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Home » Type » Main Courses » Seafood » 10-Minute Moist and Flaky Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

10-Minute Moist and Flaky Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

May 18, 2022 by Faith 2 Comments

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This Air Fryer Salmon recipe cooks in 10 minutes and has a delicious flaky and tender interior, beautiful golden exterior, and the perfect spice blend. Pair it with steamed vegetables for a fast, healthy dinner!

flaky air fryer salmon

For about 6 months, I went through a phase where I had salmon for dinner every single Friday night. I paired it with garlicky broccoli and either quinoa or rice.

It was a healthy meal, but I actually craved it because of how delicious it is! With melt-in-your-mouth tender, flaky, and flavorful salmon you can’t go wrong. Especially with the right spices!

I’m not saying that your family will want to trade in pizza Fridays for salmon Fridays (hey, a girl can dream, right?!), but I think they’ll enjoy this meal so much they’ll ask for it regularly.

the best air fryer salmon recipe

In This Article

  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • The Best Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
  • Tips
  • Air Fryer Salmon FAQs
  • What to Serve with Salmon
  • Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flaky, tender, and moist texture. No dry, overcooked salmon here!
  • The spice mix gives the fish the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. And you probably have all the spices in your pantry already!
  • Dinner is done in 10 minutes flat. While the salmon cooks, you have just enough time to steam some broccoli or asparagus, or throw together a side salad.
salmon and broccoli meal

The Best Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

If you’re trying to get more salmon into your diet, you’re in the right place! This delicious recipe is so easy to make it’ll go into your regular rotation.

Ingredients

salmon recipe ingredients

Salmon Spice Mix:

  • Light brown sugar (or keto brown sugar for the keto version)
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne pepper

Other:

  • 6-ounce salmon fillets (with or without skin is fine)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Minced fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

how to make air fryer salmon
  1. Add all ingredients for the spice mix to a shallow bowl.
  2. Mix to combine.
  3. Brush the oil on the top and sides of the salmon fillets.
  4. Flip the salmon over and brush the oil on the bottom of the salmon fillets. (You can use salmon fillets with the skin on or off for this recipe.)
  5. Dip the top and sides (not the bottom) of each salmon fillet in the spice mix until they are well-coated.
  6. You should have exactly enough of the spice mix for both fillets.
  7. Place the salmon fillets in the basket of an air fryer so they aren’t touching.
  8. Air fry at 400F for 8 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked.
cooking air fryer salmon

How to Make Salmon in the Oven

No worries if you don’t have an air fryer, you can also make this recipe in the oven!

To cook salmon in the oven, preheat the oven to 400F. Use the same ingredients and steps to prep the salmon as given in this recipe. Place the salmon on a baking tray and roast until cooked, about 10 minutes for 6-ounce fillets.

tender salmon recipe

Tips

  • The skin situation. Fish fillets with the skin on or off will work for this recipe. However, for the most flavor I like to use skin-on salmon fillets.
  • Brown sugar. For the low carb and keto version, either omit the brown sugar or use keto brown sugar.
  • The spice blend. If you don’t feel like making your own spice mix, this salmon rub on Amazon is a great substitute.
  • No need to flip the fish. This recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Just pop it in the air fryer and let it do its thing, there’s no need to flip the salmon!
air fryer salmon graphic

Air Fryer Salmon FAQs

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer for Salmon?

Set your air fryer to 400F for this recipe.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer?

It takes 8 minutes to cook 6-ounce fillets in the air fryer at 400F.

Do You Have to Flip Salmon in the Air Fryer?

No! One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s hands-off. There’s no need to flip the salmon.

How Do You Know When Salmon is Cooked?

Salmon is cooked when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

You can also use a food thermometer to test salmon for doneness. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F in the thickest part. However, if you’re looking for a more medium-cooked salmon that retains some of its moisture, people generally aim for an internal temperature of 125 to 135F.

healthy salmon and broccoli dinner

What to Serve with Salmon

  • Italian Broccoli (Spicy Garlic Broccoli)
  • Warm Pasta Salad with Caramelized Leek, Bacon, and Goat Cheese
  • Chinese Garlic Green Beans
  • Pesto Summer Squash Sauté
  • Roasted Potato Asparagus Salad
  • Broccoli Salad
easy air fryer salmon recipe

Let’s Connect

I love hearing from you!
Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment.
You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media.
To stay up-to-date, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
xoxo, Faith

air fryer salmon featured image

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

By: Faith Gorsky
This Air Fryer Salmon recipe cooks in 10 minutes and has a delicious flaky and tender interior, beautiful golden exterior, and the perfect spice blend. Pair it with steamed vegetables for a fast, healthy dinner!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 mins
Cook Time 8 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 322 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Ingredients
 
 

Salmon Spice Mix:

  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar lightly packed (see Note)
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Other:

  • 2 6 ounce salmon fillets with or without skin is fine
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley for garnish
  • 2 fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

For the Salmon Spice Mix:

  • Mix together all ingredients in a shallow bowl.

To Prep the Salmon:

  • Brush the oil on all sides of the salmon.
  • Dip the top and sides (not the bottom) of each salmon fillet in the spice mix until they are well-coated. (You should have just enough of the spice mix.)

To Air Fry the Salmon:

  • Preheat an air fryer to 400F.
  • Place the salmon fillets in the basket of an air fryer so they aren’t touching. Air fry at 400F for 8 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked.

To Serve:

  • Transfer the salmon to a serving platter and sprinkle the parsley on top.
  • Serve with the fresh lemon wedges to squeeze on top.

Faith’s Tips

  • Net Carbs: 4g per serving (1 salmon fillet)
  • Brown Sugar: To reduce the carbs, either omit the brown sugar or use keto brown sugar. Without brown sugar, this dish has 2g net carbs per salmon fillet.
  • Store-Bought Salmon Spice Mix: If you don’t feel like making your own spice blend, this salmon rub on Amazon is a great substitute. (Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons of it on each salmon fillet.)
  • How to Tell if Salmon is Cooked: Salmon is cooked when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a food thermometer to test salmon for doneness. According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145F in the thickest part. However, if you’re looking for a more medium-cooked salmon that retains some of its moisture, people generally aim for an internal temperature of 125 to 135F.
  • To Cook Salmon in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F. Use the same steps to prep the salmon as given in this recipe. Place the salmon on a baking tray and roast until cooked, about 10 minutes for 6-ounce fillets.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 322 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 94mg31%
Sodium 658mg29%
Potassium 886mg25%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 34g68%
Vitamin A 253IU5%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Calcium 30mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Air Fryer Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
air fryer salmon recipe pin

Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Air Fryer, Gluten Free, Low Carb and Keto, Seafood Tagged: Air Fryer Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Comments

  1. Dean says

    May 19, 2022 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    I’ve been fussy about eating fish my entire life. My girlfriend made this for me and I’m hooked. Kudos to the Chef!

    Reply
  2. Betsy says

    May 18, 2022 at 9:58 am

    5 stars
    Faith, thank you so much! This recipe is so easy!

    Reply

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Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

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I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

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affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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