Craving an easy and delicious fish dish for dinner tonight? Try this perfectly cooked Air-Fryer Salmon.
Before I had an air fryer, I wasn’t very confident about cooking salmon. Sure, I’d try making it in the oven or in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop, but the results were hit-or-miss. Sometimes it would overcook and dry out; other times it stuck to the pan or fell apart when I tried to flip it. The air fryer, with its convection-style cooking, changed everything.
In the air fryer, salmon cooks quickly and evenly, giving you perfect results every time. It’s so simple that even my teen boys love making salmon in the air fryer for themselves—a total win-win!
With just a bit of olive oil and a few pantry staples as seasoning (lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and salt), this is a “less is more” kind of recipe that results in a piece of fish that is rich and velvety on the inside and zesty and crisp on the outside. Air-fryer salmon is super versatile, too. Serve it as the star of an elegant dinner, toss it on a big lunchtime salad, or make it your go-to protein for a busy weeknight.
Salmon: be a smart consumer
Even if you live in a landlocked state, you can usually find salmon at your local grocery store. Whether it’s fresh at the seafood counter or frozen in the freezer section, it’s important to know what to look for before making a purchase.
Whenever possible, choose wild-caught salmon. Wild salmon tends to have a better nutritional profile and typically contains fewer contaminants than some farmed varieties. It is also leaner, as farmed salmon are fed a high-fat diet. Wild salmon has a darker flesh (reddish orange) and a more robust taste and texture.
If wild-caught salmon isn’t available and you’re considering farm-raised, check the label carefully to see where it’s from. Farm-raised salmon from the U.S., Canada, or Chile is generally a safer choice, as these countries have relatively strict aquaculture regulations to help ensure better fish quality and environmental standards.
Ultimately, whether wild or farmed, being informed about the source and labeling can help you make a healthier, more sustainable choice.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it (double-wrapped and in a freezer bag) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. The fish can be reheated in the air fryer at 365°F for 3-4 minutes or in an oiled skillet on the stove set to medium-low.
Serving suggestions
For a simple dinner, serve air-fryer salmon with the lemon wedges and a stovetop side like The BEST Mashed Potatoes or Sautéed Asparagus. Or, you can serve it alongside Easy Brie Pasta or Orzo Pasta. This salmon is so versatile, though, that you can also enjoy it as part of a lighter meal, serving it atop a classic Caesar Salad or a colorful Quinoa Bowl packed with superfoods. Any way you choose to serve it, air-fryer salmon is a quick, easy option for lunch or dinner.
Air-Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 ounces each
- 2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil. Then, sprinkle seasonings evenly over the fillets.
- Place salmon in the air fryer basket without touching. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, until the fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F internally.
- Gently lift the salmon out of the air fryer and serve it with lemon wedges.
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