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Close-up of four golden-brown air fryer salmon fillets garnished with fresh dill on a white plate, served with lemon and dipping sauce.

The Best Air Fryer Salmon (Quick & Easy!)

This easy air fryer salmon recipe delivers juicy, perfectly cooked fillets in under 15 minutes. Flaky on the inside with a light crust, it's a healthy, foolproof option for weeknight dinners — packed with protein and Omega-3s.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 6-ounce salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or light cooking oil)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • lemon wedges, for serving
  • tartar sauce, for dipping (optional)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • tongs or spatula
  • instant-read thermometer
  • Paper Towels for patting dry

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place on a clean plate.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. Rub gently to coat.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  4. Place salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
  5. Air fry for 7–9 minutes depending on thickness. Check internal temp for doneness (145°F).
  6. Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve with lemon and tartar sauce.

Notes

Use skin-on salmon for added moisture and crispiness, or skinless for convenience. Avocado or grapeseed oil works in place of olive oil. Try variations like lemon-dill, honey-garlic glaze, or Cajun seasoning for a twist.