Air Fryer Salmon

Name: Air Fryer Salmon
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: olive oil spray; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each); 2 tablespoons dijon mustard; Lemon wedges (for serving); Fresh chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or dill

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This Air Fryer Salmon is the ultimate fast dinner win! Ready in about 10 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfectly flaky, flavorful, and foolproof every time. A simple mustard coating and bold seasoning blend create a delicious crust, while the air fryer locks in moisture for tender, juicy salmon, no oven required.

Air fryer salmon served on a plate over couscous.

Table of Contents

Salmon has always been one of my go-to proteins when I need something quick but still want it to feel elevated. And once I started making air fryer salmon, there was no going back. It cooks fast, stays incredibly moist, and gives you that lightly crisp edge without turning on the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a wholesome, flavorful dinner.

I also love how versatile it is. Serve it over couscous (so good!), tuck it into salads, flake it into bowls, or pair it with simple roasted broccolini for a no-fuss meal. With minimal prep and just minutes of cook time, this recipe proves that good-for-you dinners don’t have to be complicated to be delicious.

Why This is a Weeknight Dinner Win!

Dinner in a flash: Air fryer salmon cooks in just 8 to 10 minutes, so you can have a hot, satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: A handful of spices and a smear of Dijon transform pantry staples into a restaurant-style dish.
Mix-and-match meal: Pairs effortlessly with grains, greens, or roasted veggies, perfect for customizing a weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Jordan

Ingredients for Air Fryer Salmon

Seasonings on a plate next to uncooked salmon fillets and fresh parsley.

Salmon fillets: You can use fresh or frozen salmon (fully thawed). Look for fillets about 1 to 1½ inches thick for even cooking in the air fryer. Skin-on works best for easy handling and helps protect the fish while it cooks. Pat it dry before seasoning so the crust sticks and crisps.
Seasoning mix: A simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds bold flavor and helps create a golden crust. Smoked paprika gives extra depth, while regular paprika keeps it milder. Adjust salt based on whether your salmon is pre-seasoned.
Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess and helps the seasoning stick for a flavorful crust. You can substitute whole grain mustard for texture, but avoid yellow mustard — it will change the flavor.
Lemon wedges: Brightens and enhances the salmon’s natural flavor.
Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill): Optional, but add a fresh, vibrant finish. Chop just before serving.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Substitutions/Additions

Sweet touch: Add a little brown sugar to the seasoning mixture or drizzle of honey to the salmon before cooking for a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest a lemon over top just before serving for extra brightness.
Crunchy topping: If you love a little crunch on your salmon, try my air fryer pistachio salmon or panko crusted salmon.
Sauce pairing: Serve with a quick lemon dill sauce, garlic butter, or a light vinaigrette.

How to Make Salmon in the Air Fryer

Mix the seasonings: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with olive oil, then mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika together in a small bowl.

Patting salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.

Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.

Dijon mustard spread over uncooked salmon on a pan.

Add dijon: Spread a thin layer of dijon mustard over each salmon filet.

Season: Sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Spritz each filet with olive oil.

Air fry: Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature is between 130-135ºF.

Salmon in an air fryer topped with fresh herbs.

Serve: Finish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs of choice.

How to store cooked salmon

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 365F to restore crispness.

FAQs

Do I need to remove the skin before cooking?

There’s no need to peel off the skin. Simply place the salmon in the air fryer skin-side down. After it’s cooked, the skin will separate easily, if you’d like to remove it before serving.

Can I bake this in the oven?

Yes, you can bake it! Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and cook for 12-15 minutes at 400ºF, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking and at least 130ºF.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can, but for best results, let the salmon thaw completely before cooking. Be sure to pat it dry with paper towels so the seasoning adheres well and you get the best texture in the air fryer.

What to Serve with Salmon

Strawberry Cucumber Couscous Salad: A light, refreshing side with bright flavors that bring fresh contrast to savory salmon.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon, a hearty veggie side that adds great texture.
Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Golden, cheesy potatoes that make the meal more filling without stealing the spotlight.
Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A simple, zesty salad that complements the richness of salmon perfectly.

Salmon filet that has been cut into on a plate with couscous.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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