Easy & Healthy Air Fryer Salmon Fillets — Quick Homemade Weeknight Favorite

Air Fryer Salmon Fillets are my go-to when I want something healthy, fast, and reliably delicious. This easy air fryer salmon recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, giving you flaky, tender salmon with a slightly crisp exterior — perfect for weeknight dinners, casual date nights, or a relaxed Sunday family meal.

I first learned this technique on a rainy evening when I wanted something comforting but not fussy. The air fryer transformed simple salmon fillets into something that felt a little celebratory — and now it’s a staple whenever I need a satisfying, wholesome meal.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6–8 oz each; skin-on recommended)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried dill or parsley
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional add-ins:

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (for heat)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for an umami glaze — use tamari for gluten-free)

👩‍🍳 Directions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you mix the seasonings. (Dry skin = crispier finish.)
3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. If using honey/maple or soy, whisk them in here.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. If your fillets are skin-on, lightly oil the skin so it doesn’t stick.
5. Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Don’t overcrowd — leave space for air circulation.
6. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes for medium (depends on thickness). Thicker fillets (1-inch+) may need up to 10–11 minutes. Tip: check at 7 minutes and add time as needed.
7. For a crispier finish, flip fillets for the last 1–2 minutes skin-side up (optional).
8. Remove carefully with a thin spatula. Let rest 2–3 minutes; the internal temperature will rise a few degrees. Internal temp guide: 125–130°F = medium-rare, 135°F = medium, 145°F = fully cooked (USDA recommended).
9. Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving ideas: serve with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, a simple arugula salad, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

💡 Tips & Variations:

• Crispy skin trick: leave skin on, pat dry, and oil the skin before cooking. Air fry skin-side down first to crisp.
• Don’t overcrowd: cook in batches if needed so each fillet crisps up evenly.
• Thermometer is your friend: use an instant-read thermometer to hit your preferred doneness.
• Reheating leftovers: reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
• Storing: refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Freeze cooked salmon up to 2 months (thaw overnight in fridge).
• Low-carb swap: serve with cauliflower rice or a big leafy green salad.
• Gluten-free: use tamari instead of soy sauce and check spice blends for hidden gluten.
• Vegan/plant-based alternative: try air fryer marinated tofu or "carrot lox" (thinly sliced, smoked-seasoned carrots) to mimic the smoky-salty flavor for a plant-based crowd.
• Flavor variations:
  • Lemon-Dill: add extra fresh dill and lemon zest.
  • Honey-Garlic: mix honey and minced garlic into the oil before rubbing on.
  • Miso-Glaze: whisk 1 tbsp white miso, 1 tsp mirin, 1 tsp honey; brush before finishing.
  • Cajun: swap paprika for Cajun seasoning and add cayenne for heat.

🩺 Health & Lifestyle Tie-in:
Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. Choosing simple, homemade meals like this easy air fryer salmon can help you eat cleaner and may reduce long-term health costs — eating well now can be a small investment in future health and even financial well-being (fewer doctor visits, less processed food spending). If you’re tracking macros, a 6 oz salmon fillet typically contains about 34–40g protein and healthy fats that help keep you full.

SEO notes (for bloggers using this post):

• Keywords used naturally: Air Fryer Salmon Fillets, easy air fryer salmon, healthy salmon recipe, homemade salmon, air fryer salmon recipe.
• Suggested affiliate opportunities: air fryers, fish thermometers, nonstick air fryer liners, finishing sauces, or spice blends.

❤️ Conclusion:
I hope this Air Fryer Salmon Fillets recipe becomes one of your quick weeknight heroes — it’s simple, healthy, and always feels a little special. If you make it, tell me how it turned out in the comments or tag me on social — I’d love to see your version (and your favorite air fryer too!).

Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

Quick and healthy air fryer salmon fillets that are flaky, tender, and have a slightly crisp exterior, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 19 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 fillets salmon fillets (about 6–8 oz each; skin-on recommended)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried dill or parsley
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
• 1 piece lemon wedges, for serving

Optional add-ins

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (for heat)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for an umami glaze) Use tamari for gluten-free.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. If using honey/maple or soy, whisk them in here.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Lightly oil the skin if fillets are skin-on.

Cooking

1. Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd — leave space for air circulation.
2. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes for medium, adjusting time as needed for thickness.
3. For a crispier finish, flip fillets for the last 1–2 minutes skin-side up.
4. Remove carefully with a thin spatula and let rest for 2–3 minutes.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Crispy skin trick: leave skin on, pat dry, and oil the skin before cooking. Don't overcrowd: cook in batches for even crisping. Thermometer is your friend for preferred doneness.