This easy Air Fryer Salmon with skin is juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 12 minutes! Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping healthy salmon bites for your lunch bowl, this recipe is a total time-saver.
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Ingredients
- Salmon type - You can use without or with skin salmon here. Skin-on salmon keeps the fish extra juicy in the air fryer. I use 7 oz center-cut fillets.
- Avocado oil - Helps crisp up the skin and keeps the salmon from sticking. Olive oil works too.
- Salt - Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the fish.
- Black pepper - Adds a little bite without overpowering the lemon.
- Fresh lemon zest - Zesty and brightens up the whole dish. Don't skip it!
- Lemon wedges - I always serve some extra lemon on the side for squeezing before eating.
- My favorite air fryer!
- Want more easy air fryer meals? Check out my healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets or Air Fryer Sweetcorn on the Cob!
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Salmon in Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Pat the salmon dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture-this helps it get that nice crust.
- Oil the salmon: Brush both sides with avocado oil.
- Season: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and lemon zest evenly over each fillet.
- Air fry: Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket (don't overcrowd). Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check for doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temp of 145°F.
- Rest and serve: Let sit for a couple of minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
- Pair with roasted asparagus - One of my favorite quick sides for this dish!
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Buy Now → Can I use a marinade?
Absolutely! Try miso, teriyaki, hot honey, garlic butter, or even maple-soy. Just pat it dry before cooking.
Tips
- Keep the skin on - It acts like a natural barrier, keeping the salmon moist and flavorful.
- Use a marinade - Try a quick teriyaki or miso marinade for a fun flavor twist.
- Watch the temp - Don't overcook! Pull it at 140-145°F for perfectly flaky salmon.
- Don't crowd the basket - Give your fillets space for air to circulate evenly.
- Serve as salmon bites - Dice after cooking and use in Mediterranean bowls, tacos, or wraps.
- Turn into patties - Flake leftovers and mix with breadcrumbs and seasoning to make salmon patties.
- Add garlic or herbs - A sprinkle of garlic powder, dill, or parsley adds extra flavor.
- Use frozen salmon - Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Crisp the skin more - Cook an extra minute skin-side down if you want it crispier.
➡️🍣 Try next: 80 Salmon Recipes
If you use your air fryer often, you can also browse my Amazon storefront with my favorite air fryer tools and kitchen gadgets here, where I've collected many of the accessories I personally use.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep cooled salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze. Wrap each fillet tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- To Reheat. Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or microwave gently with a damp paper towel on top.
Can I turn leftovers into patties?
Yes! Mix flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, an egg, and seasoning-perfect for lunch the next day. It will also work great in this creamy cauliflower casserole. Yum!
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Pat the salmon dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture-this helps it get that nice crust.4 x 6-7 ounce salmon fillets
- Oil the salmon: Brush both sides with avocado oil.2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Season: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and lemon zest evenly over each fillet.1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, zest of one fresh lemon
- Air fry: Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket (don't overcrowd). Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check for doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temp of 145°F.
- Rest and serve: Let sit for a couple of minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
- If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review below!fresh lemon or lime wedges
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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