Some nights, the idea of cooking dinner feels like a chore you want to skip, but your stomach refuses to cooperate. That’s exactly when this air fryer baked salmon comes in clutch. It’s fast, fuss-free, and somehow manages to feel like a treat even if you’re grabbing it between emails or after a long day. The crispy edges and tender inside make each bite worth savoring, and the lemon adds just enough brightness to keep things fresh.
I remember the first time I tried this recipe. I was juggling a million things, and honestly, I forgot to set the timer properly — I think I let it cook a minute or two longer than I meant to. But even with that slight overcook, it came out flaky with a nice crispness on the outside. The aroma filled the kitchen in that way that makes you pause and actually look forward to dinner. I wasn’t even aiming for perfection, but somehow it worked out perfectly for a relaxed weeknight.
- It’s quick — under 20 minutes from start to finish, which means less time stressing and more time eating.
- The salmon ends up tender and flaky inside with a crispy skin, which feels like a small win for healthy cooking.
- The seasoning is simple and approachable, so you don’t have to hunt down fancy spices.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy equipment beyond the air fryer.
If you’re a little wary of overcooking fish in an air fryer, this recipe is forgiving enough to handle those occasional timing hiccups. Plus, leftovers reheat surprisingly well if you want to prep ahead.
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Air Fryer Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for perfectly baked 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, sliced
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 in a single layer.
Place lemon slices on top of each fillet.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 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 serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Don’t worry if you don’t have any fancy gadgets beyond the air fryer itself. All you truly need is that and maybe a plate to serve on. For dinner, I usually pair this with a quick side salad or some steamed green beans—keeps things light but satisfying. I’ve tried swapping the lemon slices for a bit of fresh dill or even a sprinkle of chili flakes when I want a little kick, but the classic lemon and simple seasoning always wins out.
Sometimes I’ve wondered if baking it a bit longer at a lower temp might help when the fillets are extra thick, but honestly, I haven’t tested that enough to swear by it. You might like it that way, though!
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon? I usually recommend thawing it first for the best even cooking, but you could try cooking from frozen—just expect it to take a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? This recipe is designed for the air fryer, but you could bake salmon in the oven with similar seasoning—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is the skin necessary? The skin crisps up nicely and helps keep the salmon moist; you can remove it after cooking if you prefer.
Give this a try next time you want a quick, satisfying dinner without the fuss. It might become your go-to on busy nights.