon, it should reach 145F internal temperature. If you have a thermometer or are open to it, I highly recommend using it for this recipe!
Ingredient Tips
Refer to the recipe card for the measurements!
- salmon fillets – I used 5oz pieces. Ask your butcher to cut the salmon into 5oz filets or use a kitchen scale and cut them yourself at home. If you use smaller or larger (thicker) pieces, you will need to adjust the cooking time in proportion to the size. I have instructions on how to do this in the recipe notes!
- mayonnaise – this is used as a paste and acts as a protective barrier that helps keep the salmon moist while cooking in the air fryer
- Garlic powder, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper (freshly ground is always best) – these are my spices of choice for salmon, but you can really use whatever you like!
- Avocado oil – any neutral oil will work well for this recipe such as vegetable or canola oil
- optional lemon for garnish
Recipe Instructions
1. Season the Salmon
Sprinkle both sides of the salmon with kosher salt. Let the salmon sit for 5 minutes while you mix the spices in step 2. Similar to my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipes, we want to salt the protein first so that it absorbs into the meat, resulting in a seasoned piece of fish!
2. Mix the spice paste
In a small bowl, mix light mayo, avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until combined. We do not want to add salt here because we’ve already seasoned the salmon.
This paste is meant to season the salmon with spices while at the same time coat the salmon with a layer of flavor that will protect it as it cooks in the air fryer.
3. Dry the salmon and apply the spice paste
At this point, you should see some water that has pooled up on the flesh of the salmon. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel on both sides. We want to remove excess water so that the skin and flesh will become crispy in the air fryer, just like in my Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.
Apply the paste to the flesh side of the salmon. Try your best to not have the spice paste touch the skin, as we will want to keep it as dry as possible so it can crisp up upon contact with the air fryer basket.
4. Air Fry the Salmon
Spray the air fryer basket with a neutral oil spray. This is essential so the skin doesn’t stick to the basket but also allows it to crisp up in the air fryer. Air fry for 400F for 8 minutes.
After the 8 minute mark, use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature of the salmon – for my wild caught alaskan salmon, 8 minutes was perfect. A thicker salmon may not yet have reached 145°F at this point, so continue air frying for 1 minute intervals until 145°F is achieved. The fish will cook quickly, so in my testing it is best to check constantly to ensure it does not overcook. This will guarantee moist, tender salmon every time!
Serve with optional lemon garnish and enjoy!
What Should I Serve with Salmon?
I love eating this salmon with some stir fried Garlic Bok Choy or Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts! You can also serve them up with potatoes – try my Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Crispy Roasted Potatoes while the air fryer takes care of the salmon!
PRO TIPS
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
- Using a binder like mayo provides a little layer of protection around the salmon and prevents it from drying out, while adding tons of flavor!
- Salmon skin is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is so delicious when crispy!
- Running a knife along the skin allows additional moisture to draw out which results in a crispy skin.
- The cooking time will vary widely on the type of salmon and thickness of the filet. I used wild Alaskan salmon here and 8 minutes at 400°F was consistenly perfect. For a farm raised salmon that may be a thicker filet, ensure that you are checking the temperature very 1 minute after the 8 minute mark until the salmon reaches 145°F – it will overcook quickly so be mindful of this!
Storage, Reheating, and Make Ahead Tips
You can make the spice paste in advance, but ensure that you do not skip salting the salmon in step 1. This is essential to making sure the salmon is fully seasoned throughout and will help keep it moist.
For reheating, I suggest air frying at 350°F at for 3-5 mintues or until warmed through.
If you tried this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Air Fryer Salmon – Tender & Moist! (VIDEO)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Salmon fillets, 5 oz each
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Avocado oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Sprinkle both sides of the salmon with kosher salt. Let the salmon sit for 5 minutes while you mix the spices in step 2.
- In a small bowl, mix mayo, avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until combined.
- By now you should see excess water pooling up on the salmon. Pat dry and flip the filet over, then run a sharp knife over the salmon skin to draw out moisture and remove excess scales (skip this step if are using skinless salmon), then pat both sides of the salmon completely dry with a paper towel. Place the salmon skin side down and rub the marinade on the flesh side only.
- Spray the air fryer basket with a neutral oil spray. Place the salmon side down and air fry at 400F for 8-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon. After the 8 minutes of cooking, check the salmon in 1 minute intervals after 8 minutes until the salmon reaches 145F.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
