Air Fryer Salmon
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
6 mins
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Total Time
16 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
246 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Salmon
Description
This recipe combines a balanced dry seasoning mix, including kosher salt, garlic and onion powders, black pepper, and paprika, applied to oil-brushed salmon fillets to create a flavorful yet straightforward coating. Air frying cooks the fillets evenly and quickly at 400°F, helping retain moisture and a tender interior.
Brushing the salmon on all sides with olive oil before seasoning helps the spices adhere and promotes a slight crust formation. The air fryer cooks the fish in a single layer with space between pieces for good air circulation, and the recommended 6-8 minute cook time depends on fillet thickness to avoid overcooking.
Freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or basil and lemon slices add brightness and fresh flavor when served with the salmon. This method delivers a convenient and efficient way to prepare salmon with consistent results.
The leftover seasoning mix can be used in other dishes such as scrambled eggs or stir-fries. Adjust salt quantity if using table salt rather than kosher salt, and tailor cooking time to fillet thickness for best results.
Ingredients
For Seasoning Mix
- ½ tsp kosher salt not table salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika
For Salmon
- 1 TB olive oil or melted butter
- 4 salmon 2/3" to 1" thick, about 3x6" width/length per fillet, fillets
- parsley optional garnish, freshly chopped parsley, chives, or basil; lemon wedges
- chive
- basil
- lemon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Seasoning Mix ingredients to combine well. Set aside.
- Thoroughly pat dry salmon fillets with clean paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
- Brush all sides of salmon with olive oil. Sprinkle a thin layer of Seasoning Mix over both sides of salmon fillets, pressing down with clean hands or rubber spatula to ensure seasonings adhere to salmon.
- Place salmon fillets in air fryer, in a single layer, and with enough space in between them to allow for good air circulation. Air fry at 400F for 6-8 minutes, or just until salmon is just cooked – do not over-cook. Carefully transfer salmon to a serving dish and garnish as desired with chopped herbs and lemon slices.
Notes
- Leftover seasoning mix can be saved for adding flavor to scrambled eggs or stir fry dishes.
- Use half the amount of table salt if substituting for kosher salt in the seasoning.
- Cook salmon for 6-7 minutes if fillets are thinner (~2/3 inch) and up to 8 minutes for thicker fillets (~1 inch).
- Serve salmon with sides like broccoli apple salad and wild rice pilaf for a complete meal.
- Return to the recipe for guidance on seasoning balance and cooking times to ensure tender results.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 246 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 246kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 657mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 851mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 79IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.