Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Execution
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the salmon begin cooking immediately and encourages a crisp exterior.
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Drying the surface removes excess moisture and helps the seasoning adhere while promoting better browning.
Season the Fillets: Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the tops and sides of the fillets.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down if using skin-on salmon. Leave a little space between each fillet so hot air can circulate evenly.
Air Fry the Salmon: Cook at 400°F for about 7–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should develop lightly crisp, browned edges while remaining moist and flaky inside.
Check for Doneness: Begin checking the salmon around the 7-minute mark. It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of about 145°F at the thickest point.
Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and drizzle the fillets with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.
Serve: Serve the Crispy Air Fryer Salmon immediately with lemon wedges. Pair it with roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.
Additional tips
- Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning to help the surface brown and crisp more effectively.
- Choose fillets that are similar in thickness so they finish cooking at roughly the same time.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary so air can circulate around each fillet.
- Skin-on salmon works especially well in the air fryer because the skin helps protect the fish from drying out and can become pleasantly crisp.
- For a slightly smoky variation, replace the regular paprika with smoked paprika or add a small pinch of cayenne for mild heat.
