Enjoy crispy and tender salmon every time with this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe. You need just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish!
I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but salmon is a go-to in our house. So I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. And since I've been using my air fryer quite a bit lately, it made sense to try cooking salmon fillets in it.
The fillets turned out perfectly crispy, tender and flakey. All the things you want in a delicious piece of salmon. I made it with a spicy coating that created a crispy layer on top of the salmon. If you're not into spicy, that's okay. You can change up the spices or just reduce the amount you use.
I'll still prepare salmon in my trusty cast iron pan from time to time, but air fried salmon has secured a place in our dinner rotation!
Table of contents
Ingredients for air fryer salmon
- Fresh salmon fillets
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
How to cook salmon in the air fryer
- Prepare your spice mixture.
- Brush the top of the salmon with oil and coat the top with the spice mixture. Make sure to press it into the salmon flesh so it sticks.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 12-14 minutes. (No need to flip the salmon).
Ways to serve salmon
- Pair it with rice or quinoa and a kale caesar salad.
- Add it to a cold pasta salad or green salad.
- Enjoy it in this salmon quinoa bake recipe.
- Use it in place of cod fish in these air fryer fish tacos.
- Cut it into pieces and add it to this lemon garlic pasta.
Frequently asked questions
Most recipes call for cooking salmon with the skin side down as it protects the delicate salmon flesh. I've tested it both ways for this recipe, and since the spicy coating on the flesh acts as a bit of a protective barrier, this recipe works either skin side up or down. My preference is skin side up as it results in a crispier top on the salmon. Just note that it is easier to overcook your salmon this way.
I like to leave it on because it helps keep the salmon together while it cooks. Also, some people enjoy eating the crispy salmon skin. And for those that don't like the skin, it's easy to eat around it.
While some people prefer their salmon done to varying levels of doneness, I prefer my salmon fully cooked, which requires 12-14 minutes in the air fryer at 400F. This is for fillets that are roughly 1-inch thick. If your fillets are thinner or thicker, you will need to reduce or increase the air frying time accordingly.
If you're not sure if the salmon fillets are cooked, you can use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 145F in the thickest part of the salmon.
If you're salmon is frozen, I suggest letting it thaw in the refrigerator first. If you air fry it from frozen, the seasoning will not stick to the frozen salmon flesh as well and it will take longer to cook.
Additional recipe tips
- Make sure you press the spice mixture into the flesh of the salmon fillets to ensure it sticks. A little bit will fall off when you place it in the air fryer basket, but that's okay.
- To ensure your salmon fillets cook evenly, you should choose fillets that have the same thickness.
- This recipe is on the spicy side, but you can change up the combination of spices to make it a little less spicy.
- This recipe was made in a 2.75 quart Philips basket-style air fryer. Depending on the size, brand and model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cook time slightly.
- The Philips is a smaller capacity air fryer, so I was only able to air fry two fillets at a time. You can double the recipe if you have a larger capacity air fryer or you can air fry the salmon in two batches.
More air fryer seafood recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon Patties
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer Scallops
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- Air Fryer Tilapia
If you make this easy salmon recipe in the air fryer, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.
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Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 salmon fillets, 4 ounces each, skin on
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
- Brush the oil on top of the salmon and coat the top with the spice mixture, gently pressing it into the flesh so it sticks.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the fillets skin side up in the basket (see note). Air fry on 400F for 12-14 minutes.
- Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can air fry the salmon skin side up or down. I prefer to air fry it skin side up as it results in a crispier top on the salmon. Just note that it is easier to overcook your salmon this way.
- The air frying time is based on 1-inch thick fillets. If your fillets are thinner or thicker, you will need to adjust the air frying time accordingly.
- To ensure your salmon fillets cook evenly, you should choose fillets that have the same thickness.
- If you're unsure if the salmon is cooked, you can use a fork to flake it apart. Or you can use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 145F in the thickest part of the salmon.
- This recipe is on the spicy side, but you can change up the combination of spices to suit your own tastes.
- The recipe instructions are based on a Philips air fryer with a 2.75 quart capacity. Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Marilyn says
I tried this recipe for supper and it was delicious. So much easier than using a pan and less mess!
Leanne says
I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for trying the recipe!
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
This salmon looks next level, and I love the spice mix with both cumin and smoked paprika!
Leanne says
Thank Kari!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says
That spicy and crispy coating has to be incredible! We eat a lot of salmon and I can't wait to try it with this recipe!
Leanne says
Thanks Tasia! The seasoning for the crispy coating is a go to for us!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Yep, salmon is a big go-to in our house, too - and I happen to have an air fryer! Can't wait to try this yummy recipe!!
Leanne says
Thanks Annie! Hope you enjoy it!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
We're HUGE salmon lovers too, and this one looks absolutely fantastic! I'm all for the spicy coating. I can't wait to try salmon in the air fryer!
Leanne says
If you enjoy spicy, you'll like this one Katherine!
Michelle | Sift & Simmer says
I love love love salmon! I need to get an air fryer just to try this! Yum!!
Leanne says
Thanks Michelle!
Christie says
Yum i am all for some delicious air fried salmon! This sounds so good and would be the perfect side to any meal!
Leanne says
Thanks Christie!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Perfect timing! I just took some salmon out of the freezer for dinner, without a plan, so this one is going to be made for sure. Love the idea of doing it in the air fryer 🙂
Leanne says
Thanks Jennifer! Hope you ended up trying it!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I've got to try this Leanne! Looks too good to pass up and salmon is one of my favorites.
Leanne says
Thanks Mary Ann!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
Salmon is my very favorite fish but I've never tried it in the air fryer. This sounds soooo good and so easy too! I can't wait to try it!
Leanne says
Thanks Kelsie! Hope you like it as much as we do!