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You are here: Home / Air Fryer Recipes / Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

August 24, 2020 Updated: May 29, 2022 By Leanne 20 Comments

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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.

Side view of a crispy air fried salmon fillet on a plate with rice and kale.

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!

Ingredients for air fryer salmon

  • Fresh salmon fillets
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt
Collage of four images showing how two salmon fillets are seasoned and air fried skin side up in the air fryer.

How to cook salmon in the air fryer

  1. Prepare your spice mixture.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Overhead view of air fryer salmon fillets on two plates along with kale and rice.

Frequently asked questions

Should you cook salmon skin side up or down?

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.

Should you air fry salmon with the skin on or off?

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.

How long do you cook salmon in the air fryer? 

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.

What temperature should salmon be when it’s cooked?

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.

Can you air fry frozen 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.

Up close view of crispy air fryer salmon on a plate with a kale and rice, with another plate of the same in the background.

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.

Other air fryer recipes

  • Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
  • Air Fryer Carrots (three ways)
  • Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

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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Up close view of a piece of air fryer salmon plated with a green salad and rice.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

★★★★★ 5 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Total Time: 19 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fry
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

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!


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), skin on

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. To ensure your salmon fillets cook evenly, you should choose fillets that have the same thickness.
  4. 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.
  5. This recipe is on the spicy side, but you can change up the combination of spices to suit your own tastes.
  6. 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.
  7. Be sure to check out the tips and substitutions section above the recipe card for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.

Keywords: salmon with skin, salmon fillets, crispy salmon

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Filed Under: Air Fryer Recipes, All Recipes, Gluten-Free, Main Dishes, Quick Dinner Recipes, Seafood

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marilyn says

    February 4, 2021 at 6:37 pm

    I tried this recipe for supper and it was delicious. So much easier than using a pan and less mess!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 8, 2021 at 12:20 am

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for trying the recipe!

      Reply
  2. Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says

    September 30, 2020 at 8:18 pm

    This salmon looks next level, and I love the spice mix with both cumin and smoked paprika!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 6:52 am

      Thank Kari!

      Reply
  3. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says

    August 30, 2020 at 3:02 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2020 at 6:54 pm

      Thanks Tasia! The seasoning for the crispy coating is a go to for us!

      Reply
  4. [email protected] says

    August 27, 2020 at 1:55 pm

    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!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2020 at 6:55 pm

      Thanks Annie! Hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  5. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    August 25, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2020 at 6:55 pm

      If you enjoy spicy, you’ll like this one Katherine!

      Reply
  6. Michelle | Sift & Simmer says

    August 25, 2020 at 2:09 am

    I love love love salmon! I need to get an air fryer just to try this! Yum!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2020 at 6:55 pm

      Thanks Michelle!

      Reply
  7. Christie says

    August 24, 2020 at 10:17 pm

    Yum i am all for some delicious air fried salmon! This sounds so good and would be the perfect side to any meal!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 9, 2020 at 6:57 am

      Thanks Christie!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    August 24, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    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 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! Hope you ended up trying it!

      Reply
  9. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    August 24, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    I’ve got to try this Leanne! Looks too good to pass up and salmon is one of my favorites.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      Thanks Mary Ann!

      Reply
  10. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

    August 24, 2020 at 11:11 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      Thanks Kelsie! Hope you like it as much as we do!

      Reply

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Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that help people eat a little healthier and find balance in the recipes they prepare for themselves and their families. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

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