Air Fryer Salmon
Salmon is one of those foods that feels both incredibly healthy and wonderfully indulgent. It’s packed with omega-3s, protein, and all sorts of good-for-you nutrients. But cooking it perfectly? That can feel a little intimidating. You want that flaky, moist interior and slightly crispy exterior, but it’s so easy to end up with a dry, overcooked fillet. Well, what if I told you the secret to flawless salmon every single time is sitting on your countertop?
Yes, we’re talking about the air fryer. This magical appliance isn’t just for reheating pizza or making crispy fries. It creates the perfect environment for cooking salmon, circulating hot air to cook it quickly and evenly. The result is an incredibly tender, juicy fillet with a beautifully browned top, all in less time than it takes for your oven to preheat. This method is so simple and fast, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Get ready to make the best salmon of your life with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is key here. We’re using just a few quality ingredients to let the flavor of the salmon shine.
- 4 x 7oz salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of one fresh lemon
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
This process is almost too easy. Here’s how to do it.
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, get your air fryer preheating to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. A properly preheated air fryer ensures the salmon starts cooking the moment it goes in, giving you a better, more even result.
2. Prep the Salmon
While the air fryer heats up, prepare your salmon. Take the fillets and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Removing the excess moisture is a non-negotiable step for getting that lovely, slightly crisp exterior.
3. Oil and Season
Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil. Then, season them generously with salt and black pepper, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Add a Burst of Freshness
Grate the zest from one fresh lemon directly over the top of the seasoned salmon fillets. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible. This little touch of citrus zest brightens up the entire dish and pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of the fish.
5. Time to Cook
Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, so if your fillets are large, you might need to cook them in two batches. Proper air circulation is the key to air frying success.
Cook the salmon for 7-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily when you press it with a fork.
6. Rest and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Serve your perfect air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. This final hit of fresh juice takes it to the next level.
Notes for Salmon Success
Keep these tips in mind to nail the recipe every time.
- Cooking Time Varies: The 7-10 minute cook time is a general guideline. Thicker fillets will need more time, while thinner ones might be done in as little as 6-7 minutes. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the time range.
- Preheating is Important: Don’t skip the preheat! Putting your salmon into a hot basket helps it cook evenly and prevents it from sticking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give your salmon fillets some personal space. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of roast, and you’ll miss out on that delicious texture. Cook in batches if you must.
- Customize Your Seasoning: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to add other herbs and spices to match your taste. A little dill, garlic powder, or smoked paprika would all be wonderful additions.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to know if your salmon is perfectly cooked is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for fish.
- Serving Suggestions: This air fryer salmon is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a side of roasted asparagus (which you can also make in the air fryer!), quinoa, a fresh green salad, or some fluffy rice for a complete and healthy meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- fresh lemon zest
- fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil.
- Season the fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated
- Grate the zest from the fresh lemon over the salmon fillets, distributing it evenly.
- Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve the air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish before enjoying.
