Air Fryer Salmon with skin is the easiest healthy dinner you never knew you needed! With perfectly crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth tender fish, it’s a healthy yet tasty meal, ready in no time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor—what’s not to love? Time to let the air fryer work its magic!

Grilled salmon fillets, cooked to perfection in an air fryer, are garnished with herbs and paired with broccolini and lemon slices on a white plate, complemented by nearby salt and pepper shakers.

Salmon with skin in the air fryer

Let me tell you about about this recipe—a game-changer in my kitchen! I was initially skeptical, but once I tried it, I was obsessed The air fryer gives the salmon this amazing crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender and flaky.

It cooks so quickly, making it the perfect choice for busy nights when I want something healthy without hassle. I’ve made it countless times, and it always turns out just right—flavorful and satisfying.

If you haven’t tried it yet, trust me, you’ll want to!

Close-up of a fork holding a piece of perfectly cooked air fryer salmon garnished with herbs. Additional salmon pieces and lemon slices rest invitingly on a white plate in the background.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets
Avocado oil
Salt
Black pepper
Zest of one fresh lemon
Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Four raw salmon fillets rest on a white tray, ready to be transformed with the help of your air fryer. Nearby sit small bowls with salt, pepper, olive oil, and a half lemon slice for that perfect seasoning touch.

How to make Air Fryer Salmon

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 with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish before enjoying.

Four raw salmon fillets on a tray, with a brush applying oil to one piece, are ready for their quick transformation in the air fryer. — Brush it with oil.

Four raw salmon fillets, perfectly seasoned with pepper, sit ready on a white parchment paper and plate, eagerly awaiting their turn in the air fryer. — Brush it with oil.

Tips

Pat the Salmon Dry: Before cooking, make sure to pat the fillets dry to ensure crispy skin and to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cooking process.
Season Well: Don’t skip the seasoning! A simple mix of oil, salt, and pepper works wonders, but feel free to add your favorite herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Air-fried salmon fillets garnished with herbs on a white plate, with lemon wedges on the side. Plates rest on a blue and white striped cloth.

What to serve with Air Fryer Salmon

This recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides that complement its rich, flaky texture. For a light and refreshing combination, serve it with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or sautéed spinach. For a light, healthy option, serve it with a fresh green salad or air-fried vegetables like asparagus, broccolini, or Brussels sprouts.

Want something with a bit of crunch? Try serving it with air-fried potato wedges or a side of crispy air-fried green beans. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad make great accompaniments.

For a Mediterranean twist, serve it with couscous or a tangy tzatziki sauce. For a zesty kick, lemon dill rice or couscous pairs wonderfully with the salmon. You could also pair it with a side of creamy risotto, garlic butter pasta, or even a warm grain salad for a complete, balanced meal.

For a more flavorful twist, a Cranberry Lime Mocktail or Apple Cider Ginger Mocktail adds a touch of zing, enhancing the savory elements of the dish.

Keep it light and refreshing to complement the delicate flavors of the salmon.

Four tender grilled salmon fillets, perfectly prepared in the air fryer, are garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices on a pristine white plate.

Air-fried salmon fillets on a white plate, garnished with lemon slices and herbs, with a fork and a blue napkin nearby.

Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon is the dinner hack you never knew you needed! With perfectly crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth tender fish, it’s a healthy yet indulgent meal, ready in no time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor—what’s not to love? Time to let the air fryer work its magic!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Equipment

1 Air Fryer

Ingredients

4 x 7oz salmon fillets
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon 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.
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!

Keyword air fryer salmon, easy salmon recipe, homemade air fryer salmon