Sometimes, the simplest meals become the ones you crave most. This air fryer salmon fillet with skin on is exactly that—quick, satisfying, and just a little bit special. When the urge for a wholesome dinner hits but you don’t want to fuss for hours, this recipe steps in like a friendly shortcut. The first time I made this, I was distracted by a phone call halfway through prepping, so I wasn’t sure how the timing would turn out. Yet, when I lifted the basket, the skin was perfectly crisp, the salmon juicy and flaky. It was one of those rare wins that felt like luck but really came from the magic of the air fryer. The scent of garlic and paprika mingled with the bright zing of lemon made it impossible not to dive right in.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s quick: from start to table in about 15 minutes, which is a life-saver on hectic days.
- The skin crisps up beautifully without any greasy mess—thanks to the air fryer’s magic.
- The seasoning is simple but packs a punch, letting the salmon’s natural flavor shine.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just real, honest cooking.
- Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so there’s a little room to get it exactly how you like it.
If you’re new to cooking salmon this way, don’t worry about getting it perfect the first time. The air fryer is forgiving, and the crispy skin is always a nice reward. Plus, leftovers reheat well, so you’re set for an easy lunch the next day.
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Air Fryer Salmon Fillet Skin On
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly cooked salmon fillets with crispy skin using an air fryer. This method ensures tender, juicy salmon with a deliciously crisp skin in just minutes.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, 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 fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and 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, 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 is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The skin should be crispy.
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using a spatula.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
This recipe is forgiving when it comes to equipment—you don’t need anything fancy beyond your trusty air fryer. I usually serve the salmon with a simple green salad or roasted veggies, but it’s also great on a bed of rice or quinoa. For a little twist, you could try swapping paprika for smoked chili powder or adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs after cooking; I haven’t tested all of these variations, but they sound promising. If you’re feeling adventurous, a quick brush of honey or a drizzle of soy sauce before cooking might add a different dimension, though it might affect skin crispiness slightly.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen salmon fillets? It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking and crispier skin.
Do I need to flip the salmon? No, cooking skin-side down lets the air fryer do its job without flipping.
How do I know when it’s done? The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still feel moist inside.
Ready to try something that feels a little special but takes almost no time? Give this air fryer salmon a go—you might be surprised how often it ends up on your weekly rotation.