Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Perfect Air Fryer Salmon is made with 4 salmon fillets, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika; air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes to serve 4. 320 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Pat salmon fillets completely dry. Brush with olive oil and season generously on the flesh side.
- 2
Place skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F for 8-10 minutes — no flipping needed.
- 3
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal (or 125°F for medium).
- 4
Top with a pat of butter, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon.
- 5
Serve immediately — salmon dries out quickly if it sits.
Tip: Don't flip it — cooking skin-side down the entire time renders the skin crispy while the top stays moist. Pull at 125°F for silky, restaurant-style medium. It continues cooking off the heat.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 12 minutes vs ~18 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🌊Gentle, even heat cooks fish through without drying it out — no flipping required.
- ⚡Uses significantly less energy than heating a full-size oven for a single batch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Perfect Air Fryer Salmon at 390°F for 12 minutes. Don't flip it — cooking skin-side down the entire time renders the skin crispy while the top stays moist. Pull at 125°F for silky, restaurant-style medium. It continues cooking off the heat.
You need: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried dill, Lemon wedges, Fresh dill, 2 tbsp butter (optional). This recipe serves 4 with 320 calories per serving.
Perfect Air Fryer Salmon takes 12 minutes total at 390°F. Serve immediately — salmon dries out quickly if it sits.
This recipe is rated Easy. It serves 4 and takes just 12 minutes at 390°F.
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