Easy Air Fryer Salmon (Ninja Foodi Recipe)
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this easy air fryer salmon is your new secret weapon for weeknight dinners that feel like five-star meals!
Our family loves salmon. I have made smoked salmon, baked salmon, grilled salmon, and even canned salmon.
Because eating salmon has so many benefits, it’s my go-to when I want something healthy, fast, and absolutely delicious. This air fryer salmon is one of those simple recipes that never lets me down.
We have had the opportunity to enjoy wild-caught salmon often, thanks to some epic fishing trips. But when we run out of that, I have no problem picking up frozen salmon at my local grocery store.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy air fryer salmon is everything you want in a quick meal—fast, flavorful, and foolproof. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes of total cook time, you’ll have juicy salmon with the perfect texture every single time.
The crispy skin, the zesty lemon flavor, and the minimal cleanup are a dinner dream. Plus, it’s packed with fatty acids that the whole family benefits from—even the picky eaters (yes, even the one who thinks ketchup is a vegetable).
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the air fryer, shall we? This little countertop marvel has saved my bacon (and my salmon!) more times than I can count.
I can make so many different things with it in a fraction of the time it would take to cook them in the oven. And it is so simple to use!
Whether it’s a chaotic Monday evening or a Friday when I’ve just broken up another teenage wrestling match in the kitchen, the Ninja Foodi swoops in like the culinary superhero it is.
Air Fryer Salmon
Today’s delicious salmon recipe is perfect for whipping up a quick meal. You only need a couple of ingredients and the fish is prepped in a matter of minutes.
Serve this easy air fryer salmon with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad, for a complete and delicious meal. We especially love it with this kale Caesar salad and avocado salad. Enjoy!
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Supplies
- Ninja Air Fryer – This is a great all-around air fryer in my experience!
- Parchment paper – Awesome for lining the basket of the air fryer and making cleanup a breeze.
- Air Fryer Paper Liners – These disposable air fryer liners work great too!
- Cutting board – For slicing & dicing ingredients.
- Knife – This is my go-to kitchen knife.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
Total Time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets – These beauties are full of flavor and cook fast in the air fryer basket.
- Avocado oil – Keeps the salmon moist and adds a rich, buttery touch. Extra virgin olive oil works too!
- Salt – Just a little pinch to bring out the natural flavors.
- Black pepper – Adds the perfect little kick without being overpowering.
- Lemon zest – Because bright, citrusy flavors go perfectly with fish.
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving – A little squeeze on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
3. Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with avocado oil.
4. Season the fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle the fresh lemon zest over the salmon fillets, distributing it evenly.
6. Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
7. 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.
8. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
9. Serve the air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish before enjoying.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the fillets and the type of air fryer you have. Adjust accordingly.
Tips and Tricks
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require slightly more cooking time, while thinner fillets might cook faster.
- Swap in frozen salmon if that’s what you have—just thaw it in cold water first.
- Line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup way easier.
- A meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness without second-guessing.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding other herbs or spices, like dill, garlic powder, or paprika, according to your taste preferences.
- Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for some heat.
- Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, Italian, or lemon pepper seasoning. You could even try a BBQ dry rub like this one or our favorite lemon dill sauce.
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container and flake it into salads or wraps the next day.
How to Get the Best Results from Your Air Fryer
- It’s important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even and consistent cooking.
- Make sure your food is in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this may lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed to allow for adequate circulation of hot air.
- Save on cleanup by lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Clean your air fryer! I recommend washing by hand, but check your manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an air fryer cook salmon so quickly?
Air frying works by blasting food with hot air, kind of like a mini convection oven, giving you that perfect crispy exterior with less oil and in less time.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking so they cook at the same rate and you get that juicy, perfect salmon result.
Is farm-raised salmon okay for this recipe?
Yes, both farm-raised salmon and wild-caught salmon work well. We love wild-caught for its flavor, but use what you have!
What’s the ideal internal temperature for cooked salmon?
Aim for 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fillet—that’s the general rule for cooked salmon.
Can I make this with salmon steaks instead of fillets?
Yep! Cooking salmon steaks is just as easy—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as steaks may take a bit longer depending on thickness.
More Tasty Air Fryer Recipes
Now that you have experienced just how simple an air fryer is to use, I have tons of other easy air fryer recipes for you.
- Air fryer broccoli
- Asparagus
- Sweet potato
- Air fryer burgers
- Traditional French fries
- BBQ chicken drumsticks
- Air fryer steak
- Steak bites
- Salmon
- Thick cut bacon
Whether it’s your first time trying air fryer salmon or it’s your favorite way to make a delicious meal, this recipe is the easy way to get dinner on the table without a fuss. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for effortless gourmet dining at home.
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Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 x 7oz salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black 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
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thicker fillets may require slightly more cooking time, while thinner fillets might cook faster.
- Swap in frozen salmon if that’s what you have—just thaw it in cold water first.
- Line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup way easier.
- A meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness without second-guessing.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding other herbs or spices, like dill, garlic powder, or paprika, according to your taste preferences.
- Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for some heat.
- Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, Italian, or lemon pepper seasoning. You could even try a BBQ dry rub like this one or our favorite lemon dill sauce.
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container and flake it into salads or wraps the next day.
Nutrition
