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Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: Easy, Crispy Fillets in 15 Minutes

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This air fryer salmon recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden fillets in just 15 minutes with minimal oil and cleanup. It’s a healthy, foolproof weeknight dinner that’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to your favorite flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless, fresh or thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
  • Optional: Pinch red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry on both sides with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if very cold.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add dried dill or red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine.
  4. Brush or spoon the spice-oil mixture over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Optionally, brush with honey or maple syrup for a glaze.
  5. Arrange the fillets skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Line with perforated parchment paper or a silicone liner if needed.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness (about 8 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets). Do not flip.
  7. Check for doneness: salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125–130°F for medium. Cook 1–2 minutes longer for well-done.
  8. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fillets of similar thickness and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Patting the salmon dry ensures a crispier finish. Adjust seasoning to taste—try Cajun, lemon pepper, or Asian-inspired blends for variety. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer salmon, crispy salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, gluten-free, weeknight dinner, quick salmon, dairy-free, keto, low-carb

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/air-fryer-salmon-recipe-easy-crispy-fillets-in-15-minutes/