Air fryer salmon is my new favorite weeknight meal. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly delicious! Made with just a touch of oil and a blend of rich and flavorful spices, this salmon is so crispy and juicy! It has made me love eating healthier, and even my husband begs me to make it every week!
If there’s one appliance I truly love, it’s my air fryer! It makes my life so much easier and my meals so much healthier. I used so little oil in this air fryer salmon recipe– just enough to help the spices stick. The spice blend really does the heavy lifting here, adding so much flavor and creating a crispy crust on the outside of the fish. I love that I can have dinner on the table in just 20 minutes!
What’s in this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe?
- Spices: Oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder create the perfect blend of earthy, salty, smoky goodness!
- Salmon: I tested this recipe with salmon filets that were approximately 1 inch thick, 2 inches wide, and 6 inches long. Keep in mind that smaller pieces of salmon will cook more quickly and larger pieces may take longer.
- Oil: Olive oil helps the salmon brown and ensures that we get a crisp exterior and juicy interior. Feel free to swap the olive oil for your favorite cooking oil (grapeseed, avocado, etc.).
Tips for Success
- Make sure that the air fryer is fully pre heated before adding the salmon so that it cooks through evenly.
- To take the heat up a notch, add a few shakes of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
- While I recommend thawing frozen salmon before air frying it, if you’re in a hurry, you can place the frozen salmon fillets in the air fryer basket to defrost them at 360°F for 5 minutes.
- There’s absolutely no need to remove the skin from the salmon unless you want to. The salmon will still crisp up nicely with or without the skin. I always recommend placing the salmon skin side-down in the air fryer basket.
- If you don’t have an air fryer (get one!) you can still make this recipe in the oven or on the stovetop. The seasoning mix is so delicious so don’t miss out! You can pan-fry the spiced salmon in a little oil for about 4 minutes on each side, or bake it in the oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
- The easiest way to see if your salmon has finished cooking is to gently press down on the top of the fillet with a fork or your finger. If the flesh of the salmon flakes, it’s finished cooking. The proper internal temperature of cooked salmon is 145°F.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying. I always recommend enjoying leftover salmon cold, but you can also reheat it gently in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This seasoned air fryer salmon is great served with all of your favorite veggie, potato, or salad sides. I served mine on a bed of romaine lettuce and tomatoes with sweet and spicy salad dressing (pictured). Try yours with cucumber tomato salad, loaded scalloped potatoes, asparagus almondine, or Pennsylvania Dutch beans.
5-Star Review
“This was delicious, and very easy to follow. So much so I’m cooking it again.” -Joyce
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets skin-on (6-8 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk the oil, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder together.2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Brush the spice mixture on top of the salmon fillets.2 salmon fillets
- Set the salmon, skin side down, in the preheated air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-9 minutes depending on the size of the fillets.
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Air Fry Salmon Step by Step
Whisk the Spices: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon of ground paprika, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder together.
Coat the Salmon: Brush the spice mixture on top of 2 salmon fillets.
Cook the Salmon: Set the salmon, skin side down, in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-9 minutes depending on the size of the fillets.
Amazing flavor. No need for sauce. Thx
I tried this recipe and it turned out really good. What else can I add to the recipe? Thanks for the recipe.
Try serving it with cucumber tomato salad, loaded scalloped potatoes, asparagus almondine, or Pennsylvania Dutch beans!
This was delicious, and very easy to follow. So much so I’m cooking it again.
Thanks for sharing, Joyce!