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• My Flakiest, Most Buttery Air Fryer Salmon Recipe In Just 10 Minutes
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer
• My Tips For Moist, Flaky Results
• How Long To Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer?
• Air Fryer Salmon (Perfect In 10 Minutes!) Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• More Air Fryer Recipes For Dinner
• Recipe Reviews

My Flakiest, Most Buttery Air Fryer Salmon Recipe In Just 10 Minutes

This air fryer salmon is the fastest way I cook this fish! While I regularly make baked salmon , grilled salmon , and pan seared salmon , cooking salmon in the air fryer is quicker and more foolproof than all of them. Here’s why it has been my go-to method ever since I tried it years ago:

• Moist, flaky, and tender – I make this recipe several times a month, because no other method makes salmon this melt-in-your-mouth tender. Sometimes I change it up with air fryer tilapia or air fryer cod , but the premise is the same: The air fryer locks the moisture in fish incredibly well!
• Super simple ingredients – You probably have all you need, and they let the buttery flavor of the fish shine. But if you like something a little more sweet and bite-sized, you can easily transform it into my honey glazed air fryer salmon bites .
• Ready in no time – My air fryer salmon recipe takes just 10 minutes including the prep time and the cook time… much faster than the oven. It has saved me on so many busy weeknights.
• Feel good meal – This recipe is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and of course the salmon has plenty of omega 3s I’m always trying to eat more of.

If fish is a staple healthy dinner at your house like it is in mine, make this air fried salmon with me! You just might never look back.

“I tried this recipe and it was fabulous! I made it exactly as instructed, it looked and tasted like a dish from a fancy restaurant.”

-Gena

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer salmon recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Salmon – I usually buy a large fillet and cut it crosswise into narrow, 5-6-ounce strips, as shown in the picture below. You can also just buy the fillets already pre-cut. I prefer to use wild-caught salmon with skin (and the air fryer makes amazing crispy skin!), but you can use any type of salmon that you prefer.
• Olive Oil – For brushing over the fish. Avocado oil also works.
• Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor, or bottled for convenience.
• Spices – My simple blend is garlic powder , paprika (or sometimes I use smoked paprika), sea salt , and black pepper . If you like a kick, you can change it up and use Cajun seasoning , lemon pepper seasoning , or jerk seasoning . (I do this for date nights if my kids won’t be joining us — they can’t handle the heat.) Prefer something more sweet? You’ll love my maple salmon marinade , which leaves a little glaze on top of the air fryer salmon after cooking.

How To Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Prep the salmon. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. This will help form that beautiful golden exterior during cooking — and crispy skin if your fish has skin.
2. Make the oil mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season. Brush the oil mixture over both sides of the salmon. Sprinkle both sides with the garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper.
4. Air fry. Arrange the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket ( I have and love this one ), skin side down. Ensure that there is space between the pieces. Air fry until the fish reaches your desired doneness — see my tips and time recommendations below!

My Tips For Moist, Flaky Results

• Get salmon fillets that are uniform in size. That way, they cook at the same rate. Also, I find that narrow (5-6-ounce) fillets cook more evenly (and more quickly!) than large pieces.
• Leave space between the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket , so that air can fully circulate around the fish. Again, this ensures even cooking. Cook in batches if they don’t all fit at once. In my air fryer, four fillets fit just fine.
• Test internal temperature with a thermometer . Insert it into the thickest part of the fish to measure. I highly recommend 130-135 degrees F for buttery, flaky air fryer salmon that isn’t dry. If you don’t have a thermometer, the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, but don’t cook it for so long that it turns almost white.
• Do you need to flip? I usually don’, as it’s just another chance of breaking, but you can if you like. If you do, I recommend starting skin side down, flip halfway, and end skin side up.
• How to get crispy skin? My air fried salmon usually gets crispy skin pretty easily, as long as you pat dry well before oiling and seasoning. For even crispier results, air fry skin side up.
• Yes, you can cook from frozen with the right method. I love this shortcut when I forget to thaw the salmon! I don’t normally recommend cooking fish from frozen, but it actually works beautifully in the air fryer with just an extra step. I explain how to cook frozen salmon in the air fryer here .

How Long To Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer?

Air fryer salmon cook time will vary depending on fillet size and how done you want it, but in general, individual fillets will take about 6-10 minutes . Cook to 125-130 degrees F for medium rare, 130-135 degrees F for medium, or 140-145 degrees for well done.

My air fryer , which nicely fits four fillets as pictured above, takes 6 minutes for a perfect (in my opinion) medium doneness.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1/4 cup Olive oil ▢
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice ▢
• 4 6-oz Salmon fillets ▢
• 1 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Paprika ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Use paper towels to pat the fish dry.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Brush the salmon fillets on both sides with the olive oil mixture.
3. Season both sides with garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the salmon to spread evenly.
4. Arrange salmon fillets in the air fryer basket , skin side down, with space between them. (If using skinless salmon, line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil before adding the salmon, leaving the edges of the basket uncovered so that air can flow through.)
5. Air fry salmon at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 6-10 minutes , until the salmon internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: 125 degrees F (52 degrees C) for medium rare, 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium, or 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) for well done. If you don’t have a thermometer , you can test if the fish flakes easily with a fork.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 salmon fillet

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get moist, flaky air fryer salmon with crispy skin, and even an option to cook from frozen.
• Storage: Keep leftover salmon in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I usually repurpose the leftovers for another dish for variety. My faves are salmon bowl or creamy salmon salad . It’s also yummy as a swap for chicken in Cobb salad , stirred into fried rice , or mixed into pasta or zoodles with Alfredo sauce .
• Reheat: It’s probably no surprise that reheating salmon in the air fryer is my favorite way. The key is to use a lower temperature than you did for cooking it initially, otherwise it browns too much. Just a couple of minutes at 350 degrees F is perfect.
• Freeze: Store the fish in an airtight container or zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, like most fish recipes , it tastes best fresh.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle and my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Air Fryer Salmon

Serving Ideas

All this air fried salmon recipe needs is a simple side dish! My weeknight dinners are typically a protein (like this one) and a vegetable or salad, but I often make a starch for my kids as well.

• Veggies – Try my air fryer broccoli (pictured above), air fried cauliflower , air fryer carrots , or air fryer asparagus for a whole meal cooked in the same appliance. I love this approach for less dishes to wash — just cook the vegetables first! For other prep methods you can cook in parallel, my roasted asparagus (or cheesy asparagus casserole if you want comfort) or sauteed zucchini are great options that cook pretty quickly.
• Starches – An air fryer baked potato makes the meal feel like comfort food! I make lighter swaps more often though, like mashed cauliflower (creamy and comforting), zucchini noodles (light and fresh for summer), or cauliflower rice (to serve this as a bowl meal).
• Salads – I serve this air fryer salmon with salads when I want something easy and fresh without much effort. Mix up my Greek salad , creamy cucumber salad , or strawberry spinach salad — or choose from one of my other healthy salad recipes !

More Air Fryer Recipes For Dinner

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Air Fryer Salmon (Perfect In 10 Minutes!)

My air fryer salmon recipe cooks up moist and flaky every time, with just a few simple ingredients. Easy to make in 10 minutes!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/air-fryer-salmon/

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 4 6-oz Salmon fillets
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Use paper towels to pat the fish dry.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Brush the salmon fillets on both sides with the olive oil mixture.
3. Season both sides with garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the salmon to spread evenly.
4. Arrange salmon fillets in the air fryer basket , skin side down, with space between them. (If using skinless salmon, line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil before adding the salmon, leaving the edges of the basket uncovered so that air can flow through.)
5. Air fry salmon at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 6-10 minutes , until the salmon internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: 125 degrees F (52 degrees C) for medium rare, 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium, or 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) for well done. If you don’t have a thermometer , you can test if the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 salmon fillet

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get moist, flaky air fryer salmon with crispy skin, and even an option to cook from frozen.
• Storage: Keep leftover salmon in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I usually repurpose the leftovers for another dish for variety. My faves are salmon bowl or creamy salmon salad . It’s also yummy as a swap for chicken in Cobb salad , stirred into fried rice , or mixed into pasta or zoodles with Alfredo sauce .
• Reheat: It’s probably no surprise that reheating salmon in the air fryer is my favorite way. The key is to use a lower temperature than you did for cooking it initially, otherwise it browns too much. Just a couple of minutes at 350 degrees F is perfect.
• Freeze: Store the fish in an airtight container or zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, like most fish recipes , it tastes best fresh.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle and my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)