Crispy air fryer salmon, oh, the memories this dish evokes! Growing up, my grandmother always made pan fried salmon, and the aroma would fill the entire house. This recipe for crispy air fryer salmon is a modern twist on that classic, delivering all the deliciousness with significantly less effort and a beautifully crispy skin. It’s a weeknight staple that feels special enough for company.
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Why You Will Love This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
This air fryer salmon recipe is a game changer! It’s incredibly easy and quick to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a healthy and delicious meal. The air fryer creates a salmon fillet with a perfectly crispy skin and a flaky, moist interior.
I love that this recipe is so versatile. You can easily customize the seasonings to your liking or pair it with your favorite sides. It’s a surefire way to impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with the air fryer! Preparing this air fried salmon fillet in the air fryer guarantees a tasty and healthy result.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy recipes! You can also find inspiration for side dishes that pair wonderfully with salmon.
Ingredients Needed for This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off, cut into 4 equal portions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
How to Make This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the salmon fillets with the spice mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down if using skin on fillets. Avoid overcrowding. You can check out this Crispy Air Fryer Salmon recipe for additional guidance on achieving perfect results.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If your air fryer tends to cook unevenly, flip the salmon halfway through.
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this fantastic air fried salmon fillet! Don’t forget to try it with Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans.
How to Serve This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
Crispy air fryer salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a quick and healthy meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the salmon.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, try serving it with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon adds a touch of freshness. Consider these delicious Cheesy Zucchini Air Fryer planks next to your salmon. And experiment with flavor combinations like dill and lemon or a spicy chili sauce.
How to Store This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
Allow the cooked salmon to cool completely before storing. Place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
When reheating refrigerated salmon, you can use the air fryer (at 350°F/175°C for a few minutes), the oven, or the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can dry out easily. Thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
- For extra crispy skin, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps remove excess moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the salmon from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon. Thicker fillets will require a longer cooking time.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to customize the flavor of your salmon.
Helpful Notes for This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
- Skin on or skin off? This recipe works well with either option. If using skin on fillets, be sure to place them skin side down in the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
- Smoked paprika adds a delicious smoky flavor, but you can substitute it with regular paprika or chili powder if desired.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the salmon, but you can also use lime juice or a different citrus fruit.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
Variation of This crispy air fryer salmon Recipe
- Honey Garlic Salmon: Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the spice mixture for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Lemon Herb Salmon: Use a combination of dried or fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives to season the salmon. Add more lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for a kick of heat.
- Maple Glazed Salmon: Brush the salmon with maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and caramelized glaze.
How long does it take to cook salmon in an air fryer?
Typically, air frying salmon takes between 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet and the temperature setting. Always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for doneness.
What temperature is best for cooking salmon in an air fryer?
The ideal temperature for cooking salmon in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky.
How do you keep salmon from drying out in the air fryer?
To prevent salmon from drying out, lightly brush it with oil before air frying and avoid overcooking it. Check the internal temperature regularly, and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, but it may require a longer cooking time. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Conclusion
This crispy air fryer salmon recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy healthy salmon any night of the week. It also provides a versatile base to get creative with herbs, spices, and flavors. We hope this recipe becomes a fast favorite for you! Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Crispy Air Fryer Salmon: The Easiest Recipe EVER!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy perfectly cooked salmon with crispy skin in minutes with this easy air fryer recipe. This healthy and delicious air fried salmon fillet is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off, cut into 4 equal portions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the salmon fillets with the spice mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down if using skin on fillets. Avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: air fryer, salmon, fish, healthy, easy, weeknight meal