This air fryer salmon recipe is my absolute favorite way to make salmon. I use it to top salads or just as the main dish with a quick side of coleslaw or cauliflower potato salad.
Air fryer salmon
It really doesn't get any more simple than this air fryer salmon recipe. A few spices and this tutorial is all you need to make perfectly cooked salmon with exceptional flavor every time.
I don't know about you, but I am always hesitant to order salmon at a restaurant. It seems like it is always overcooked! One of the first telltale signs of overcooked salmon is the white proteins starting to bubble out of the flesh.
What is the best temperature to cook salmon to?
Salmon cooked to an internal temperature of 125F is going to be the juiciest. This temperature is safe and the salmon will be perfectly cooked. It is so important to have an instant read thermometer on hand so you can make sure to always have perfectly cooked salmon.
More air fryer recipes
Simple Air Fryer Salmon
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Tip: Hitting your 20–30g protein per meal goal helps you stay full and supports muscle.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or olive oil
- 4 Boneless salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each)
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment
- Air Fryer (Here's the air fryer I like best on Amazon)
Instructions
- If your air fryer basket isn't non-stick, you may want to spray the bottom with cooking spray so the salmon doesn't stick. Place the salmon in the air fryer skin side down and use a basting brush to coat the salmon with the oil. Season evenly with the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Air fry at 400F for 10 minutes, or until desired temperature is reached (no need to flip the salmon). Insert the instant read meat thermometer half-way through the thickest part of the salmon filet. My salmon were 1.5 inches thick and it took 11 minutes to reach medium rare. If your salmon are thinner, cook for 6 minutes, then check the temperature. Add more cooking time if needed.Alternatively, the salmon is ready when it easily flakes with a fork.
Notes
- Skin on?: You can buy salmon with the skin on but it will not crisp up with this recipe. No need to remove the skin, though, the flesh will pull right off of the skin after it is cooked.
- Checking for doneness: A meat thermometer is the perfect way to check to see if the salmon is done too your liking. If you like your salmon to be medium-rare (my favorite) Pull the salmon when it is at 120-125F.
Cas says
Lovely recipe Jennifer...made it tonight for dinner. Tasted great and the cooking time in the air fryer was spot on!
Dona Baker says
Great flavor easy peasy!
Donna Turner says
Made this for Dinner. It was excellent! So delicious and so easy!
Terri says
I made this tonight and it was very good.
Ayse says
I do keto too. I also have the same question.
jenniferbanz says
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I re-checked the nutrition and it should be 1 carb.
jenniferbanz says
I like the 6 quart Nuwave air fryer https://www.walmart.com/ip/NuWave-37001-6-Qt-Digital-Air-Fryer-Black/228023548?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227083884565&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=196310420392&wl4=pla-314834809384&wl5=9025745&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=228023548&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7c6Qwq-D5AIVC9bACh3jkAfhEAYYAiABEgIUzfD_BwE
Ashley says
Tried this in my air fryer for the first time and it came out great!