Can you bake air fryer salmon in the oven instead?

Yes, you can. If you don’t own an air fryer, baking salmon in the oven is a great alternative. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the fillets for about 15–18 minutes depending on their thickness. While it takes a bit longer than the air fryer, the results are still flavorful and tender.

Can you make this air fryer salmon without the brown sugar?

Absolutely. Brown sugar adds a touch of caramelized sweetness, but you can skip it without affecting the overall cooking process. For substitutes, try honey, maple syrup, or leave out sweeteners entirely if you prefer a savory-only dish.

Can you make this without the cornstarch?

Yes. Cornstarch is sometimes used to create a light crust, but it’s optional. You can substitute with arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or simply season the salmon without a coating for a lighter result.

What sauces work well with air fryer salmon?

Air fryer salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces. Popular options include lemon-garlic butter, teriyaki glaze, creamy dill sauce, chili-lime dressing, or even a smoky barbecue glaze. Choose a sauce that matches your side dishes for a balanced meal.

Where do you buy thick boneless skinless salmon fillets?

You can find them at most grocery stores, but for the best quality, check the seafood counter at supermarkets like Whole Foods or Costco. Fish markets often carry fresh, thick fillets as well. If possible, ask the fishmonger to cut boneless skinless fillets to your desired thickness.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, frozen salmon works perfectly in this recipe. Thaw the fillets in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you’re in a rush, place the sealed salmon in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Just be sure to pat dry before seasoning.

Can I use salmon with skin?

Definitely. In fact, many people prefer salmon with skin because it helps lock in moisture and crisps up nicely in the air fryer. Cook the fillet skin-side down, and if you want crispy skin, you can increase the cook time by 1–2 minutes.

How long does leftover salmon stay good in the fridge?

Cooked salmon lasts up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the salmon for up to 3 months.

Should I marinate the salmon?

It’s optional but recommended if you want an extra boost of flavor. A 30-minute marinade with olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic can make the salmon even more tender and tasty. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acid can start breaking down the fish.

Do you need to flip the salmon in the air fryer?

Not always. Most basket-style air fryers cook evenly without flipping. However, if you prefer a more uniform browning, flipping halfway through the cooking process is a good idea.

What air fryer do you use?

You can use any reliable air fryer brand. Popular options include Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Pot Vortex. The key is choosing a model with enough basket space so the salmon fillets don’t overlap, ensuring even airflow and consistent cooking.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe – Best Easy Dinner in 15 Minutes -

Name: Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: Easy, Flavorful & Perfect Every Time
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, skin-on or skinless); 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil spray; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional); Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Description

This easy and flavorful air fryer salmon recipe delivers perfectly tender, juicy fillets with a lightly crisp exterior—ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, skin-on or skinless)

1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil spray

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika

1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and let them come to room temperature.

2. Brush or spray olive oil over the fillets on all sides.

3. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar if using.

4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.

5. Place fillets in the air fryer basket skin-side down (if skin-on), without overlapping.

6. Cook for 8–12 minutes depending on thickness (see notes for timing).

7. Check internal temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C).

8. Carefully remove salmon and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

9. Serve immediately or store leftovers as needed.

Notes

Cooking times vary by thickness—fillets around 1 inch typically take 9–10 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; salmon should flake easily with a fork.

No need to flip in most basket-style air fryers, but flipping can help brown both sides.

Skin-on salmon crisps beautifully in the air fryer—place skin-side down first.

Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days or can be frozen up to 3 months.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg