This air fryer salmon is one of the easiest ways to cook salmon at home. The fillets turn out tender, flaky, and full of flavor every time, with no need to heat up the oven. All you need is salt and pepper, and while the salmon cooks, you can whisk together a quick garlic butter lemon sauce to spoon over the top. It’s a fast, healthy dinner that tastes restaurant-quality but takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
My Go-To Salmon Dinner
I love making salmon in the air fryer because it’s such an easy way to get dinner on the table. The fish always comes out flaky and juicy, and while it tastes wonderful on its own, I usually make a quick garlic butter lemon sauce to spoon over the top.
On busy nights I keep it simple with vegetable rice or brown rice and a side of broccoli or green beans. Other times, I flake the salmon into a Caesar salad or serve it over garlic butter pasta with an extra squeeze of lemon. It also makes great salmon tacos with slaw and avocado. You can pair it with grains like couscous and roasted vegetables, too. This recipe really works with so many meals.
Ingredient Notes
- Salmon: Choose fillets that are about the same thickness so they cook evenly. Both fresh and frozen (thawed) work well. Wild-caught salmon has a deeper flavor, while farmed salmon is usually more buttery.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of salt and black pepper is all you need, but you can also try garlic powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning for variety. More variations below.
- Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce: Made with butter, fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon juice. It’s optional, but it takes it to restaurant-quality salmon and only takes a minute to stir together.
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Air Fryer Salmon
Recipe Video
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 4oz (115 g) salmon fillets
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
For the garlic lemon butter sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in the air fryer basket and season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For thicker fillets, add 2-3 minutes if needed.
- Remove the salmon from the basket and set aside.
- To make the sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Pour the sauce over the salmon before serving.
Notes:
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between the fillets for even cooking.
- Check doneness with a fork: the salmon should flake easily and be opaque in the center.
- This recipe was originally published on June 27, 2019. It has been updated with new photos and small improvements to the recipe for even better results.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Variations
- Garlic Herb: Add dried Italian seasoning before air frying, or fresh dill to the garlic butter sauce.
- Honey Garlic: Whisk honey into the butter sauce for a sweet-savory flavor.
- Spicy Cajun: Rub salmon with Cajun seasoning before air frying, then drizzle with lemon juice before serving. For a milder version, season the salmon filets with smoked paprika for a delicious smoky flavor.
- Teriyaki: Brush salmon with teriyaki sauce before cooking, then add an extra glaze on top after it’s done.
- Maple Glaze: Mix maple syrup with a little soy sauce and garlic, then brush over the salmon in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Brown Sugar Mustard: Stir together brown sugar and Dijon mustard for a caramelized finish.
- Lemon Pepper: Season with lemon pepper before air frying, skip the sauce for a lighter option.
Best Recipe Tips
- Pat salmon dry: This helps the seasonings stick and keeps the surface from steaming.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between fillets so the hot air can circulate for even cooking. If needed cook in batches.
- Check thickness: Thicker fillets may need an extra 2-3 minutes in the air fryer.
- Use a thermometer: Salmon is done when it reaches 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium, or 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked.
- Rest before serving: Let the salmon sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking so the juices settle and trap in moisture.
- Add sauce right before serving: The garlic butter lemon sauce is best drizzled on while the salmon is hot.
FAQs
Yes, skinless salmon works just as well in the air fryer. Place it directly in the basket and handle gently when removing, since it’s more delicate.
Yes, a piece of parchment makes cleanup easier. Just don’t cover the whole basket, leave room for air to circulate.
Place leftovers in the basket and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 3-4 minutes, just until warmed through.
Yes, add the frozen fillet straight to the basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Season after cooking or halfway through, once it thaws.
Annah Ross says
Wow. This is a game changer for me. I don’t really oily fish but do like salmon so trying to eat it more. This recipe is absolutely delicious, fuss free and minimal effort. My first attempt at using the air fryer and I’m hooked. I added seasoning and chilli flakes and wrapped around fresh dill. Served with couscous with dill and spinach, shredded carrots and beans. I didn’t do the butter as trying to diet. I’ll make this at least once a week now. Thank you!
Linda Rolen says
Loved it, turned out awesome! Loved the sauce
Diana says
Glad you loved it, Linda!
Ed Morris says
Wow! Turned out great. Did not use butter sauce. Instead halfway through the 15 minutes in the fryer, I drizzled the Salmon pieces with lime juice and then sprinkled that with Montreal Steak seasoning plus seasoned salt. The fish was thoroughly cooked and flavorful.