Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
With a tender and flaky inside topped with a light crispiness on top, air fryer salmon will be your new favorite main course for dinner. This quick and easy recipe is prepared with just a few simple ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the fresh flavor of the fish without weighing it down with spices. And since it's prepared in the air fryer, these fillets are ready in a matter of minutes!
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
What Do I Need to Make Air Fryer Salmon Fillets?
There's no need to grab a ton of ingredients to add flavor to your air fryer fish. Instead, use a few simple oils and spices to enhance the salmon's natural flavor. To prepare your salmon fillets in the air fryer, you'll need:
- Salmon fillets
- Avocado oil
- Salt
- Black pepper or Lemon pepper
- Fresh lemon
How Do I Make Air Fryer Salmon Fillets?
Making salmon fillets in the air fryer is a simple way to prepare a healthy main course for dinner. And since it's easy to prep and quick to cook, this amazing recipe is ready to eat in under 30 minutes. All you have to do is follow these simple instructions.
Step One: Prepare the Salmon
Before you start cooking your salmon, you need to take a few minutes get it ready for air frying. Start by patting the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the fish. Then, brush both sides of the salmon with avocado oil.
Step Two: Season the Salmon
Once your salmon is prepped, it's time to add some flavor. First, season the fillets with salt and pepper making sure to coat both sides in the seasoning. After that, grate the lemon zest evenly over the top of the salmon.
Step Three: Air Fry the Salmon
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket with the skin side down. Make sure to leave enough room around each piece of salmon to allow air to flow around it properly. Cook the filets at 400 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
Step Four: Allow the Salmon to Rest
After the cook time is up, remove the salmon from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. Then, serve the fillets with fresh lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the fish before eating.
Air Fryer Salmon Fillet Tips & Tricks
Using your air fryer to cook salmon fillets is one of the easiest preparation methods for this popular fish. But that doesn't mean you can't use a few tips while prepping and cooking your filets! Use these air-frying tricks to ensure your salmon comes out tender and flaky every time you make it.
- The cooking time may vary. Although 8 to 10 minutes is a great starting point for determining how long to cook your salmon, a few factors can vary the cooking time. The thickness of the fillets is the biggest thing to consider - thicker fillets may need to cook longer, while thinner fillets will probably be done more quickly.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. The best way to ensure your salmon is cooked evenly is to provide plenty of space around each piece in the basket. Make sure the fillets aren't touching as you place them in the basket to allow air to flow properly around each piece as it cooks.
- Try different seasonings. Basic seasonings, like salt and pepper, are perfect for a simple dinner. But if you want to add even more flavor to your meal, try topping the fillets with herbs like dill, garlic powder, or paprika.
Does Salmon Need to Be Flipped in the Air Fryer?
To be sure your food is evenly cooked in the air fryer, it's usually best to flip it halfway through the cooking time. But there is no need to flip your salmon when baking in the air fryer.
In fact, it's best to keep the salmon skin down the entire time you're cooking it in the air fryer. That's because the flaky fish could fall apart if you try to flip it before it's finished cooking.
To ensure your salmon is evenly cooked, allow plenty of space around each fillet in the air fryer basket. This will help the airflow evenly around each piece of fish.
How to Store Air Fryer Salmon Fillets?
When you're eating your salmon fillets, store the leftovers in the refrigerator. Transfer the extra pieces to an airtight container, and they'll stay good in the fridge for up to four days.
To reheat your salmon, you can warm it up in the microwave or in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until it's warmed thorugh.
Air Fryer Salmons Fillets
Ingredients
- 4 x 7oz salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or lemon pepper
- Zest of one fresh lemon
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil.
- Season the fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated
- Grate the zest from the fresh lemon over the salmon fillets, distributing it evenly.
- Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve the air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish before enjoying.
Notes
It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even and consistent cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
You can customize the seasoning by adding other herbs or spices like dill, garlic powder, or paprika according to your taste preferences.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches the recommended safe temperature of 145°F (63°C).
The fresh lemon zest adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the salmon. Make sure to distribute it evenly over the fillets before cooking.
Serve the air fryer salmon with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition
