While I typically avoid shortcuts in the kitchen, I must confess, the air fryer has completely changed my perspective, especially when it comes to salmon. The sheer brilliance of how effortlessly this appliance prepares salmon is beyond words. It’s a true game-changer.
Why Make This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe?
- Effortless Preparation: This easy air fryer salmon recipe requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Healthy Choice: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy protein option. By air frying, you use less oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a lighter choice without compromising on flavor.
- Versatile: Easily change up the seasonings to suit your taste, or mood.
- Delicious Results: The air fryer cooks salmon to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.
What You Need to Make this Salmon Recipe
Believe it or not, I own four air fryers in various sizes, most of which have been gifted to me by companies to review. This Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is my top pick for the following reasons:
- Large, non-stick basket (5.8 quart) that’s large enough to feed up to 5 people.
- 12 functions, including a function for preheating, frozen food and french fries.
- Shake function (reminds you to shake the basket).
- Cooks evenly.
- Cleans up easily, and is dishwasher-safe.
Seasoning Blend
If you love supporting small, women-owned businesses, Chef Jen makes this fabulous Smoked Citrus Salt. This my go-to seasoning blend for fish and salmon. It’s a beautiful blend of citrus, with a hint of smokiness.
Let’s Talk Salmon
Typically, Faroe Island salmon or King (Chinook) salmon are my go-to’s when creating salmon recipes. Faroe Island salmon is farm-raised. However, it is raised in a contained area of the salmon’s natural habitat. King salmon is a sustainable, wild-caught salmon.
The fat lines in both of these types of salmon make it difficult to overcook, and become dry.
Alternatively, feel free to use these other salmon options and alternatives in this Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe:
- Sockeye salmon (will require less time to cook in the air fryer)
- Arctic char
- Steelhead
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Salmon
With this Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality salmon in the comfort of your own home, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Salmon: If possible, let the salmon sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then brush with olive oil and season.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes, then lightly spray the basket.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Place seasoned salmon in the basket, skin-side down, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pair with rice and veggies for a complete meal.
How to Serve and Store Air Fryer Salmon
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this easy air fryer salmon with steamed rice and a vegetable.
- For an added level of sophistication, spoon on Lemon Beurre Blanc.
- Pair with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Serve atop a bed of quinoa or couscous for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or top with a dollop of Homemade Tartar Sauce.
Leftover Tips:
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Enjoy leftover salmon cold in salads or sandwiches, or gently reheat in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Love
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Easy Air Fryer Salmon
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
While I typically avoid shortcuts in the kitchen, I must confess, the air fryer has completely changed my perspective, especially when it comes to salmon. The sheer brilliance of how effortlessly this appliance prepares salmon is beyond words. It’s a true game-changer.
Ingredients
- 2, 6-8 ounce salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- If possible, remove the salmon fillets from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps the salmon to cook more evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, while you prep the salmon.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the flesh side of the fillets.
- Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the basket, skin-side down. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
- Serve the salmon hot, alongside steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
- ENJOY!
Equipment
Notes
- If possible, allow the salmon filets to sit outside of the fridge for about 20 minutes.
- Easily use skin-on or skin-off salmon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Season the salmon with your favorite seasonings, or use this smoked citrus salt from Chef Jen.
- Spraying the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray will help to ensure the skin of the salmon will not stick.
- Air fry time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
- No need to flip the salmon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Seafood
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.
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