Perfect Air Fryer Salmon (Low Carb, Gluten Free, Whole 30)
Air fryer salmon fillets are easy to make at home – and they come out perfect every time! Simply seasoned with great garlic and lemon flavor, this is a light and healthy option that takes next to no time to prepare.
Air Fryer Salmon
I adore salmon.
It’s truly one of the most versatile and delicious protein options and one that’s frequently overlooked or forgotten.
A ton of people have told me that they’re afraid to cook salmon at home. This makes me so sad! It’s really easy, promise! Especially when you use your air fryer to cook it.
There is no reason to avoid making this healthy salmon recipe.
Salmon is one of the first proteins I tried cooking in my air fryer, and I still can’t get over how perfect it comes out. It’s crispy on the edges, but moist and flaky inside.
If this is your first experience with either air fryer salmon, you won’t be disappointed. This is the ultimate recipe that’s simple, packed with flavor, and easy to prepare.
If you didn’t have time to defrost your fish, you can also use my method for air fryer salmon from frozen!
I plan to try all of my salmon recipes in the air fryer now. This jerk salmon avocado rice bowl is a favorite, and I just know it would do great in the air fryer. My one pan orange salmon is another recipe that I think will cook beautifully in the air fryer.
Tips for Cooking Fish in The Air Fryer
For some meats, you need to do specific things for best results. Salmon is one protein cooks beautifully cooked in the air fryer with minimal fuss. Season your salmon fillets, lay them inside your air fryer basket with room around each piece, and cook as directed below. That is it!
My only tip is that it is best cooked skin side down and sprayed with olive oil spray before placing into the air fryer. Your air fryer truly will make your meal planning much easier to manage.
Tip: When cooking in your air fryer, spray the basket with oil before use to prevent sticking. If you don’t have oil spray, you can brush on a bit of olive oil instead. Don’t be too heavy handed here – a little oil goes a long way!
How Long Do I Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer?
For an average salmon filet, you will cook at 390 degrees for 7-10 minutes. If you prefer a rare cut of salmon, you can cook for less time.
Food safety guidelines recommend cooking salmons to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Personally, I prefer salmon medium, or around 130 degrees. I actually didn’t think I liked salmon at all until a restaurant suggested I try it this way! I had only ever had it well-done previously, which gives it a dryer texture and fishier flavor. Cooked medium though, its succulent and delicious, with a delicate and sweet flavor.
It’s up to you what you do, but if you’re like me and prefer your salmon less cooked be sure to buy the highest quality fish you can get your hands on.
The best way to determine the time you like is to start with the lower end of the time scale and add additional time if needed.
What to Serve With Salmon Fillets
You can get really creative with side dishes to go with air fryer salmon!
It absorbs so much of the flavors around it that you can serve it easily with many options. I typically default to Asian flavors like my miso salmon with green tea broth but it’s also great with Caribbean flavors, barbecue sauce, or butter and basil.
I usually serve salmon with rice and vegetables. Broccoli is a favorite and also comes out amazing in the air fryer (here’s a great recipe for air fryer broccoli). It is also delicious on a salad or in a wrap alongside other vegetables and sauce.
This crunchy salmon salad with sriracha dressing is another great option that is delicious and shows just how versatile this salmon recipe could be with other ingredients.
More delicious salmon recipes
- Salmon and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
- Easy Lemon-Glazed Salmon
- Miso Salmon Salad
- Gluten-Free Salmon Skewers
- Smoked Salmon Fritatta
- Sriracha Salmon Salad
- Jerk Salmon Rice Bowls
- Baked Salmon Patties
- Creamy Salmon Pasta
Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- ½ pound salmon fillets 1 ½ inch, bones removed
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lemon cut into rounds
Instructions
- Lightly coat each fillet with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Place fillets skin-side down in the basket of the air fryer. Cover the salmon with lemon slices Set air fryer to 390 degrees for 7-10 minutes.
- When the air fryer is done check fillets with a fork to make sure they are cooked through to your liking.
- Once finished remove from the fryer and serve with a fresh lemon wedge, if desired.
Made this tonight and it came out perfectly! Thank you, thank you!!