Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

This Air Fryer Salmon recipe has become one of my absolute favorite go-to meals when cooking for just the two of us. Perfectly cooked salmon filets that are ready to eat in minutes.

When most people think about an air fryer, they picture crispy French fries or reheated fried chicken. I did too when I first started cooking in my air fryer.

I bought ours with every intention of using it as a healthier substitute for deep frying. But once I started to really use it, I quickly realized it could do much more than make “fried” food without oil.

It didn’t take long before I began experimenting with all kinds of meals normally cooked on the stove, in the oven, or even outside on the grill. Out of everything I tried, salmon might just be the most surprising success of all.

The first time I cooked salmon in the air fryer, it came out tender, flaky, beautifully seasoned, and ready in just 7 minutes. Not only was it delicious, it was the easiest salmon I had ever made.

And when you are cooking for two, that matters. Cooking for two can sometimes feel harder than cooking for a crowd. You want something delicious, but you also want it to be simple, fast, budget-friendly, and not create a huge mess.

With this recipe there is no waiting on the oven to preheat. No cleaning multiple pans. No worrying about overcooking the salmon. The air fryer does the work and dinner comes together fast.

Why Air Fryer Salmon Is Ideal For Two People

One of the biggest struggles with making dinner for two is portion size. Many recipes are built for families or large gatherings.

Salmon filets are naturally portioned, and the air fryer handles two pieces perfectly. They cook evenly, stay moist, and finish at the same time so both plates are hot and ready to eat together.

Even better, the cooking time is incredibly short. The air fryer preheats quickly, cooks quickly, and cleanup is minimal. You can have dinner on the table in under ten minutes, which is perfect for busy evenings, simple date nights, or whenever you want something that feels like restaurant quality without the restaurant price.

And let’s not forget the health factor. Salmon is loaded with protein and healthy fats. When you cook it in the air fryer, you aren’t adding heavy breading or extra oil. Just seasoning, a touch of olive oil, and heat. Simple yet delicious.

Choosing The Best Salmon For The Air Fryer

Wild Caught vs Farm Raised

There is a big difference when it comes to salmon quality. Wild caught salmon is leaner, has fewer contaminants, and has a richer flavor. It normally has a deeper pink color and a firmer texture. Farm raised salmon tends to be lighter in color and fattier.

If possible, choose wild caught salmon for the best flavor and health benefits. It truly makes a noticeable difference, especially when the recipe is simple like this one.

Fresh vs Frozen Salmon

Depending on where you live, fresh salmon may not always be easy to find. If you are inland or in a rural area, frozen wild caught salmon is often the best option. Frozen salmon is usually flash frozen shortly after being caught, which helps preserve quality.

Just make sure you thaw your salmon fully before cooking and that both fillets are similar in size. This ensures they will cook evenly, which is important when preparing just two pieces.

If you buy larger fillets, simply separate the center cuts for this meal and save the thinner pieces for another day.

Recipe Tips

Whether fresh or frozen, one key step to success is allowing the salmon to come to room temperature before cooking. Cold fish cooks unevenly. Letting it rest for a short time helps it cook beautifully in the air fryer and prevents dried edges.

Patting it dry is also important. Dry salmon browns better and the seasoning sticks much nicer.

Because we make salmon often, we keep our favorite seasoning already mixed and ready to go. It makes dinner prep even quicker, which is great when cooking for two and trying to keep things simple and easy.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 wild caught salmon fillets, approximately 1 – 1 1/2 inches thick
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika*
• Lemon wedges, for serving

*Smoked paprika adds a wonderful light smoky flavor and really takes the salmon to the next level.

INSTRUCTIONS

Thaw frozen salmon completely. If using fresh salmon, still bring it to room temperature before cooking.

How To Thaw Quickly:
Remove the salmon from its package and place it into another sealed plastic bag. Submerge the bag in cold water for 30 minutes. Replace water if needed until thawed.

Let salmon come to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well. Sprinkle onto the non-skin side of the salmon.

Preheat air fryer if your model requires it. Place salmon skin-side down in the basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 7 minutes.

Check for doneness by pressing the thickest part of the fish. The salmon is done when the center is slightly firm, flakes easily, and the meat begins to separate.

Remove, squeeze fresh lemon juice over top, and serve warm.

A Simple, Fast & Delicious Meal For Two

Once you make salmon in the air fryer, it is hard to go back to another cooking method. The texture is tender and flaky every time. You don’t heat the kitchen, dirty lots of cookware, or spend a long time cooking.

It is also incredibly versatile. Serve it with vegetables, rice, salad, roasted potatoes, or even over pasta. Whether it is a casual weeknight dinner or something a little special, it just works perfectly.

More than anything, this is the kind of recipe that makes cooking for two easy, enjoyable, and manageable. And that is exactly what a great go-to dinner should do!

Enjoy! Mary

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