10 Air Fryer Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

Last Thursday night, I found myself staring into my refrigerator at 6:30 PM. Again. A beautiful piece of salmon sat there, full of promise but also slight intimidation. Sound familiar? I had exactly 40 minutes before my family would start the not-so-subtle “When’s dinner?” parade, and the thought of heating up the oven felt like climbing a mountain. That’s when my trusty air fryer—once an impulse purchase now turned kitchen MVP—saved the day again. Ten minutes later, we were enjoying perfectly cooked, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside salmon that tasted like it came from a restaurant.If you’re looking to transform your salmon game with minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’re in the right place. These ten air fryer salmon recipes have become staples in my home, and I’m betting they’ll become favorites in yours too!

1. Classic Lemon Herb Air Fryer Salmon

This is my Monday night go-to when I need something that feels fancy but takes almost zero effort. The air fryer creates that perfect restaurant-quality texture—crispy seasoned exterior with a tender, flaky center.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, half sliced and half for juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Method: Pat your salmon dry (this is crucial for crispiness), then brush with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and herbs. Place lemon slices on top and air fry at 380°F for 7-9 minutes depending on thickness.

Personal Note: I like placing the salmon on a small piece of parchment paper for easier cleanup without sacrificing that crisp exterior.

Common Mistake: Don’t overcook! Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from the heat. I pull mine when it reaches 135°F and let it rest to reach 140°F.

2. Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon Bites

These bite-sized morsels convert even the staunchest salmon skeptics. By cutting the salmon into cubes before cooking, you maximize the surface area for that incredible caramelized glaze while keeping the inside perfectly moist.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

The Method: Whisk together the sauce ingredients. Toss salmon cubes in half the sauce, then air fry at 390°F for just 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss in remaining sauce while hot.

Expert Tip: The magic happens in the post-cooking toss. The hot salmon slightly caramelizes the second application of sauce, creating an incredible sticky glaze without burning the sugars.

3. Mediterranean Salmon Packets

This method uses the air fryer’s convection magic but contains everything in parchment packets for a one-step meal that’s practically impossible to mess up.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Method: Create parchment paper packets. Place salmon in the center, top with vegetables, seasonings, and a drizzle of olive oil. Seal packets and air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes.

Personal Note: I’ve found that cutting vegetables consistently small is key here—they need to cook in the same time as the salmon.

Common Mistake: Don’t overfill your packets! Leave room for steam circulation, which is what cooks everything evenly.

4. Miso Maple Glazed Salmon

The umami-sweet balance in this recipe creates a sophisticated flavor profile that tastes like it took hours, not minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

The Method: Whisk miso, maple syrup, vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger until smooth. Brush generously on salmon fillets. Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through.

Expert Tip: The high sugar content in maple syrup means it can burn quickly. The secret is to start with a moderate temperature and brush with additional glaze midway rather than applying all at once.

5. Cajun Blackened Salmon

This recipe proves you don’t need a cast iron skillet to achieve that perfect blackened crust. The air fryer creates an intensely flavored exterior while keeping the fish perfectly moist.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (helps with caramelization)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Lemon wedges for serving

The Method: Brush salmon with olive oil and press the seasoning mixture firmly onto the flesh side. Air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes.

Personal Note: I serve this with a cooling avocado cream sauce (just mashed avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and salt) to balance the heat.

Common Mistake: Don’t skimp on the oil! It helps the spice mixture adhere and form that characteristic blackened crust.

6. Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls

This complete meal solution uses the air fryer’s ability to cook salmon to perfection while you prepare a quick homemade teriyaki sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
• Cooked rice, sliced avocado, edamame, and cucumber for serving

The Method: Air fry the salmon simply seasoned with salt and pepper at 380°F for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, simmer sauce ingredients (except cornstarch slurry) for 3 minutes, then thicken with cornstarch. Brush salmon with sauce after cooking and serve over rice with vegetables.

Expert Tip: The beauty of this recipe is in the assembly. Keep components separate until serving—this prevents the sauce from making everything soggy and allows family members to customize their bowls.

7. Crispy Skin Salmon with Dill Sauce

Most people avoid cooking salmon with the skin because it’s hard to get right—but the air fryer makes it foolproof.

Ingredients:

• 2 skin-on salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced

The Method: Score the skin lightly with a sharp knife. Rub with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down in air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. For the sauce, mix remaining ingredients and serve alongside.

Personal Note: This has converted my “always-remove-the-skin” family members into people who fight over the crispy bits!

Common Mistake: Don’t flip the salmon! Leaving it skin-side down the entire time is the secret to that perfectly crispy texture.

8. Honey Mustard Pecan Crusted Salmon

This elegant recipe is my go-to for impressing dinner guests, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat.Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Method: Mix mustard and honey, then spread on salmon. Combine pecans, panko, oil, thyme, salt and pepper, then press onto the mustard layer. Air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes until crust is golden.

Expert Tip: Toast the pecans and panko for 2 minutes in the air fryer before mixing them for the topping—this develops deeper flavor and ensures the crust gets crispy without overcooking the salmon.

9. Coconut Curry Salmon

This Thai-inspired dish transforms your kitchen with aromatic flavors, and the air fryer ensures the fish absorbs the curry flavor without becoming dry.Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and lime wedges for serving

The Method: Whisk coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, sugar, and half the lime juice. Marinate salmon for 15-30 minutes. Remove from marinade (reserve it) and air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, simmer the marinade in a small saucepan to reduce into a sauce.

Personal Note: I discovered by accident that adding a handful of spinach to the simmering sauce creates a beautiful color contrast and sneaks in extra vegetables.

Common Mistake: Don’t marinate for too long—the acid in the lime juice can start “cooking” the salmon, affecting the final texture.

10. “Everything Bagel” Salmon Breakfast Sandwich

Who says salmon is just for dinner? This breakfast-inspired creation pairs the protein-packed fish with everyone’s favorite trendy seasoning.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
• 2 bagels, sliced and toasted
• Sliced tomato, red onion, and arugula
• Capers (optional)

The Method: Spread cream cheese on salmon and coat generously with everything bagel seasoning. Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes. Serve on toasted bagels with vegetables.

Expert Tip: For a lighter version that still delivers big flavor, mix the everything bagel seasoning with a little olive oil to make a paste that adheres to the salmon without needing the cream cheese base.

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Success

• The 10-Minute Rule: A good starting point for salmon is 10 minutes per inch of thickness at 380°F. Adjust from there based on your air fryer model and salmon thickness.
• Temperature Check: Invest in an instant-read thermometer. Perfect salmon is between 135-140°F—it will be slightly translucent in the center but flake easily.
• Don’t Crowd the Basket: Always leave space between fillets for proper air circulation.
• Pat Dry: Always thoroughly pat salmon dry before seasoning for the crispiest exterior.
• Oil Your Fish, Not Your Basket: Most modern air fryers don’t need basket oil, but salmon benefits from a light coating to help seasonings adhere and create texture.

Next You’ll Love

If you’ve mastered these salmon recipes, try our 5-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi or Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos next! Both use the same principles of quick, high-heat cooking to create restaurant-quality seafood at home.

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