This Air Fryer Salmon is so flaky and scrumptious. You’ll love the delicious salmon rub that makes this recipe so flavorful!
If you want to add some sides to your salmon, you should try these tasty Air Fryer baked potato and air fryer asparagus.
Table Of Contents
Air Fryer Salmon Details
- Flavor– If you love the taste of baked salmon and seafood rub, this recipe has it all. Fresh fish, with brown sugar and smoked paprika salmon rub, gives it a smokey-sweet flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Texture– The outside of the salmon has a crisp crust and the inside has a moist and flaky texture that pairs incredibly well with crispy baby potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Ease– This recipe is insanely easy! All you need to do is season the fish, place it in the air fryer, and cook it. Thats it!
- Time– My salmon fillets were 6 ounces each and they took just under 1o minutes to cook. Also, there is almost no prep time so this recipe is super fast! The air fryer circulates hot air around the entire piece of fish, cooking it quickly without drying it.
Here’s What You’ll Need
- Oil- Olive oil is used to help the seasonings stick to the salmon fillets.
- Garlic- pressed garlic is sprinkled on top to bring out more flavor.
- Seasoning– Rub with Love Salmon Rub, which is a combination of paprika, thyme, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
How to make it
- Season the salmon. Season the salmon with olive oil, pressed garlic, salmon rub, and salt (to taste). To make your own salmon rub, combine 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
- Oil the air fryer basket/sheet. If you have an oven-type air fryer, line the baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. If it’s the basket air fryer, then just spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Cook. If you are using the oven air fryer then cook the salmon for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have the basket air fryer, then cook it on one side for 10 minutes, and then 7 more on the other side. Then serve your flaky air fryer salmon with a few lemon wedges or as is.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Salmon size– Choose pieces of salmon fillet that are similar in size so they cook evenly and finish baking at the same time.
- Pat it dry– make sure the fillets are blotted dry with a paper towel so that the spices adhere better.
- Check for doneness– insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fish to make sure it reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serving– this salmon is best served with starchy sides like creamy mashed potatoes or tortellini alfredo.
How To Know When Salmon Is Done?
The best way to tell if salmon is done is by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Salmon is done at 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, don’t worry! You can also tell by checking its color. Raw salmon is translucent and reddish. So when it’s cooked, it should turn into an opaque pink color. Near the end of the cooking time, it should be fully pink.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon?
Yes! You can place frozen (seasoned) salmon fillets into the preheated air fryer and cook the same way you would with fresh salmon. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure that the fish is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- Pesto Gnocchi
- Four Cheese Ravioli
- Garlic Parmesan air fryer potato wedges
- Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
More Air fryer recipes to try!
- Air fryer pork chops
- Easy shrimp
- Air fryer zucchini fries
- Crispy french fries
- Air fryer Bacon
- Steak bites
- Breaded Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer chicken thighs
- Crispy air fryer chicken wings
Recipe Video
Full Recipe Instructions
Air Fryer Salmon
This Flaky Air Fryer Salmon is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. You'll love the convenience and amazing flavors in this seafood recipe.
Print Pin Rate Servings: 2
Calories: 306kcal
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- 2 tsp rub with love salmon rub (or any other kind you like)
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Season your salmon fillets with olive oil, pressed garlic, salmon rub, and salt (to taste). I like this local salmon rub, but this salmon rub works well too. To make your own salmon rub, combine 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
- If you’re using an oven air fryer, line the bottom of the baking sheet with foil. If you’re using the basket type do not use foil. Instead, spray the bottom of it with nonstick spray.
- Bake the salmon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes if using an oven air fryer. If you’re using the basket type, cook for at least 12 minutes and add more time as needed. The cook time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet. The thicker the salmon, the longer it will take to air-fry. Always make sure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon is at least 145 degrees fahrehiet.
Notes
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Salmon size– Choose pieces of salmon fillet that are similar in size so they cook evenly and finish baking at the same time.
- Pat it dry– make sure the fillets are blotted dry with a paper towel so that the spices adhere better.
- Check for doneness– insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fish to make sure it reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serving– this salmon is best served with starchy sides like creamy mashed potatoes or tortellini alfredo.
Nutrition
Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 833mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe? Snap a photo of it and tag me on Instagram @simplyhomecooked or use the hashtag #simplyhomecooked so I can see it and feature it!
Hi, I’m Dina, so glad you stopped by! I believe life is too short for bad coffee and boring meals. With my easy to follow step-by-step recipes, you’ll be surprised at how quickly a wholesome and delicious meal can come together. I hope you find something you enjoy!
Latest posts by Dina (see all)
- Smoked Salmon Salad - May 31, 2023
- Garlic Aioli - May 30, 2023
- Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad - May 27, 2023
Aura says
I loved this recipe! The salmon was gourmet-perfect! The skin was crispy, the top was golden, and the inside was moist and tender. It couldn’t be better! My son and daughter-in-law love salmon, and they are going to buy an air fryer to make your recipe. Thank you for sharing, you just made me love my air fryer even more!
simplyhomecooked says
Yay! That’s so awesome to hear! It really makes me happy when people really love my recipes so much 🙂 Awesome that your whole family loved this air fryer salmon recipe 🙂 I really love my air fryer! Thank you so much for your feedback and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Joy says
Thanks so much for the recipe, I made up the spice rub and put it on my salmon tonight and also put some on a butternut squash before I roasted it, and they both came out delicious. Thanks again.
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you so much for your feedback and support Joy! It makes me very happy when people love my recipes! I hope this salmon recipe becomes a repeat recipe in your home 🙂 Thank you again for taking the time to leave your awesome feedback 🙂
Joanne says
Doesn’t lining the shelf with foil kind of defeat one of the advantages of the air fryer, letting the hot air circulate all around the fish? I mean isn’t that why all the air fryers come with those open mesh-like shelves?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Joanne 🙂 I used my oven air fryer for this recipe and it has a baking sheet for it. So the foil was just for easy cleanup. If you use a basket air fryer then you don’t want to cover the holes. Hope that helps clarify 🙂
Dave C says
Very clear instructions, good speaking voice, authentic speaker. Will try this.
simplyhomecooked says
You are too kind Dave! I hope you love this air fryer salmon! Let me know how it goes 🙂
Michelle, Texas says
Made this for lunch with Spanish rice. Hubby loved it! Super easy, did it exactly as instructed and it was perfectly cooked. I have the Ninja Foodie Air Fryer.
simplyhomecooked says
Yay! So happy to hear you and your hubby loved this air fryer salmon! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your awesome feedback! I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Jesse M. Roberge says
I was not expecting much from this recipe since I always have my salmon with a sauce and never used an air fryer before… This was heaven on a plate, perfect high end restaurant quality PERIOD! Just don’t over cook it and use an instant read thermometer and take it out @145f 🤩🤩🤩😍😍😍😍
simplyhomecooked says
You are too kind Jesse! That is so awesome that this air fryer salmon exceeded your expectations 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback! I really appreciate it 🙂
Nancy Caldwell says
I reinvented your recipe a tad. I used old bay seasoning, brown sugar and onion powder.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Nancy 🙂 The beauty of cooking is that you can adjust recipes so easily to preference. Glad that you enjoyed this air fryer salmon recipe 🙂
Juan Ruben Santos says
Tried it and was delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
simplyhomecooked says
You are very welcome Juan! It really makes me so happy when people love my recipes! Glad to hear you loved this air fryer salmon 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to leave your awesome feedback and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
LIEN NGO says
Thank you so much Dina for sharing your great recipe. Today is the first time I am able to grill the salmon with my air fryer following your instructions. May I have a question: if I want the slice of salmon to be crispy, how long do I have to bake it and do I have to turn over the other side of salmon? Thank you again.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Lien, I am glad you loved the air fryer salmon! If you want the salmon to have a crispier exterior, you would need to be more generous with the oil and possibly cook it at a higher temperature. I am afraid if you cook too long, the salmon will be overdone though. I have never tried this myself so I can’t give exact temperature and time.
Angie says
Thank you for making the distinction between the type of air fryer. I always have to guess how long to cook recipes. Not sure what type of air fryer is being used. I haven’t tried the recipe yet but I know it will be tasty!!
simplyhomecooked says
You are very welcome Angie! Glad this air fryer salmon recipe was able to help clarify your questions. I hope you love this recipe 🙂
Gregg says
Hi, thank you for this recipe. I am new to the air fryer and new to cooking.
The salmon was moist and very flavorful. I look forward to trying many more
of your recipes.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Gregg 🙂 So happy that you loved this air fryer salmon! I hope you continue with cooking and love it! Especially with your air fryer 🙂 Thank you so much for your awesome review! I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Kiara says
Did you use wild caught or farm raised salmon?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Kiara 🙂 You can use either salmon for this recipe. Wild caught salmon is better but it also costs more. I hope you love this air fryer salmon recipe 🙂
J. Roberts says
Excellent recipe. However, if you have a Air Fryer/Grill (like a Ninja Foodi), please don’t use Pam sprays or the like, It ruins the finish & coating on the basket, etc. Use a sprayer with real oil or just paper towel oil all over your pans.
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you! I’m so happy to hear you loved this air fryer salmon! I actually recommend buying a mister bottle and using good quality oil in it. Unfortunately, most people don’t have that. Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback, I really appreciate it 🙂 I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my food blog 🙂
Marie says
This turned out amazing.. huge hit.. i was worried it would dry out but it didnt. Very happy family.. lol
simplyhomecooked says
So happy to hear that Marie! I am always happy when people love my recipes 🙂 Glad to hear that your entire family loved this air fryer salmon 🙂 Thank you for your feedback and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog!
LaDonna says
I used this recipe today for a quick lunch & it was amazing! Thank you for sharing!
simplyhomecooked says
You are very welcome LaDonna! So happy that you loved this air fryer salmon 🙂 Thank you for your awesome feedback and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog! 🙂
Maureen says
Hi this sounds amazing but what are the amounts of paprika, thyme, brown sugar and pepper you use for your rub?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Maureen, I don’t have exact proportions since it’s a pre-mixed rub. Here is an affiliate link to the salmon rub 🙂 https://amzn.to/2XRd9zK
Lyncca says
Hi! I’m need to the air fryer so this may be a silly question. Do you skin the salmon before cooking? I’ve only cooked it in the oven and you cook it skin down. Thank you!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Lyncca, I usually buy salmon that already has the skin removed. But if you don’t want to hassle with removing it, you can cook it skin side down 🙂
Carrie says
I’ve never cooked fish before, but really wanted to try. This recipe was really easy to follow and it turned out so amazing! It was really easy to make and was a huge hit!
simplyhomecooked says
I’m so happy to hear Carrie! Glad that you loved this air fryer salmon 🙂 Thank you so much for your feedback and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Danielle says
I don’t care for salmon but my husband loves it and it’s an A+ food for his new diet. I bought a pack of frozen Salmon at Sam’s. Advice on thawing or cooking frozen?? I know it’s probably a no-no!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Danielle, I am so glad you found this recipe 🙂 I have never tried cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer, but I have heard people having success with it! So it’s not a totally crazy idea! Just make sure to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes prior to placing the frozen salmon inside. It may also need a little longer cook time as well. I hope this helps!
Christal Prout says
What air fryer do you recommend?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Cristal, I use a Gourmia air fryer. Here is a link to it- https://amzn.to/3mofpc8
Hope you get a chance to try this air fryer salmon recipe 🙂