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.
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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
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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!
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jessica says
Hello, I’m a little bit worried that the salmon will turn out dry. Also can you please share the model number of your Cuisinart air fyer oven? Thanks
Dina says
Hi Jessica, I have made this salmon quite a few times and have never had any issues with it being dry. But that ultimately depends on the thickness of your salmon fillet. So the best way to check its doneness is by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon and it should read at least 145 degrees Fº. I hope that helps. Also here is the oven air fryer I use 🙂
R. Riley says
Excellent! I love the rub😋 The seasoning pairs wonderfully with the salmon. Thank you!
Dina says
Thank you so much for taking the time to write your kind feedback! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed this rub recipe!
Ellen says
Made this tonight, VERY GOOD! made it in my Ninja Foodi, which I absolutley love!!! Also served it with air fried delicata squash. Delish!!!! Thanks for recipe!!!
Dina says
You are very welcome Ellen! Very excited to hear you loved this salmon recipe so much! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback! I hope you find more recipes to enjoy on my food blog! 🙂
Gay Attebury says
I need to remember to cook in 8 min and turn my machine down to 390. Great recipe! I used Copper River Salmon which has less fat.
Dina says
Glad to hear you loved this air fryer salmon! The cook time will change based on the size of the fish. Glad to hear you have it figured out for your fish! Thank you for your feedback! 🙂
Joe P. says
Made this tonight. OMFG it was probably the most amazing salmon i’ve ever had. Used a 1-lb fillet and quartered it, used the rest of the recipe as is. 5 stars without hesitation. The rub was totally amazing and added so much to the flavor. This recipe is a keeper for sure!
Dina says
That is amazing Joe! I am so happy to hear that you loved this air fryer salmon so much! Thank you for taking the time to write your awesome feedback!
Tom says
This was the best salmon I have ever had in my life, I am blown away by how good it was! I usually bake or pan fry but this is WAY better and easier to clean up than the pan. This had the perfect crispiness, still juicy and great seasonings. Thank you! I must say I didn’t use brown sugar but I did use some chipotle lime seasoning I have instead.
Dina says
You are too kind Tom!! That is the nicest review someone can get! It truly makes me happy to hear you loved this air fryer salmon so much! I truly appreciate you taking the time to leave your awesome feedback! I hope you find many more air fryer recipes (or any recipes) to enjoy from my blog! 🙂
Beverly Sandock says
Quick and easy and tasty.
Dina says
Thank you, Beverly! Happy to hear you loved this air fryer salmon recipe! Thank you for your feedback! 🙂
John Herbst says
I made this for dinner last night. It tasted so good wound up eating 3 filets. I am making some more tonight. Thanks for the recipe. My new goto recipe.
Dina says
Wow that is so awesome John! Thank you for taking the time to write your kind feedback 😊
Richard says
I would like to have the recipe to make my own Rub With Love seasons
Dina says
Hi Richard, the recipe for your own Rub With Love seasoning is written in the recipe. Here is are the measurements in case you missed it. combine 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar
James says
Once I made this salmon, there was no need to prepare it any other way. I shared the recipe with my sister, and she feels the same way. It is perfect every time and a great standby dinner. Thanks for sharing this delicious, easy recipe.
Dina says
Thank you so much for sharing your kind feedback with me James! I really appreciate it!
TerryF says
Cooked in basket fryer for 10 minutes and it was almost 20 degrees overcooked.
Dina says
There is a good chance that your salmon fillet was very thin and cooked a lot faster than normal. That is why I always say to check the internal temperature of the fish with a meat thermometer for proper cooking.
Greg says
Great recipe! This is my second round using the thyme, paprika, brown sugar rub. 12 minutes air fryer. So easy, great taste.
Thanks for the recipe.
Greg
Dina says
You are very welcome Greg! Very happy to hear you loved this air fryer salmon and the rub! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback 🙂
Sara Divoky says
How do you get it to look so browned? Everything I cook comes out super crispy but with no color.
Dina says
Hi Sara 🙂 Did you use the same spice rub? I put a pretty generous layer of spices so that helps with the color. Hope that helps 🙂 I hope you loved this air fryer salmon recipe! 🙂
Cheryl H says
This salmon is super easy and delicious. I used the “make your own rub” in the recipe and it was perfect. Cooked mine 7-8 minutes for 5 fillets (We don’t like our salmon well done). I have actually made this several times now and I love how delicious and easy it is. Especially since I usually smoke my salmon! Thanks for the recipe!
Dina says
You are very welcome Cheryl! It makes me so happy when people love my recipes! 🙂 Glad that you loved the rub for this salmon as well! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback 🙂
Renae says
I didn’t get to use all the ingredients listed but the time and temp recommendations along with the other suggestions were perfect. I have the pin saved for future use.
Dina says
Thank you, Renae 🙂
Kelly says
OMG this was ridiculously delicious.
Thanks it is now in my rotation
Dina says
Thank you so much, Kelly! I really appreciate you taking the time to write your feedback! 🙂
Ann says
Use this recipe all the time. Love love the ease and flavor. I will keep making this recipe.
Dina says
So happy to hear that Ann! This really is an easy and delicious way to make salmon in the air fryer! Thank you for your feedback and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog to enjoy! 🙂
Michael says
I’m just getting started with my air fryer and this is the first real recipe I tried. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. A nice subtle sweet and salty flavor made the salmon perfect. ⁶Thanks!
Dina says
Yay! Awesome that the first recipe was a success, Michael! Happy that you loved this air fryer salmon recipe and that the spices were perfect! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such an awesome review! I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Linda Wood says
I’ve never cooked salmon at home but this recipe in the air fryer is so easy and delicious! Thank you for sharing!!!!
Dina says
I am so glad you loved this air fryer salmon, Linda! Thank you for taking the time to write your kind recipe review 🙂
Manuela Valencia says
Love how all of the flavors of the “salmon rub” blend so well and make this the perfect salmon. Thank you for sharing, I will always make my salmon this way. Even my picky eater 11 year old loved it 🙂
Dina says
Wow that’s so awesome Manuela! I am glad to hear that you and your picky 11-year-old enjoyed this salmon recipe 🙂