Dinner

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

ByRita Bennet February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Introduction

Air fryer salmon is a quick and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky inside. This easy recipe features a simple blend of spices and bright lemon juice, making it a weeknight favorite for any home cook.

The image shows two pieces of cooked salmon fillets placed side by side on a white plate. The top layer of the salmon has a crispy, dark brown crust with visible spices. The fish underneath shows a light, pale orange color with a slightly moist texture. There is a gold fork on the left side of the plate, resting close to the salmon pieces. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika

½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
1 tbsp lemon juice

Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon fillets and drizzle with lemon juice.
Step 3: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
Step 4: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the seasoning mixture and lemon juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce to a pinch.

Try swapping fresh dill or basil for parsley to change up the garnish.
Check the salmon at 8 minutes for doneness to avoid overcooking, especially for thinner fillets.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture firm and flaky.

How to Serve

The image shows three pieces of cooked salmon with a crispy golden-brown crust, sprinkled with black pepper and small green herbs. The salmon pieces are square and slightly thick, placed close to each other on a round white plate. There are two lemon wedges positioned near the salmon pieces on the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer, but increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness and adjust time as needed.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through. Use the same seasoning and preparation steps for similar flavor.