There’s something about the way salmon transforms in the air fryer that feels almost magical. Crisp on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside—this air fryer salmon with olive oil hits that sweet spot between effortless and indulgent. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the fridge, wondering what could come together quickly yet still feel special, this one’s for you.
I remember the first time I tried it, in the middle of a hectic weekday evening. The clock was ticking, and I wasn’t sure if I’d have time to finish cooking before the phone started ringing again. I was juggling a few things, and maybe I didn’t quite dry the salmon as well as I should have—there was a tiny bit of steam escaping when I opened the air fryer basket. But that crisp olive oil crust? It made the slight rush totally worth it. The flavors soaked in just right, and the fish stayed juicy in a way that made me pause mid-bite. It wasn’t perfect, sure, but it was exactly what I needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s a quick fix for busy nights—ready in about 15 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
- The olive oil creates a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon.
- Minimal cleanup; just the air fryer basket to worry about.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, no complicated steps.
- The seasoning blend adds a smoky, garlicky depth without overpowering the fish.
If you’re hesitant about using an air fryer for salmon, don’t be. It’s surprisingly forgiving and really highlights the natural richness of the fish.
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Air Fryer Salmon with Olive Oil
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A simple and delicious air fryer salmon recipe that uses olive oil to create a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the fish tender and juicy inside. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Brush both sides of each salmon fillet evenly with extra virgin olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
Cook the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and transfer to serving plates.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a basic air fryer basket—nothing fancy—and it works just fine. Serving this with a squeeze of fresh lemon adds a bright contrast that feels fresh and lively. Sometimes I toss in a few asparagus spears or cherry tomatoes alongside the salmon; they roast beautifully in the same basket, but I haven’t tested every veggie combo yet. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley can change things up if you’re feeling a little adventurous, though honestly, the seasoning alone does most of the heavy lifting here.
FAQ
Can I cook frozen salmon fillets this way? I wouldn’t recommend it without thawing first; the texture might not be as even.
Do I have to use the skin-on fillets? Skin helps keep the fish moist and adds crispiness, but you could try skinless if that’s what you have on hand.
Is olive oil the best choice? It’s my favorite here for flavor and crisp, but you might experiment with other oils if you want a different twist.
Ready to give this air fryer salmon with olive oil a shot? It’s one of those meals that feels like a small win in a busy day—crispy, juicy, and quietly satisfying.