Description
This Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe offers a quick and healthy way to prepare perfectly flaky and flavorful salmon fillets. Coated with a simple seasoning blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, the salmon is air fried to tender perfection in just minutes. Ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner, this salmon pairs beautifully with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for an extra burst of zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tartar sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature for salmon.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better crust during cooking.
- Apply Olive Oil: Rub each salmon fillet evenly with olive oil to keep the fish moist and to help the seasonings adhere.
- Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Season the Salmon: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the salmon fillets, ensuring each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket skin-side down, making sure they do not touch, which allows air to circulate properly for even cooking.
- Cook the Salmon: Air fry the salmon for 7 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Serve the salmon immediately with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side to complement the flavors.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your specific air fryer model.
- For crispier skin, you can cook a couple of minutes longer or increase temperature slightly but watch closely to avoid drying out the fish.
- Feel free to substitute the seasonings with your favorite herbs or spices, such as dill or smoked paprika.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and proper air circulation.
