This decadent Air Fryer Salmon recipe is crisp on the outside, flaky on the inside, and so quick you can whip up dinner in less than 15 minutes!
I love salmon and the benefits it brings being high in omega-3 fatty acids. This air fryer salmon recipe has this spice rub that is a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that coats the entirety of the salmon.
Weeknights can be hectic which is why I am thankful for recipes with minimal ingredients that I can throw together quickly like this salmon and my Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Noodles.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- It comes together in 15 minutes!
- You cook it in the air fryer and don’t have to deal with preheating an oven just like with my Air Fryer Shrimp!
- There are minimal ingredients that are likely all in your kitchen!
- It’s a healthy meal you can feel good about eating!
Recipe Ingredients
Brown Sugar – To add a hint of sweetness into the salmon rub.
Chili Powder – For a spicy and smoky addition to the salmon rub.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts see the recipe card below.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
Step 1: In a small bowl combine all the spices together to create the rub for your salmon.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Next, rinse the salmon fillets and pat dry with paper towels, then rub on olive oil.
Step 4: Using your rub, coat the top and sides of the salmon with the rub.
Step 5: Cook salmon filets in the air fryer basket for 7-10 minutes. Until you have reached your preferred doneness, and the internal temperature has reached at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Salmon should be tender and flaky when you taste a bite using a fork.
Step 6: Finally, serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Make sure your salmon is cooked properly. You can do this by inserting a meat thermometer or an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon and ensure the internal temperature is at 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
To keep your air fryer clean you can put down a sheet of parchment paper before adding the salmon for easy clean up!
FAQs
I love serving this salmon along with my Perfect Rice Pilaf or other whole grains for a heartier meal. Or with some fresh salads for something lighter.
Either way! I cooked mine with the skin off but you can cook with the skin on as well. If you do keep the skin on, be sure the skin-side is down when you go to air fry them.
Storage and Reheating
You can store this salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze this recipe you can do so in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
To reheat this recipe, you can do so in the microwave until everything has warmed through.
More Delicious Weeknight Meals
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon cut into 4 filets
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine all the spices together to create the rub for your salmon.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Next, rinse the salmon and pat dry with paper towels, then rub on olive oil.
- Using your rub, coat the top and sides of the salmon with the rub.
- Cook in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes*. Until you have reached your preferred doneness. Salmon should be nice and flaky.
- Finally, serve and enjoy!