A delicious recipe for salmon cooked entirely in the air fryer
The air fryer is super convenient, and there’s nothing easier than making a great salmon fillet in it.
Just season the fillets, place them in the air fryer, and in less than 10 minutes you’ll have wonderfully moist and tender salmon with perfectly flaky flesh. No need to turn on the oven or deal with oil splatters on the stovetop!

This is actually my favorite way to make a quick but tasty dinner (except for Asian recipes, of course). The seasoning is really simple. Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper… it works with almost any side. And if you add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, it’s even better. Serve it with air fryer zucchini and it’s perfect.
Main ingredients for air fryer salmon

Salmon fillets: Just like for air fryer salmon steaks, with or without skin, both work well. If your fillets are very thick, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Olive oil: It helps the seasoning stick and keeps the salmon from drying out. Avocado oil works too.
Garlic powder: Even though I’m addicted to fresh garlic, for air fryer salmon I prefer garlic powder, since there’s no marinating time and fresh garlic tends to burn quickly, leaving a bitter taste.

Paprika: Adds a bit of color to the salmon. Use smoked paprika if you want more of that flavor.
Lemon wedges: Lemon is optional, but it goes really well with salmon.
Tartar sauce: A classic side, but this air fryer salmon goes with almost anything.

Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets about 170 g each
- 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
- tartar sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
- Rub each fillet with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.2 salmon fillets, 0.5 tablespoon olive oil, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.25 teaspoon paprika, 0.25 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

- Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness.

- Open the basket and check doneness with a fork.
- Return the salmon to the air fryer for 1 to 2 more minutes, if needed.
- Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.lemon wedges, tartar sauce
