Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Learn how to cook salmon in the air fryer the easy way! This recipe takes just 10 minutes and the salmon comes out perfect every time. It 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!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Air Fryer Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon Recipe, Best Air Fryer Salmon, How Long to Air Fry Salmon, How to Air Fry Salmon, How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 8

Servings servings

Calories 322kcal

Author Faith Gorsky

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

US Customary - Metric

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.

Notes

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.
Paleo Version: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
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