Air Fryer Salmon is the quickest and easiest way to cook juicy, flaky salmon. The mouthwatering lemon Dijon glaze takes this air fryer salmon recipe over the top. It’s simple yet memorable, and there’s no marinating required.
You’ll have perfectly cooked salmon in 10 minutes, ready to serve with your favorite side dishes.
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We love using the air fryer to cook everything from Air Fryer Chicken Wings to Air Fryer Baked Potato. Who doesn’t love having dinner ready in a fraction of the time? Check out the video below to see how easy it is to make perfect salmon in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Salmon Video
Watch Natasha cook perfect salmon fillets in the air fryer in minutes. This recipe is fast and easy enough for weeknights, with tons of flavor.
Air Fryer Salmon RecipeWhat makes this recipe truly special is the glaze. The lemon Dijon glaze we use for this recipe is based on the wildly popular Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon, adapted to the air fryer. Zesty fresh citrus and tangy mustard paired with salmon is a match made in heaven. The speediness of the air fryer makes it slightly crisp on the edges and so juicy in the center.
The air fryer is always saving our bacon on busy weeknights (sometimes literally, in the case of Air Fryer Bacon!). It’s also versatile and pairs well with so many sides. See more serving options below.
Ingredients for Air Fryer SalmonBelow is an overview of what you’ll need to make juicy air fryer salmon. Please refer to the full recipe details in the recipe card further on.

Salmon – You can buy 4 smaller, pre-portioned salmon fillets, or one large fillet and cut it into four.

Olive Oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the glaze.

Dijon – Creamy Dijon mustard compliments the rich salmon flavors and balances the acidity.

Lemon – You’ll need the zest and juice from a fresh lemon. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it.

Seasoning – Garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, plus fine sea salt.

Parsley – For optional garnish. Pro Tip:Some wild-caught salmon filets are leaner and thinner and will cook faster. Farmed salmon or wild Alaska king salmon is often thicker with a higher fat content, which can take slightly longer to cook but is more forgiving if slightly over-cooked.

How to Cook Salmon in Air FryerEven if you’re new to air frying, this simple salmon recipe is perfect for beginners. Here’s how easy it is:

Add Salmon to the Air Fryer – Oil the basket of your air fryer, then add the salmon fillets. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer with enough space for the air to circulate.

Glaze – Next, whisk together the lemon Dijon glaze ingredients. Gently brush the glaze over each fillet.

Cook – Air fry the fillets at 400ºF for 7-10 minutes. The exact time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillet and your air fryer model (see my tip below).

Serve – Plate the salmon and sprinkle over some lemon zest and lemon juice. You can also slice up an additional lemon and chop up fresh parsley to use as a garnish.Common Questions Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer? For this recipe, we don’t preheat. The air fryer cooks the salmon so quickly that we skip this step.

Can I use skin-on salmon? You can use skin-on or skinless salmon for this recipe. We prefer skinless salmon, so that’s what we used.
Is it better to use a basket air fryer and a toaster oven-style? We have and love both; either one will cook this salmon perfectly. The toaster oven style cooks a little faster, about 7-8 minutes, while a basket style will take closer to 10 minutes.
How long to cook salmon in the air fryer? Salmon is done when you can flake it with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145ºF on an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of the salmon filet.
What to Serve With Air Fryer SalmonThis easy salmon recipe is effortless enough for weeknight dinners, and “fancy” enough to serve when we entertain. Serve it with:

Veggies – Baked Broccoli, Roasted Cauliflower, or Roasted Asparagus.

Rice – Enjoy a healthy dinner of salmon served over a bed of fluffy White Rice.

Pasta – pair this salmon with Baked Feta Pasta or a simple Pasta Primavera.

Potatoes – Salmon is delicious paired with Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Potatoes.Make-AheadAir fryer salmon is great to make ahead and perfect for easy meal prep. Here’s how to store your cooked salmon and leftovers:

To Refrigerate: Store your salmon fillets airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Cooked salmon can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost the salmon in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To Reheat: Salmon can be reheated either in the air fryer, in the microwave, or in the oven. Gently warm the fish until heated all the way through, then serve.Prepare to be blown away by how easy it is to cook perfect salmon in the air fryer. You’ll never want to cook it any other way!

More Easy Air Fryer RecipesWhenever dinner is time-sensitive and we still want something healthy and homemade, the air fryer is our go-to. Cooking will take a fraction of the time as baking (these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are proof). If you loved this easy air fryer salmon recipe, wait until you try these other quick and easy meal ideas:

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Roasted Air Fryer Potatoes

Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Chicken Wings 

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