How To Make The Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Every Time
The easiest, quickest, & most foolproof salmon recipe out there!
Salmon is one of my favorite things to cook in the air fryer. Not only is it quick and easy, but it also turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful every single time. Plus, using an air fryer means less clean-up and a healthier cooking method compared to traditional frying.
If you found me on social media, there’s a good chance it’s from one of my viral salmon recipes. In this post I’m sharing my go-to recipe for making the perfect air fryer salmon. Whether you're a seasoned air fryer user or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You Will Need To Make Air-Fried Salmon
This foolproof salmon recipe only requires a couple of ingredients, some of which you may already have stocked in your pantry! The ingredients you will need for this air fryer salmon recipe are:
Salmon Filets
Of course, you will need some quality salmon filets for this recipe. My air fryer typically fits about two filets at a time, though that may vary for you depending on your appliance’s size. A few of my favorite places to buy salmon are my local seafood market, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods.
Dijon Mustard
This recipe’s star is definitely the Dijon mustard, which gives your salmon extra flavor and moisture. My go-to Dijon mustard is from the brand Sir Kensington’s, a vegan, gluten-free, and oh-so-delicious condiment made from 100% Grade A mustard seeds.
Spices
I used black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and paprika for this air-fried salmon recipe. That said, you should feel free to switch up your seasonings to your taste. Spices like Dill, Rosemary, Tarragon, and Lemon Pepper are great alternatives.
Lemon Juice
Last but certainly not least, you will need lemon juice for this air fryer salmon recipe. I suggest squeezing half a fresh lemon or your favorite store-bought lemon juice directly onto your salmon filets before serving. A little goes a long way and makes your salmon more refreshing and moist.
Preparing the Salmon:
The first step to making the perfect air fryer salmon is to have high-quality ingredients. I always opt for fresh salmon fillets over frozen when possible, as the texture and flavor are much better.
Make sure to wash and pat your salmon filets dry with a paper towel before seasoning them. This will ensure that the seasoning sticks to the salmon and creates a delicious crust.
Seasoning the Salmon:
Using a spoon, spread a generous amount of Dijon mustard over each salmon fillet. Don't forget to rub the sides of the salmon as well, as every part of the fish should be seasoned.
This gives the salmon a tangy and savory flavor. Next, sprinkle an even coating of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These simple seasonings add depth and enhance the flavor of the salmon.
Cooking the Salmon:
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat it for a few minutes. Then, place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer.
The size and thickness of your salmon fillets will impact the overall cooking time, so it's important to keep an eye on them. I usually cook my salmon for about 12 to 15 minutes, but it may take longer for thicker fillets.
Checking for Doneness:
To ensure that your salmon cooks perfectly every time, it's important to check the internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the salmon. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by gently pressing on the top of the salmon. If it flakes easily, it's done.
Resting and Serving the Salmon:
Once your salmon is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about five minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the salmon to finish cooking. Before serving, drizzle each fillet with fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
You can also serve the salmon with your favorite side dishes like brown rice, mashed potatoes, or air fryer asparagus. Now that you know the basic steps for making air fryer salmon, let's dive into some tips for getting the best results every time.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon:
Use the Right Cooking Method:
Air frying is the best way to cook salmon as it uses hot air to cook the fish, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. It's also a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods.
Choose the Right Air Fryer:
When it comes to cooking salmon in an air fryer, the model matters. Look for an air fryer with a large enough basket to hold the salmon in a single layer. This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and comes out perfectly crispy on all sides.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket:
It's important to give your salmon enough space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking and a soggy texture. If you're cooking multiple salmon fillets, cook them in batches or use a larger air fryer.
Use Parchment Paper or Nonstick Spray:
To prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can either line it with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray. This will make it easier to remove the salmon and also make clean-up a breeze.
Try Different Seasonings:
While the recipe for the perfect air fryer salmon calls for simple seasonings, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can use your favorite seasoning blends or try out different marinades like soy sauce, maple syrup, or a maple soy glaze.
Cook Skin-On Fillets:
For the best results, I recommend using skin-on fillets. The skin helps to keep the salmon moist and adds a delicious crispy texture. Plus, it's easier to remove the skin after cooking.
Don't Overcook the Salmon:
One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking salmon is overcooking it. Keep in mind that the salmon will continue to cook while resting, so it's better to slightly undercook it than to overcook it. The salmon should be flaky and have an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use Fresh Salmon:
While frozen salmon can be used in this recipe, fresh salmon will yield the best results. The texture and flavor of fresh salmon are much better and will make your air fryer salmon even more delicious.
Save Leftover Salmon:
If you have any leftover salmon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can use it in salads, sandwiches, or even make air fryer salmon bites.
Serve with Lemon Slices:
For an extra burst of freshness, serve your air fryer salmon with lemon slices on the side. This simple addition elevates the flavor of the salmon and makes it even more delicious.
Why I Love This Air Fried Salmon Recipe
As you can probably tell from my enthusiasm, I REALLY love this air-fried salmon recipe. A few reasons I appreciate this air fryer salmon and think you should give it a try are:
A quick & easy-to-make dish that is perfect for hectic weeknights
It provides an excellent source of heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids
No grease or oil is involved in the cooking process
A versatile dish that you can serve alone, toss in salads, or even as an ingredient in the viral Tik Tok sushi bake.
Easy clean-up (especially if you wrap your salmon filets or the bottom of your air fryer in aluminum foil)
What To Serve with Air-Fried Salmon
Since you will already be using your air fryer to prepare this meal, I recommend serving your salmon filets with delicious, easy-to-make air-fried vegetables.
I always find that asparagus and salmon go hand in hand, so I enjoy pairing this dish with yummy air-fried Parmesan asparagus, which is just as straightforward to make as this air fryer salmon recipe. The asparagus turns out
Some other side dishes I would recommend are air-fried Brussels sprouts and air fried smashed potatoes. Both of these sides are flavorful, come out equally as crispy as the air-fried salmon filets, and are super easy to make in the air fryer!
For readers who want to cook your sides simultaneously, feel free to boil some fresh vegetables on the stovetop or oven-roast them to create a similar effect to what you would find using the air fryer. Then, you can serve your air fryer salmon and side dish together.
Step-by-step video tutorial
If you want a video on how exactly to make Air Fried Salmon, just watch this YouTube video!
Air Fried Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large salmon filets
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 lemon, juice on top
Instructions
- Wash and pat your salmon filets dry with a paper towel.
- Using a spoon, spread a generous amount of Dijon mustard over each salmon filet (don’t forget to rub the sides, too!).
- Sprinkle an even coating of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the salmon for approximately 12 to 15 minutes (the size of your salmon filets impacts the overall cooking time).
- Remove your salmon from the air fryer and let the cooked filets rest for about five minutes.
- Drizzle each filet with lemon juice before serving, and enjoy!
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