Air Fryer Salmon
While I love my baked salmon or pan seared salmon (they’re classics for a reason), this air fryer salmon really hits the spot if you’re looking for the easiest salmon recipe possible. And honestly, it’s foolproof – you’ll cook up the most perfect salmon filet, ever. I’m talking succulent insides, with a crust that’s actually crispy (like my air fryer chicken wings).
The only nuance with cooking salmon in the air fryer is that you can only cook two salmon filets at a time (at least in my air fryer, yours may be different). Otherwise, it’s really a hands-off recipe once you add the seasoning on top (which also doesn’t require any measuring or prepping, you can just eyeball it). In other words, it’s the easiest weeknight dinner idea you’ve been looking for.
Here’s What You Need
If you’re a die-hard fan of my Dijon baked salmon, you’ll go head over heels for this recipe. Each filet is lathered with Dijon mustard, and complemented with spices like paprika and garlic powder for a spiced touch. It’s not hot or spicy, just insanely flavorful.
Salmon: Choose your favorite type of salmon – king, coho, or sockeye. You could also use steelhead trout! And keep reading for tips on fresh versus frozen salmon. Dijon Mustard: The mustard keeps the top moist and adds that special oomph in flavor. You could also use stone ground mustard for added texture!Spices: I’m using a blend of sweet paprika (though you could also use smoked paprika), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
Fresh vs Frozen Salmon
There’s always the debate between fresh and frozen salmon. Honestly, they’re both great options!
Fresh salmon: From my experience, I’ve found that salmon (and other types of seafood) are best bought from a local fishmonger. But I know not everyone has access to a local fish shop. If that’s the case with you, don’t fret, frozen salmon is also great! Frozen salmon: If you’re unsure about the fish “on ice” at the market, frozen salmon is the next best thing. Frozen salmon is typically flash frozen on the boat right after they’ve been caught, which helps to preserve their freshness.
How To Cook Salmon In Air Fryer
The steps in this salmon recipe are pretty straightforward. But I did want to make a note about the spices. Although there’s measurements written out for each one, I’ve found that shaking them straight from the spice bottle had the best results for an evenly coated crust. Where as sprinkling with a measuring spoon created clumps on top – which you don’t want.
Prep the salmon. Set the air fryer to 400℉ (200℃), then pat your salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Don’t skip this step as this will help the seasoning to stick better!
Add the mustard. Evenly spread half a tablespoon of mustard onto each salmon filet. A brush or the back of a spoon is an easy way to schmear it into one thin layer.
Add the seasonings. Sprinkle each spice straight onto the salmon filet. Just eyeball it to match the measurements in the recipe, but it doesn’t have to be exact. I normally start with salt and pepper, then coat generously with garlic powder and paprika. Finish with a quick spray of olive oil on top to keep the salmon filet moist.
Air fry. Add two salmon filets to the air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until flaky with a fork. Then repeat with the remaining two salmon filets.
Tips For The Best Air Fryer Salmon
Don’t rinse salmon with water. Just like chicken, the FDA recommends not to wash raw fish. It can increase the risk of contamination by accidentally spreading onto other surfaces in your kitchen. Keep an eye on timing. All air fryers cook differently when it comes to temperature. Some cook hotter, some cook lower. So make sure to check on the salmon at around 8 minutes to prevent it from burning on top. It’s always best to slightly undercook the salmon and add more time as needed, than to accidentally overcook it.
How To Store Leftover Salmon
If you store it correctly, salmon can be a great meal prep item for the week. And yes, you can even freeze it for later! Here’s a few ways to store salmon.
For storing: If you’ve got a few filets leftover, they’ll keep for up to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container.How to freeze: Make sure your salmon is completely cool before freezing. Then top it on parchment paper in a storage container to prevent it from sticking to the sides. Reheating salmon can be tricky since it’s already cooked. So the key here is to reheat it low and slow, either in the air fryer, microwave or oven, to prevent it from drying out.
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Video
Need some visual guidance on how to use an air fryer and cook salmon in one? Watch my step-by-step video below!
The Best Salmon Recipes
Are you a big salmon fanatic like I am? Well, I’ve got quite the list of salmon recipes for you to try.
Slow Roasted Salmon with Fennel and Orange Grilled Salmon Steaks with Mustard Chive Sauce Smoked Salmon FrittataSalmon PattiesSmoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
If you’ve got an air fryer, you already know what’s up. If not, if may be time to invest in one and give this air fryer salmon a go. I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe in a comment below!
Air Fryer Salmon (in 15-Minutes!)
from votes Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Total: 20 minutes Servings: 4 servings PrintPinReviewSaveSaved
Description
This air fryer salmon recipe is the secret to a moist and crispy filet that tastes like a million bucks – in under 15 minutes! Perfect for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner recipe for the family.
Video
Ingredients
4 (6-ounce) salmon filets2 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepperolive oil spray
Instructions
Prep the salmon. Set the air fryer to 400℉ (200℃). Pat your salmon filets dry with a paper towel.
Add the mustard. On each salmon filet, spread one teaspoon of mustard evenly in a thin layer. 
Add the seasonings. Sprinkle each of the individual spices straight onto the salmon filet. It doesn’t have to be an exact measurement. I start with salt and pepper, then coat generously with garlic powder and paprika. Finish with a quick spray of olive oil on top to keep the salmon filet moist. 
Air fry. Add two salmon filets to the air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until flaky with a fork. Then repeat with the remaining two salmon filets.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 866mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Keyword: Air Fryer Recipes, Air Fryer Salmon
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