If you’re looking for a fast, foolproof way to cook salmon that turns out tender in the center with beautifully crisp edges, this Air-Fryer Salmon is about to become your new go-to recipe. Ready in just minutes, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy nights, healthy meals, or anytime you want something delicious without fuss. The air fryer keeps the salmon juicy while giving it a gorgeous golden finish. Simple, clean, and incredibly effective.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes — the air fryer makes cooking unbelievably quick.
- Perfect texture every time — flaky, moist salmon with lightly crisp skin.
- Made with simple pantry staples — just salmon, olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper.
- Easy to customize — add tomatoes, herbs, spices… or keep it completely minimal.
- Great for any occasion — weeknight dinners, healthy meal prep, or effortless entertaining.
What sets this version apart is its technique: no marinade, no complicated prep—just clean flavors and flawless results every time. It’s comforting, bright, fresh, and surprisingly impressive for such an easy recipe.
Ingredients Needed
For the Salmon
- Two 6-oz (170 g) salmon fillets
– fresh or thawed (see tip for frozen), skin-on or skinless - Olive oil
– just enough to coat the fillets - Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1 lemon
– half thinly sliced, half reserved for serving - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
– whole or halved - 1 tablespoon olive oil
– to coat the tomatoes and lemon slices
How to Make Air-Fryer Salmon
Step 1 — Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model recommends it.
A hot basket helps the salmon sear quickly, preventing sticking and improving texture.
Step 2 — Season the Salmon & Prep the Garnish
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
➝ Removing moisture ensures crispier skin and better browning. - Brush the fillets with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- If using the optional garnish:
- Slice half the lemon into thin rounds.
- Toss the lemon slices and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add a pinch of salt and mix to coat.
Step 3 — Cook the Salmon
- Place the salmon in the basket, skin-side down if applicable.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top and scatter tomatoes around the fillets.
- Air fry 5–7 minutes until the skin lightly crisps.
- Flip the fillets and cook 4–6 more minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze the remaining lemon half over the salmon before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil or add fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives).
- Serve over rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, green salad, or crispy potatoes.
- For a more elegant presentation, plate the salmon over the roasted lemon slices.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended—cooked salmon can lose moisture.
Reheating
- Air fryer: 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Microwave: heat in short 20-second intervals to avoid overcooking.
Helpful Notes
- If using frozen salmon, thaw fully in the refrigerator for the best texture.
- Seasonings that work well: smoked paprika, garlic powder, herbes de Provence, chili flakes.
- Add a small pat of butter on top before cooking for richer flavor.
- Thicker fillets may need 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time.
- Serving idea: pair with a lemon-garlic yogurt sauce or homemade pesto.
Air-Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if required by your model. A hot basket helps achieve crisp edges and prevents sticking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- If using the garnish, slice half the lemon and toss the slices and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if applicable. Arrange lemon slices on top and scatter tomatoes around the fillets.
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes until the skin begins to crisp. Flip the salmon and cook 4–6 more minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze the remaining half lemon over the salmon before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
This Air-Fryer Salmon checks every box: fast, healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy. In just a few minutes, you get perfectly cooked salmon—juicy inside, lightly crisp outside, and brightened with fresh lemon and roasted tomatoes. It’s the ideal recipe for anyone who wants a wholesome, delicious meal without any hassle.
If you try it, leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating—it makes all the difference!
Share your plate on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social platform.
And tell us: What variation did you try? Spices? Herbs? Extra veggies? We’d love to hear!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer?
You can, but thawing first ensures more even cooking and better texture.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125–130°F (51–54°C) for medium.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! Zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, and green beans all work well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — completely gluten-free as written.
Should I leave the skin on?
You can—it protects the fillet and becomes lightly crisp in the air fryer.
Why did my salmon turn out dry?
It was likely overcooked. Reduce cook time or check the salmon earlier.