When the clock strikes dinner time and you’re juggling all the usual chaos, sometimes the thought of cooking feels like a mountain to climb. But then there’s this air fryer king salmon recipe that feels like a little victory. It’s simple, fast, and somehow turns out something that’s both light and indulgent—perfect for those evenings where you want a special meal without spending forever in the kitchen.
I remember the first time I tried this—my mind was partly on the kids’ homework and partly wondering if I’d remembered to defrost the fish. The salmon went into the air fryer, and while it cooked, I managed to sneak a quick break, staring out the window as the kitchen filled with that smoky paprika scent. When the timer beeped, the skin was crisp in all the right places, but the inside stayed tender and flaky. I wasn’t sure if I’d overcooked it because sometimes salmon can get dry, but this was just right. I squeezed a little lemon over the top, and that was it—simple, fresh, and exactly what dinner needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick and hands-off cooking means you can multitask or relax while dinner happens.
- The air fryer crisps up the salmon skin beautifully, which is surprisingly satisfying.
- The seasoning blend balances smoky and savory notes without overpowering the fish.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point—no complicated steps or fancy equipment required.
If you’re hesitant about cooking fish, this method takes a lot of guesswork away. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, and you get consistent results even if you don’t have the most precise timing down yet.
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Air Fryer King Salmon
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for perfectly cooked king salmon using an air fryer. This method yields tender, flaky salmon with a crispy exterior in just minutes.
Ingredients
2 king salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon 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
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the king salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with 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 in the air fryer basket skin-side down, making sure they do not overlap.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer 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 using a spatula.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
You don’t need anything special beyond an air fryer—no fancy pans or precise temperature probes. I usually serve this salmon with a quick green salad or some roasted veggies, but honestly, it pairs well with just about anything light. Sometimes I throw on a dab of herb butter if I’m feeling indulgent, though that’s totally optional. If you want to mix things up, a touch of chili powder or a drizzle of honey can shift the flavor profile a bit, but I haven’t tested all combinations thoroughly—sometimes less really is more.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon? I usually recommend thawing first for best texture, but you could try cooking from frozen with a slightly longer time—just check often.
What if my skin sticks? Make sure to pat it dry before cooking and brush on some oil. That usually helps crisp and release it nicely.
Is this good for meal prep? Definitely. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently in the air fryer to keep that crispness.
Ready to make something that feels like a treat on a busy night? Give this air fryer king salmon a try—it might just become your new go-to.