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    Home » Main Course » Air Fryer Salmon

    Published: Mar 16, 2022 · Modified: Mar 16, 2022 by Lisa Johnson

    Air Fryer Salmon

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Center-cut salmon filet topped with micro-greens on a bed of risotto with title graphic across the top.

    This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe is perfect for beginners, or anyone looking for a super simple meal. The salmon filets are juicy, flaky, and perfectly cooked with the skin on and no flipping is required.

    Center-cut salmon filet topped with micro-greens on a bed of risotto.

    This has become my go-to meal! It is insanely simple to make, can be flavored with a multitude of different spice blends, and it's also healthy!!

    Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to your health. Salmon is also high in protein and low in calories and barely any oil is used when cooked in an air fryer.

    More delicious salmon recipes

    Garlic Lemon Salmon with Asparagus recipe.

    Garlic Lemon Salmon

    A salmon filet and mashed potatoes mixed with spinach on a white plate with two lemon wedges.

    Instant Pot Salmon and Potatoes

    a salmon filet on a bed of asparagus spears topped with crab meat and hollandaise sauce.

    Salmon Oscar

    Ingredients needed

    Ingredients to make air fryer salmon.
    • Center-cut salmon filets that are equal thickness, about 1.25 to 1.5-inches thick. I have a square basket air fryer, so only 3 filets will fit and still allow for air flow. You can cook 1 or 2 if that is all you need.
    • Olive oil to keep the top moist and help the Garlic & Pepper Seasoning stick. Some stores sell a Garlic-Pepper-Salt blend, either way they contain dried bell pepper flakes.

    Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below

    Cooking salmon in an air fryer

    Start by patting the filets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Brush the tops with olive oil, or use a misto sprayer, then sprinkle with garlic pepper seasoning.

    Three salmon filets on a platter sprinkled with garlic pepper salt.

    Fold any skinny ends under the filet to help the salmon cook evenly.

    Three skin-on center-cut salmon filets on a platter sprinkled with garlic-pepper salt.

    Press the "Air Fry" button, then the "Time" button. Twist the knob until the time reads 7 to 9 minutes. Press the "Temp" button and twist the knob until it reads 380 degrees.

    Air Fryer set for 8 minutes at 380 degrees with red arrows pointing to the display.

    8 minutes is my preferred cooking time, but some air fryers may cook differently, and the thickness will make a difference.

    Allow the air fryer to "pre-heat" and add the salmon filets skin-side down when the display reads "Add Food". You do not need to "Turn Food", just ignore it when it beeps.

    Three salmon filets skin-side down in an air fryer basket.

    Cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork when done, and have an internal temperature of 130 degrees in the thickest part. It will continue to cook for a few minutes after it is removed from the air fryer.

    Three cooked, center-cut salmon filets in an air fryer basket.

    Serve while hot with lemon wedges, Basil Risotto, Instant Pot Irish Champ Potatoes, or Instant Pot Garlic Rice and your favorite vegetable.

    Looking down on an air fryer salmon filet on a bed of risotto with two lemon wedges on the side. of the plate.

    Look how moist and flaky it is.....

    Juicy, flaky salmon filet on a fork with rice underneath.

    True story -

    My friend Michelle stopped in Arizona on her way to New Mexico last month. I wanted something simple for dinner since I had no idea when she would arrive. I served this salmon with the garlic rice listed above. She absolutely L-O-V-E-D it!!

    When she drove back through town two weeks later, I made it again and this time we topped it with my Guinness Glaze and had Irish champ potatoes. She L-O-V-E-D it again!!

    Last week I made it again to go along with the basil risotto recipe and it was perfection. I didn't have to share with anyone, I got to enjoy all three filets over the course of 3 days. LOL

    Recipe Notes & Tips

    • Store leftover salmon in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat using the "Reheat" setting (I believe it is programmed for 5 minutes), or in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds.
    • Any seasoning blend will work; garlic-lemon, southwest seasoning, etc.

    Tools used to create this recipe

    You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!

    • Instant Vortex Air Fryer
    • Silicone Brush
    • Tongs
    • Instant Read Thermometer
    • Flexible Turner to remove when cooked.

    If you love this recipe, please rate it five stars and help me share on facebook and to help other readers in our community!

    Enjoy!!

    Center-cut salmon filet topped with micro-greens on a bed of risotto.

    Air Fryer Salmon

    This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe is perfect for beginners, or anyone looking for a super simple meal that takes about 10 minutes!
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    Print Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: air fryer salmon with skin on recipe
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 3 Servings
    Calories: 267kcal
    Author: Lisa Johnson

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 18 ounces center-cut salmon filets 3) 6-ounce filets
    • 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic and Pepper Seasoning 13 turns of the grinder per filet
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Start by patting the filets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Brush the tops with olive oil, or use a misto sprayer, then sprinkle with garlic pepper seasoning. Fold any skinny ends under the filet to help the salmon cook evenly.
    • Press the "Air Fry" button, then the "Time" button. Twist the knob until the time reads 7 to 9 minutes. Press the "Temp" button and twist the knob until it reads 380 degrees. 8 minutes is my preferred cooking time, but some air fryers may cook differently, and the thickness will make a difference.
    • Allow the air fryer to "pre-heat" and add the salmon filets skin-side down when the display reads "Add Food". You do not need to "Turn Food", just ignore it when it beeps.
    • Cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork when done, and have an internal temperature of 130 degrees in the thickest part. It will continue to cook for a few minutes after it is removed from the air fryer.
    • Serve while hot with lemon wedges, Basil Risotto, Instant Pot Irish Champ Potatoes, or Instant Pot Garlic Rice and your favorite vegetable.

    Notes

    • Store leftover salmon in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat using the "Reheat" setting (I believe it is programmed for 5 minutes), or in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds.
    • Any seasoning blend will work; garlic-lemon, southwest seasoning, etc.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 854mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg

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    Hi, I'm Lisa - Welcome to my kitchen! I have a passion for good food and love sharing my creations with friends, family and everyone that loves a homecooked meal. This is where I share my favorite recipes with step-by-step instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you make these delicious recipes in your home.

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