Name: Air Fryer Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon filets (about 4, three-inch wide pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

OurAir Fryer Salmonrecipe gives you buttery, tender salmon in a matter of minutes! If you are a fan of seafood but aren’t sure how to cook it then this recipe is for you.

Are you a fan of a well seasoned salmon filet but feel too inexperienced to cook one yourself? Our quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe takes all stress out of cooking seafood! With just a handful of ingredients and an air fryer you can have tender, perfectly cooked salmon in a matter of minutes.

Using an air fryer reduces the cook time and gives your salmon a delicious crust. The spice mix adds to the perfect amount of flavor to your buttery filets, giving you a low-cost, restaurant quality salmon dish in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Takes the complexity out of cooking fish.
Comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Can be customized with a variety of spices.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for this salmon recipe laid out on table

Salmon Filets—Either fresh or frozen.
Olive Oil—Or another high heat oil to help cook the fish.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning—A zesty, slightly sweet spice mix that pairs well with seafood dishes.
Garlic Powder—Adds a sharp savory flavor to balance the zest of the lemon pepper.

Popular Substitutions and Variations

Classic Lemon Garlic Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon:Marinate salmon in ateriyaki saucefor at least 30 minutes before air frying.
Honey Mustard Salmon:Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and a bit of soy sauce to create a glaze for the salmon.
Cajun-Style Salmon:Season salmon fillets with a Cajun spice blend for a flavorful kick.
Coconut-Crusted Salmon:Dip salmon fillets in beaten egg and coat them with shredded coconut.

How to Cook Air Fryer Salmon

Step #1.Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Drizzle the olive oil over your salmon filets and use a pastry brush or your hands to make sure each filet is evenly coated.

Step #2.Combine the lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the salmon.

Step #3.Transfer your filets to the air fryer basket.

Step #4.Cook for 12 minutes.Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Should I use fresh or frozen salmon?

It is completely up to you! We used frozen salmon in this recipe because it is slightly more affordable, but you can use fresh salmon as well. If you are using fresh salmon then you will want to lower the cook time to about 9 minutes. The flavor and texture of the dish will be the same whether you use fresh or frozen fish.

What other spices can I use on salmon?

Lemon pepper seasoning is a tried and try spice mix when it comes to fish, but you are more than welcome to experiment with your favorite flavors. Other spices and ingredients you can use to flavor your salmon include dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, thyme, parsley, and freshly ground black pepper.

Why didn’t my fish crisp up at all?

Even though we are using an air fryer, your salmon will not be very crispy. That being said, if your salmon does not have a slightly crispy exterior then it is likely because your air fryer is too crowded. Make sure you’re not cooking more than four filets at a time to ensure they cook evenly and properly.

Cooked salmon filets served on a white plate with lemons.

Expert Tips

Depending on the size of your filets,the package of salmon you buy will either have three or four filets. This recipe works with either amount.
If you are cooking more than four filets thensplit them into multiple cooking groups. You don’t want to cook more than four filets at a time. Doing so will overcrowd the air fryer basket, causing the fish to cook unevenly.
If you have a meat thermometer then you can check to see if your filets are done by ensuring they have reached aninternal temperature of 145°F.
The oil helps make sure the spices adhere to the filet and helpsgive the fish a nice, slightly crispy exterior.
If you don’t have any olive oil thenyou can use vegetable, coconut, or any other high heat oil.

Single salmon filet on a plate served with lemons

How to Store Your Leftover Fish

Cooked salmon is good for up to 4 days in the fridge. I like to keep my salmon in an airtight container lined with one or two paper towels. The paper towels will help catch any excess liquid that might come off the filets as they are stored in the fridge. Make sure you keep your fish in an airtight container to prevent bacteria growth.

How to Reheat Your Leftover Fish

The best way to reheat your salmon is by using the oven. It will take a little longer than simply zapping your leftovers in the microwave, but you will end up with a much better product. Preheat your oven to 275°F and wrap each individual filet in tin foil. Place the fish on a baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes. Wrapping the fish in tin foil helps prevent them from drying out, giving you buttery salmon that is just as good as the first time you made it.