Crispy, flaky, and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon is a gourmet-level meal that's ready in under 20 minutes! It's perfect for warm summer nights, busy weeknight dinners, and anytime a salmon craving hits.
This recipe was originally published on November 20, 2020. It was updated on July 8, 2021.
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Table of contents
This post was created in partnership with Net to Table Seafoods. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, in which case I receive a small commission at no expense to you.
Net to Table Seafoods catches and ships sustainably caught wild Alaskan salmon by the Owens Family Fishers in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The fish is juicy, flaky, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful. The fish is frozen on the boat and shipped directly to your door. I cannot recommend it highly enough! Use my coupon code MaesMenu40 for $40 off your first order of $100 or more!
We're going simple but effective today, folks.
'Cause when you have a great piece of fish that's perfectly cooked, you really don't need to do a lot. If anything, overdoing it can be a disservice to the seafood.
The whole "less is more" thinking takes the pressure off of us in the kitchen, too. Just whisk up the maple glaze, brush it over the fish, pop it in the air fryer, and you're good to go.
Ready in under 20 minutes and complementing so many side dishes, this recipe is ready in a pinch and perfect with almost any side dish you throw at it.
Looking for more salmon recipes? Check out my Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Smoked Salmon Pasta, Pecan Crusted Salmon, Marry Me Salmon.
This air fryer salmon recipe is...
- Tender
- Flaky
- Juicy
- Crispy
If you haven't tried air fryer salmon yet, do yourself a favor and try recipe tonight!
Recipe ingredients
- Salmon fillets - 6-8 ounce portions are the best bet for this recipe. Choose skin-on or skinned salmon fillets, whichever you prefer. Substitute steelhead trout if desired.
- Maple syrup - pure maple syrup will give the best flavor
- Dried thyme
- Dried dill
- Yellow mustard powder
- Cayenne pepper - also known as "red pepper"
- Onion powder
- Salt - sea salt or Himalayan pink salt is best
- Lemon juice - to brighten the flavors of the flaky seasoned fish. For thebest flavor use fresh lemon juice though bottled works in a pinch.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Preheat the air fryer with the rack or basket inside of it.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the spices, salt, and maple syrup until combined.
- Brush the salmon evenly with the maple glaze.
- Add the salmon to the air fryer basket and cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon and serve hot!
Recipe pro-tips
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking - this will ensure that the salmon cooks the quickest and most evenly.
- Spray the air frying rack before frying - prevent your salmon from sticking to the rack by spraying it with non-stick spray before cooking.
- Don't be bashful about the lemon - in this recipe, the lemon brings out and ties together all the flavors in the dish.
- Adjust your cooking time - air fryers cook at different speeds, so start on the shorter end of the cooking time and add on additional time as needed.
- Use real maple syrup - it provides superior flavor.
A note on my air fryer
I use the Ninja Foodi Tendercrisp Air Fryer. I love it because it is built like a tank and offers so many functions. Not only can you air fry in it, but you can also pressure cook, dehydrate, make yogurt, saute, etc. It's an amazing all-in-one appliance (i.e. takes less storage space than if I had separate appliances for pressure cooking, etc.).
The Tendercrisp comes with an air frying basket (pictured) as well as air frying racks. I use the basket when I'm just cooking for the two of us and I use the racks when I am air frying for more people or am air frying two things at once.
Serving suggestions
Salmon is a very versatile protein; many side dishes will go well with it. Here are some of my favorites:
- Air fryer brussels sprouts
- Broccoli Slaw
- Air fryer zucchini
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Blistered Green Beans
- Carrot souffle
- Rice pilaf
- Kale Salad
Storage directions
Leftover salmon lasts covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It does not freeze well.
FAQs
Yes, according to Megan Byrd, RD, u0022Air frying fish is a healthy alternative to sautéing or deep frying it, because it limits the added fats and calories without sacrificing flavor, texture, or nutrition. Air fried salmon is one of the healthiest ways to enjoy heart-healthy fish!u0022
Boneless fillets of salmon (with or without skin) are great for this salmon recipe. You can fry a salmon steak, too, though you may need to add on cooking time to accommodate the larger piece of fish.
You want to cook salmon through to 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the salmon fillet. For the most accurate results, you can check this with a food thermometer. Generally, when the fish flakes easily with a fork it has reached 145 degrees as well.
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More Air Fryer Meals
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Halibut
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
- Air Fryer Beer Brats
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2, 8 oz. salmon fillets
- 4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon yellow mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer with the air fryer rack or basket inside to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, dried thyme, salt, mustard powder, dill, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until combined.
- Evenly brush the maple glaze over the salmon.
- Add the salmon to the preheated air fryer basket or rack and air fry the salmon for 11-13 or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork or has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Squeeze or drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon and serve hot!
I love how simple and delicious this looks. I air fry just about everything so I will have to give this a try!
Thanks, Mackenzie!! It makes it so crisp and juicy!
Gave it a try today and it was the best!
Thanks for your feedback, Mackenzie! So glad you liked it. 🙂
I don't actually own an air fryer, but I'm totally inspired by this recipe! What a great idea Chelsea! 🙂
Thanks, Megan!
Wow! I had no idea you could use an air fryer to make salmon! It looks so moist and delicious. I've been on the fence about an air fryer but maybe it will be an investment for 2021. Thanks for so much inspiration!
Of course, Lyn! I got my air fryer in the beginning of 2020 and it was a game changer for me! There are so many fun things you can cook in it. 🙂