This air fryer salmon recipe is fresh fish fillets topped with a homemade spice rub , then cooked to golden brown perfection. A quick and easy dinner option that is on the table in just 15 minutes!

I try to serve seafood at least once a week, and in my house, salmon is always a hit. My family enjoys honey glazed salmon , blackened salmon , and this simple but satisfying air fryer version. Serve your salmon with some fabulous side dishes, or on top of Greek couscous bowls for a healthy meal.

A plate of air fryer salmon fillets garnished with lemon and herbs. - 1

When I need dinner in a hurry, I turn to super fast recipes like this air fryer salmon recipe. It takes just minutes to prep and cook salmon. It produces perfect results each and every time.

I love to use my air fryer. Along with this salmon recipe some of my favorite air fryer recipes are air fryer chicken breast , air fryer French fries and air fryer shrimp .

  • Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients
  • How Do You Make Air Fryer Salmon?
  • Tips For The Perfect Dish
  • Quick Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Air Fryer Salmon Flavor Variations
  • More Salmon Recipes To Try
  • Air Fryer Salmon Video
  • Love This Recipe?
  • Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Ingredients

To make this air fryer salmon recipe make sure you have salmon fillets, brown sugar, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, olive oil and parsley.

Salmon fillets and bowls of herbs, spices and olive oil. - 2

How Do You Make Air Fryer Salmon?

Start by mixing brown sugar with spices to make a sweet and savory rub. Coat the salmon fillets in the rub on all sides, then place the fish skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, then serve with lemon wedges.

A spice blend in a bowl with a spoon. - 3

Tips For The Perfect Dish

  • Choose salmon fillets that are similar in size and shape so that they cook through at the same rate.
  • It only takes a few minutes to mix up the spice blend . If you’re in a hurry, you can use your favorite store bought BBQ rub or spice mix. I often make a double batch of the spices so that I have some on hand for next time.
  • You can add some vegetables to the air fryer to cook along with the salmon. Some great choices include brussels sprouts, carrots, asparagus and broccoli. If you’re using asparagus or broccoli you’ll want to add them halfway through the cook time.
  • Serve your salmon over cilantro lime rice or cream cheese mashed potatoes , with vegetables on the side. If you’re watching your carbs, you can also use cauliflower mashed potatoes or zucchini noodles .

Quick Tip

I go for fresh wild salmon whenever possible. If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure you thaw it completely and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.

Spice crusted salmon fillets in an air fryer. - 4

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer. I recommend fish fillets such as tilapia, salmon, halibut or swordfish. The most important aspect of cooking fish in an air fryer is to watch the time carefully to make sure it does not overcook.

Salmon in the air fryer usually takes 8-10 minutes to cook at 400 degrees F.

The best temperature to cook salmon is 400 degrees F so that the salmon cooks quickly but stays tender and flaky.

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A piece of air fryer salmon served with couscous and green - 5

Air Fryer Salmon Flavor Variations

While this dish is great as-is, you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.

  • Garlic and Herbs: Use half the amount of brown sugar and spices, and mix the spice blend with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning . Coat the salmon with the oil and spice mixture then air fry.
  • Salsa: Top your finished salmon with a spoonful of pico de gallo , pineapple salsa , mango salsa , or salsa verde .
  • Teriyaki: Make teriyaki salmon by seasoning the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Spoon 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce over the salmon, then cook.
  • Cajun: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning to the spice mix, then follow the recipe as directed.

I make this air fryer salmon recipe almost every week because it’s just so good and versatile! I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as mine does.

More Salmon Recipes To Try

A platter of miso salmon fillets topped with sesame seeds and green onions. - 6

Miso Salmon

40 mins

A salmon foil packet that can be baked or grilled with seasoned salmon and fresh vegetables. - 7

Salmon Foil Packets

30 mins

Pan seared salmon fillets in garlic butter sauce. - 8

Pan Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter

20 mins

Salmon salad made with seared salmon fillets, vegetables, avocado olives and feta cheese. - 9

Greek Salmon Salad

35 mins

Broiled salmon with lemon wedges and parsley for garnish. - 10

Broiled Salmon Fillets

20 mins

Air Fryer Salmon Video

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Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ▢ 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ▢ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ▢ 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • ▢ 1/8 teaspoon mustard powder
  • ▢ 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ▢ 1 1/4 pounds salmon fillets similar sized pieces
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • ▢ lemon wedges for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Place the brown sugar, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and mustard powder in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Brush the olive oil over all the sides of the salmon fillets, then rub the spice mixture into the salmon.
  • Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Cook for 8-10 minutes or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve, with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  1. Choose salmon fillets that are similar in size and shape so that they cook through at the same rate.
  2. I go for fresh wild salmon whenever possible. If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure you thaw it completely and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
  3. It only takes a few minutes to mix up the spice blend. If you’re in a hurry, you can use your favorite store bought BBQ rub or spice mix. I often make a double batch of the spices so that I have some on hand for next time.

Nutrition

This air fryer salmon is fresh fish fillets topped with a homemade spice rub, then cooked to golden brown perfection. - 11 A plate of air fryer salmon fillets garnished with lemon and herbs. - 12

Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/4 pounds salmon fillets similar sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • lemon wedges for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Place the brown sugar, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and mustard powder in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Brush the olive oil over all the sides of the salmon fillets, then rub the spice mixture into the salmon.
  • Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Cook for 8-10 minutes or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve, with lemon wedges if desired.

Video

Notes

  1. Choose salmon fillets that are similar in size and shape so that they cook through at the same rate.
  2. I go for fresh wild salmon whenever possible. If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure you thaw it completely and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
  3. It only takes a few minutes to mix up the spice blend. If you’re in a hurry, you can use your favorite store bought BBQ rub or spice mix. I often make a double batch of the spices so that I have some on hand for next time.

Nutrition