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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!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword Air fryer salmon, Air fryer salmon recipe, How to cook salmon in air fryer
Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 375kcal

Equipment

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

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

Instructions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer : Set your air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
  • 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.
  • Cook to Perfection : Air fry for 9 to 11 minutes. The exact time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
  • 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.
  • 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