Air Fryer Salmon
This is our fastest weeknight dinner: salmon fillets brushed with a simple garlic herb butter and air fried until golden on top and tender inside. Pair it with a salad or rice and dinner is on the table in under 20 minutes.
Updated
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 12 mins
- Total Time
- 17 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
Air Fryer Salmon at a glance
To cook salmon in the air fryer, brush 4 fillets (about 150 g each) with melted butter mixed with garlic, paprika, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Air fry skin-side down at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes, without flipping, until the fish flakes easily. Cook fish to an internal temperature of 70°C (158°F).
- Total time
- 17 mins
- Calories
- 320 per serving
- Protein
- 34 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Equipment
Air fryer · Small bowl · Pastry brush · Instant-read thermometer
Quick Directions
- 1
Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- 2
Season the salmon
Stir the melted butter with the garlic, paprika, lemon zest, dill, salt and pepper.
- 3
Air fry
Place the fillets skin-side down in the basket with space between them.
- 4
Serve
Rest for 2 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer salmon.
- 1
Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. Pat the salmon dry with paper towel.
- 2
Season the salmon
Stir the melted butter with the garlic, paprika, lemon zest, dill, salt and pepper. Brush it generously over the top and sides of each fillet.
- 3
Air fry
Place the fillets skin-side down in the basket with space between them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes without flipping, until the top is golden and the thickest part flakes easily with a fork. For fully cooked fish, check for 70°C (158°F) in the centre.
- 4
Serve
Rest for 2 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Recipe Tips
- Choose fillets of similar thickness so they finish at the same time.
- Thin fillets (under 2.5 cm) may need only 7 minutes; thick centre-cut pieces may need 11-12.
- Line the basket with a perforated parchment liner if your salmon tends to stick.
Variations
- Brush with 2 tbsp maple syrup mixed with 1 tbsp soy sauce for maple glazed salmon (use tamari to keep it gluten-free).
- Swap the paprika for Cajun seasoning.
- Top with a spoonful of pesto right after cooking.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated fat | 6 g |
| Fibre | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months; it is best flaked into salads or pasta after thawing.
- Reheat
- Reheat at 150°C (300°F) for 4-5 minutes, or enjoy cold over a salad.
Air Fryer Salmon FAQs
How long does salmon take in the air fryer?
About 8-10 minutes at 200°C (400°F) for fillets around 2.5 cm thick. Thinner fillets take 7 minutes; thicker pieces can take up to 12.
Do I need to flip salmon in the air fryer?
No. Cook it skin-side down without flipping. The hot air browns the top, and the fillet is less likely to break apart.
What temperature should salmon be cooked to?
Cook fish to an internal temperature of 70°C (158°F). At that point the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes. Rinse off any ice, pat dry, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 7 minutes, then brush with the butter and cook another 6-8 minutes until it flakes and reaches 70°C (158°F).
