# Air Fryer Salmon

> 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).

Source: https://www.savourrecipes.com/recipe/air-fryer-salmon
Author: Cookwithmrdots | Published: Jul 28, 2026 | Updated: Sep 12, 2026
Categories: Air Fryer Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes
Collections: Quick Weeknight Dinners, Spring Recipes
Tags: High Protein, Gluten Free, 30-Minute Meals, Low Calorie

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.

## Key facts

- Prep time: 5 mins
- Cook time: 12 mins
- Total time: 17 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Method: Air frying
- Calories: 320 per serving

## Ingredients

- 4 salmon fillets, about 150 g each, skin on
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp dried dill or Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- lemon wedges and fresh dill or parsley, for serving

## Equipment

- Air fryer
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
- Instant-read thermometer

## Instructions

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.

## 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.

## Storage

- 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.

## Nutrition per serving (estimate)

| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 34 g | 1 g | 20 g |

## Frequently asked questions

### 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).