There’s something about that moment when you open the air fryer and catch a whiff of perfectly cooked salmon. The skin crackles just enough, teasing you before you even take a bite, and the flesh inside is tender, almost melting in your mouth. I remember one evening, distracted by a phone call, I almost forgot the salmon was in there. Luckily, it didn’t overcook. Instead, it came out beautifully balanced—crispy outside, juicy inside, with just a hint of smoky paprika and garlic lingering on my tongue. It wasn’t flawless timing, but it was close enough to feel like a little win in the kitchen.
Sometimes I don’t measure the spices perfectly, or I’m rushing to get dinner on the table, but this recipe is forgiving. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy, yet it’s so straightforward that even a distracted cook like me can pull it off.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s fast—ready in about 15 minutes, which means less waiting and more eating.
- The salmon comes out flaky and tender with a crispy skin, a texture combo that’s hard to beat.
- It’s healthy without feeling like a chore; just simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, no fuss, just good salmon.
If you’re worried about overcooking or uneven texture, don’t be. This method is pretty forgiving, especially if you keep an eye on the time and temperature.
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Air Fryer Salmon Filet
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A simple and healthy air fryer salmon filet recipe that delivers perfectly cooked, tender, and flaky salmon with a crispy exterior in just minutes.
Ingredients
2 salmon filets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of each salmon filet with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon filets.
Place the salmon filets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Carefully remove the salmon filets from the air fryer using a spatula.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Kitchen Notes: Using an air fryer makes this salmon surprisingly easy to handle. You don’t need fancy equipment—just your basic air fryer basket. I usually serve this with a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad, something fresh to balance the richness. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a nice twist. I haven’t tested all the spice mixes, but paprika and garlic powder seem to work best for that subtle smoky flavor. Also, if you’re cooking for more people, just make sure the filets aren’t crowded in the basket—it helps keep that crispiness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon? It’s best to thaw the salmon first for even cooking, but if you’re in a hurry, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time and keep an eye on it.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Oven roasting works too, though you might lose a bit of that crispy skin magic.
How do I know when it’s done? The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, flaky flesh is a good visual clue.
Give this air fryer salmon filet a try next time you want something that feels a little special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Save it, print it, or just dive right in—you’re in for a treat.