Sometimes, the day slips away faster than expected, and suddenly you’re staring at the clock wondering how to get dinner on the table without a fuss. That’s when this air fryer salmon becomes a quiet hero in the kitchen. I remember the last time I made it, the air was filled with this gentle, smoky aroma that teased the senses—paprika and garlic blending in a way that made me almost forget the chaos of the day. I was halfway through prepping when my phone buzzed, pulling my attention for just a moment, and that slight distraction made me second-guess the seasoning. But when the salmon came out, crispy just where I wanted it and tender beneath, it was all worth it.
It’s funny how simple things can feel so satisfying when time is tight and you want something more than just a rushed bite. The crispy skin crackling as I cut into the juicy flesh, the faint hint of citrus from the lemon wedge… I almost forgot to snap a picture because I was too eager to dig in.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick enough for busy nights, but with flavors that don’t feel rushed.
- The air fryer gives the salmon a crisp skin that’s oddly addictive, even if you’re not usually a skin person.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or waiting around.
- Because it cooks so fast, there’s always a bit of suspense about whether it’s perfectly done, but that’s part of the fun.
If you’re wondering whether this recipe fits your routine, it really does. It’s a no-fuss way to feel like you’re treating yourself on a weeknight without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Air Fryer Salmon
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly cooked salmon using an air fryer. This method yields tender, flaky salmon with a crispy exterior in just minutes.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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.
Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
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: Using the air fryer means you don’t need to heat up the oven or stand over a pan. I usually just use the basket that came with mine, and it works like a charm. When serving, a simple side of roasted veggies or a quick salad feels just right, but you could also toss some quinoa or rice on the side if you want something heartier. Sometimes, I try swapping paprika for smoked chili powder or adding a drizzle of honey before cooking — I haven’t tested all these variations, but they’ve made the flavor feel a bit different each time.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon fillets? I usually recommend thawing them first for even cooking, but if you’re in a pinch, you might increase the cooking time slightly.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake it in the oven, though the skin won’t be quite as crispy.
How do I know when the salmon is done? It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature around 145°F.
Ready to make dinner that feels effortless but impressive? Let this air fryer salmon show you just how easy that can be.