Description
Air fryer salmon is a fast, easy and healthy way to cook salmon. This simple marinade gives the salmon crisp and caramelized glaze on the outside, while remaining moist and juicy on the inside. It’s ready in less than 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 salmon filets (around 6 ounces each)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Chopped fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the salmon. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (my air fryer takes 3 minutes to preheat). Use a paper towel to pat the salmon dry. This helps prevent surface moisture so the seasoning can stick better to the fish.
- Make the seasoning. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon zest, dried thyme (or oregano if using), garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Season the fish. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the salmon. Use a brush or spoon to spread the marinade all over the top and sides of the fish. (Use a thin layer of marinade for a crispier exterior and a thicker layer for a more stickier glaze).
- Cook the salmon. When the air fryer has preheated, remove the basket and place it on a heat-safe surface. Place the salmon filets into the basket so they are not touching.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Avoid over cooking the salmon or it will be dry.
- Garnish the salmon with fresh chopped dill or parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Salmon: You can use any type of salmon you like with the skin-on or off. I usually use frozen salmon that has been thawed in the fridge overnight.
- Want a crispier exterior? Brush a thin layer of the marinade on the salmon before cooking. A thicker layer of the marinade will result in a stickier glaze.
- I have the Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer for reference.
- Can you bake this salmon in the oven? Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the lined sheet pan. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the salmon. Brush the marinade all over the tops and sides of the fish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Nutritional information is a rough estimate based on 2 servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet
- Calories: 333
- Sugar: 3.1g
- Sodium: 119mg
- Fat: 19.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.4g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 34.1g
- Cholesterol: 81mg