Air Fryer Salmon Fillets – Easy and Delicious

Have you ever arrived home after a long day, craving something delicious but dreading the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen? I’ve been there countless times. That’s precisely why these Air Fryer Salmon Fillets have become my weeknight dinner hero. With their perfectly crisp exterior and tender, flaky interior, these salmon fillets deliver restaurant-quality results in just minutes.

The first time I made Air Fryer Salmon Fillets, I was genuinely shocked by how the air fryer transformed ordinary salmon into something extraordinary. The outside develops this beautiful caramelized crust while the inside remains incredibly moist and tender. The aroma of the spices and brown sugar creates an irresistible sweet and savory perfume that fills your kitchen, making everyone ask “what’s cooking?” before you’ve even served dinner.

Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or simply want to get dinner on the table quickly, this Air Fryer Salmon Fillets recipe will become your new go-to method for cooking perfect salmon every time.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

For this simple yet flavorful recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Ingredient Notes:

• For air fryer salmon fillets with lemon dill, add 1 tablespoon fresh dill and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the seasoning mix
• If cooking air fryer salmon fillets without skin, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes
• For a healthier option, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar
• Avocado oil works as an excellent substitute for olive oil due to its high smoke point

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon Fillets – Step by Step

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures the seasoning sticks properly and helps achieve that crispy exterior.
3. Brush each fillet with olive oil on all sides.
4. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Generously rub the spice mixture over all sides of the salmon fillets, pressing slightly to help it adhere.
6. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down (if using salmon with skin), making sure they don’t overlap.
7. Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness.
8. The best air fryer salmon fillets cooking time is typically 8 minutes for medium fillets. For thicker fillets, add 1-2 minutes.
9. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)
10. Carefully remove the Air Fryer Salmon Fillets from the basket.
11. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
12. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and herbs if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary for even cooking
• The secret to perfect Air Fryer Salmon Fillets is patting them dry before seasoning
• No need to flip the salmon during cooking – the air circulates to cook it evenly
• For marinated air fryer salmon fillets recipe variations, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before air frying
• If you prefer extra crispy skin, lightly spray the skin with cooking oil before air frying
• Check for doneness at the minimum cooking time to prevent overcooking
• Air fryer salmon fillets with vegetables cook perfectly when you add quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes halfway through the cooking time

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

These versatile Air Fryer Salmon Fillets pair beautifully with countless side dishes:

• Serve with a simple green salad and lemon wedges for a light, healthy meal
• Pair with roasted vegetables or our garlic roasted broccoli for a complete dinner
• For a heartier meal, serve alongside rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes
• Create air fryer salmon fillets with vegetables by serving with a side of sautéed spinach or asparagus
• Turn leftovers into a delicious salmon salad for lunch the next day
• For a restaurant-style presentation, serve with a dollop of dill yogurt sauce or lemon butter

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 380mg

These healthy air fryer salmon fillets for dinner are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and vitamin D. They’re naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and fit perfectly into most healthy eating plans.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Air Fryer Salmon Fillets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or in a microwave at 50% power to prevent drying out.
• Leftover salmon makes excellent quick air fryer salmon fillets meal prep options for salads, grain bowls, or wraps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook salmon in an air fryer?

Most Air Fryer Salmon Fillets cook perfectly in 7-10 minutes at 390°F (200°C). The exact best air fryer salmon fillets cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 7 minutes, and for well-done, cook for 10 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

What temperature do you cook salmon in an air fryer?

The ideal temperature for cooking Air Fryer Salmon Fillets is 390°F (200°C). This temperature provides the perfect balance of quickly cooking the exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender. For thinner fillets, you might reduce to 380°F to prevent overcooking.

Can you air fry frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, you can cook frozen Air Fryer Salmon Fillets, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and method. Add 3-4 minutes to your cooking time, starting at 370°F for 5 minutes to thaw, then increasing to 390°F to finish cooking. However, for the best flavor and texture, I recommend thawing your salmon first.

Do you need to flip salmon in an air fryer?

No, you don’t need to flip Air Fryer Salmon Fillets during cooking. The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks the salmon evenly from all sides. Place the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets) and let the air fryer work its magic without disturbing the fish.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Salmon Fillets have completely transformed how I cook salmon at home. Not only is this method incredibly quick and virtually mess-free, but it also delivers consistently perfect results every time. The beautiful caramelization, juicy interior, and balanced flavors make this dish impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or a seasoned pro looking for a faster method, I’m confident these Air Fryer Salmon Fillets will become a regular in your meal rotation. They’re proof that healthy, delicious meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Have you tried making Air Fryer Salmon Fillets yet? Drop a comment below with your experience or any creative seasoning combinations you’ve discovered. I’d love to hear how this recipe worked for you!

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