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.
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.
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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!
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
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
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INGREDIENTS
- 4 x 6-7 ounce salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, or high quality olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- zest of one fresh lemon
- fresh lemon or lime wedges, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- 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
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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