There’s something truly magical about making salmon in the air fryer. Not only is it fast and convenient, but the results are consistently tender and juicy with irresistibly crispy edges. This is one of those no-fuss meals that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a healthy dinner option, this air fryer salmon recipe fits perfectly into any Mediterranean-inspired meal plan.
The beauty of this dish lies in the wet rub that we prepare using extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon zest, garlic, and a fragrant blend of spices. Each salmon fillet gets coated with this punchy marinade before being crisped to perfection in the air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how flavorful and satisfying this simple combination becomes once cooked at high heat.
Unlike traditional methods that require more oil or time, air frying gives salmon a perfectly golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist and flaky. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze!
Here’s what makes this recipe a regular in my kitchen: it takes just 3 minutes to prep, and about 10 minutes to cook giving you a wholesome, protein-rich dinner in under 15 minutes. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, and the flavors are bold and balanced thanks to garlic, lemon zest, smoked paprika, thyme (or za’atar), and cumin. This spice combo adds earthiness, brightness, and a hint of smokiness that complements the rich salmon beautifully.
To start, I preheat the air fryer to 400°F. While it heats, I whisk together the marinade olive oil, lemon zest, grated garlic, smoked paprika, thyme or za’atar, ground cumin, and just the right touch of salt and black pepper. Then, I pat dry the salmon fillets and coat them generously in this marinade. The key is to make sure every piece is evenly covered so each bite bursts with flavor.
Next, I carefully place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between each one to allow proper airflow. Depending on the thickness of the fillet, cooking takes about 8–10 minutes for thicker cuts and 5–7 minutes for thinner ones. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily and the edges start to brown or you can check with a thermometer for an internal temp of 140°F at the thickest part. Keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise slightly due to residual heat after cooking.
Pro Tip: Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after air frying. This brief resting period allows carryover cooking to finish the job, enhancing the final texture without overcooking. The USDA recommends a final internal temperature of 145°F, which is reached naturally as the salmon sits post-air-frying.
Storage Tip: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to four days. The cold salmon also tastes great in salads or grain bowls the next day.
Serving Ideas: Serve your salmon with roasted vegetables, a light couscous salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a balanced Mediterranean-inspired meal. You could also flake the salmon over a fresh green salad or wrap it in flatbread with tahini sauce.
This Air Fryer Salmon is not just another quick meal it’s a recipe you’ll come back to over and over again. It’s fast, full of flavor, and loaded with healthy fats and protein.
Air-Fryer Salmon
4
servings3
8
minutes11
minutesThis quick air fryer salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky fish with crispy edges in just minutes. Coated with a zesty, spiced olive oil rub, it’s a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Olive Oil – 1½ tablespoons
Lemon Zest – ½ teaspoon
Garlic – 2 cloves, finely grated
Smoked Paprika – ½ teaspoon
Dried Thyme or Za’atar – ½ teaspoon
Ground Cumin – ¼ teaspoon
Salt – Kosher, to taste
Black Pepper – to taste
Salmon Fillets – Four pieces (6 oz each) with skin, or one 1½-pound fillet cut into 4
Directions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, grated garlic, smoked paprika, thyme or za’atar, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry. Add to the bowl and turn gently to coat each piece fully in the marinade.
- Air Fry: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket with space between them. Cook for 8–10 minutes for thick fillets, or 5–7 minutes for thinner ones.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook: Use a thermometer to check for doneness. Look for 140°F before resting — the final temp will reach 145°F naturally.
- Crispier Edges: Ensure the skin side is down and don’t overcrowd the basket.
