Sometimes, evenings feel like a race against the clock. You want something nourishing but without the hassle of a long cooking process. That’s when this air fryer baked salmon recipe becomes a quiet hero — ready in about 15 minutes, from start to finish. No fuss, just a straightforward way to get juicy, flaky salmon with a touch of golden crisp on the outside.
I remember the first time I tried it, distracted by a half-packed bag for an early morning trip I wasn’t totally ready for yet. The salmon was sizzling away, and I caught a whiff of that paprika and garlic mix — it pulled me back to the kitchen, promising something simple but satisfying. I didn’t time it perfectly, and the lemon wedges got left off the plate that night. Still, that bite of tender fish, just lightly crisped on the skin, made me pause and realize quick doesn’t have to mean basic.
- The salmon cooks up tender and flaky but with a slight crisp edge, thanks to the air fryer’s magic.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Minimal ingredients, minimal cleanup, minimal stress.
- Ready in just about 15 minutes, it fits neatly into busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- It’s forgiving: even if you’re a little off on timing, the salmon still turns out moist and flavorful.
Even if you’re new to air frying fish, this recipe feels approachable. You don’t need a lot of fancy tools or complicated steps — just a bit of patience while the air fryer does its job. And if you’re worried about overcooking, don’t stress too much. I usually peek in a little early, but the salmon’s forgiving nature means it’s easy to get right with a couple tries.
PrintAir Fryer Baked Salmon
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly baked salmon using an air fryer. This method yields tender, flaky salmon with a lightly crisp exterior in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with olive oil.
Season the salmon evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using a spatula.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
For kitchen ease, you really only need the air fryer itself — no extra gadgets cluttering up your space. I like to serve this salmon with a quick side of steamed greens or a simple salad, and squeezing those lemon wedges on just before eating brightens the whole plate. If you want to mix it up, try swapping paprika for smoked chili powder or tossing a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top after cooking. Sometimes, I even add a dash of soy sauce or a drizzle of honey before air frying, but those are experiments I haven’t nailed every time.
FAQ
Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
It’s better to thaw first so the salmon cooks evenly, but if you’re in a pinch, increase the cook time slightly and check frequently.
Does the skin get crispy?
Yes, the air fryer crisps up the skin nicely without drying out the fish.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
This air fryer baked salmon method really fits those nights when you want dinner without a long story behind it. Give it a try next time you’re short on time or just craving something simple and fresh.