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air fryer salmon fillet recipe
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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Salmon Fillet

Indulge in a delectable and effortless Air Fryer Salmon Fillet recipe. This quick and easy dish features perfectly seasoned salmon fillets cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist, flaky interior. With minimal prep and cook time, this healthy and flavorful recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for seafood enthusiasts and busy home cooks alike.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Servings: 1
Calories: 241kcal
Author: Val

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs
  • Fork or internal thermometer
  • Serving plate

Ingredients

  • 1 salmon fillet skin on
  • pinch sugar
  • pinch salt
  • pinch freshly ground pepper
  • (optional) additional spices or sauces of your choice

Instructions

  • Rinse the salmon fillet and pat it dry with paper towels. Sprinkle a mixture of salt and sugar evenly over it, and let it rest for 20 minutes. This will draw out moisture from the surface of the fish, resulting in a denser texture and intensifying the flavor.
  • After 20 minutes pass, thoroughly rinse the salmon fillet and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC).
  • Place the salmon fillet on the air fryer rack, ensuring that the skin side is facing down.
  • Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet and your preferred level of doneness.
  • Transfer the cooked salmon fillet to a serving plate. Season it with salt and pepper to taste or drizzle it with your favorite sauce. Optionally, garnish it with fresh herbs and squeeze some lemon juice over it.

Video

Notes

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Taste & Texture

This air fryer salmon fillet has a lightly crisp exterior with a moist, flaky, and tender center. The flavor is rich, buttery, and incredibly satisfying.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Serving Recommendations

I love serving this high protein dinner with roasted vegetables and rice for a complete meal. It also works beautifully on top of salads or grain bowls.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

    • Salmon: You can substitute trout, cod, or other firm fish fillets.
    • Seasoning: Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, or fresh herbs.
    • Sauce: Lemon butter sauce, dill sauce, or a simple squeeze of lemon all work wonderfully.
    • Spice Level: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
  • Gluten-free: Switch out the traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions.

Proper Storage Tips

  • Cool completely before storing.
  • Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
  • Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
  • Store leftovers within two hours of cooking.

Pro Tips

  • Use skin-on salmon for the juiciest results.
  • Let the salmon rest with salt and sugar for the best texture.
  • Always preheat the air fryer.
  • Check doneness early if using a thinner fillet.
  • Finish with fresh lemon juice right before serving for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 833mg | Vitamin A: 68IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg