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Perfect 15-Minute Air Fryer Salmon

Unlock the secret to incredibly moist, flaky salmon with a delicious, crisp crust. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe comes together in just 15 minutes using your air fryer!
Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • Four 6-ounce about 170 g salmon fillets, skinless
  • 1 fresh lemon cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Basket-Style Air Fryer
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Tongs
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Mix the Seasoning Blend : In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
  2. Prepare the Salmon Fillets : Pat the salmon fillets completely dry on all sides with a paper towel. This ensures the oil and spices will adhere properly and helps the exterior get crispy.
  3. Season the Fish : Drizzle the avocado oil evenly over the salmon fillets. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the tops and sides of each fillet, pressing gently to form a light crust.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer : Set your air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange in the Basket : Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket. Be sure to leave a little space around each fillet for optimal air circulation.
  6. Cook to Perfection : Air fry for 9 to 11 minutes. The exact time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
  7. Check for Doneness : The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. For guaranteed perfection, check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C) at the thickest point using a meat thermometer.
  8. Garnish and Serve : Immediately transfer the cooked salmon to plates. Squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over each fillet and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

👨‍🍳 Chef Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through to preserve texture.
Serving Suggestions: This salmon is delicious alongside a fresh Greek salad, roasted asparagus, or a bed of quinoa.
Pro Tip: If your fillets have skin, you can cook them skin-side down. The skin will become delightfully crispy and easy to remove if desired.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated):

  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fat: 23 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
  • Fiber: <1 g
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 390 mg
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
  • Potassium: 630 mg