Air Fryer Salmon (Under 15 Minutes)
Want a quick and healthy dinner without the hassle? This Air Fryer Salmon cooks up in under 15 minutes with crispy edges, a flaky center, and tons of flavor—perfect for busy nights!
Aren’t air fryers the best thing ever for busy or health-conscious foodies?
Let’s be honest— we don’t always have the time (or patience) to cook a full meal. That’s where this Air Fryer Salmon comes in.
It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in under 15 minutes.
No flipping, no babysitting the pan, just perfectly cooked salmon with minimal effort.
The air fryer does all the work, giving you that golden, slightly crispy top while keeping the inside juicy and flaky.
Plus, you can season it however you like—lemon garlic, Cajun spice, honey soy glaze, you name it. Pair it with some roasted veggies, a quick salad, or even throw it in a bowl with rice.
If you’re looking for a fast, healthy, and ridiculously easy way to cook salmon, this is it. Dinner in 15 minutes? Yes, please!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Fast and effortless – Ready in under 15 minutes (prep included!).
✔ Crispy outside, juicy inside – The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping up the edges.
✔ Healthy and flavorful – High in protein, omega-3s, and packed with smoky, lemony goodness.
✔ Minimal cleanup – The air fryer makes cooking (and cleaning!) a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that deep, smoky flavor)
● ½ teaspoon garlic powder
● ½ teaspoon onion powder
● ½ teaspoon salt
● ¼ teaspoon black pepper
● Lemon slices (for serving)
● Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make It
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you prep the salmon.
2. Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel (this helps them crisp up better!).
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture all over both fillets.
3. Air Fry to Perfection
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer drawer. (Don’t overcrowd them—air needs to circulate for even cooking!)
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should be crispy on the outside and flaky inside.
4. Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the salmon and plate it up. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices for that perfect citrusy kick.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
● Don’t skip preheating. A hot air fryer gives the salmon that perfect sear right away.
● Use fresh lemon juice. It brightens up the smoky flavors beautifully.
● Check for doneness. Salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) inside—flaky, not dry!
● Customize the seasoning. Add cayenne for heat, or swap paprika for Cajun seasoning.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Paprika Salmon
➤ Roasted veggies (asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers)
➤ Garlic butter rice or quinoa
➤ A crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette
➤ Air-fried potatoes for a crispy, satisfying side
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Paprika Salmon is the perfect balance of crispy, smoky, and juicy—all without a single pan to wash!
It’s quick, healthy, and works for a busy weeknight or an easy meal prep option.
Try it out and let me know if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!
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