Air-Fried Salmon – Juicy Inside, Golden Outside, and Ready in Minutes!

If you’re after a quick, healthy, and flavour-packed dinner, this Air-Fried Salmon is your new go-to! With just a few pantry staples — garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil — you’ll get tender, juicy salmon fillets with irresistibly crisp edges. Cooking salmon in the air fryer takes only 7 to 9 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal that feels fancy without the fuss.

Air frying has changed the way many home cooks approach seafood — it locks in moisture while crisping the surface beautifully, no splattering oil or oven preheating needed. Salmon, with its rich natural oils and delicate flesh, is the perfect match for this cooking method. A light sprinkle of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper adds subtle warmth and depth, balancing perfectly with the buttery texture of the fish. For best results, choose fillets with even thickness and bright, firm flesh. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days — they reheat beautifully in the air fryer for just 2–3 minutes.

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Key Ingredients & Their Roles

• Salmon Fillets → The star of the dish — rich, flaky, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids for heart health. Air frying enhances the texture while keeping it juicy.
• Garlic Powder → Adds a savoury kick and brings warmth to the fish without overpowering its natural flavour.
• Salt → Enhances the salmon’s natural sweetness and draws out moisture for a perfect crust.
• Smoked Paprika → Adds colour, light smokiness, and depth of flavour. It’s a simple spice that makes salmon taste restaurant-worthy.
• Black Pepper → Provides a gentle heat and a subtle earthy note that rounds out the spice blend.
• Olive Oil → Helps the seasoning stick, keeps the salmon moist, and promotes golden crisping during air frying.

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Air-Fried Salmon Recipe Details

📌 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 7–9 mins | Total Time: 15 mins |Cuisine Type: Modern / Healthy | Calories (Estimate): ~280 kcal per fillet |Serving Size: Serves 4

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📝 Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 150 g / 5 oz each)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ⅛ tsp black pepper

• 1½ tbsp olive oil

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the salmon:
Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a crispy finish.
2️⃣ Season:
Place salmon on a dish. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper evenly over each piece. Drizzle olive oil on top and rub gently to coat. 

3️⃣ Air fry:
Place salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness.
4️⃣ Check doneness:
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have a slightly crispy surface. 

5️⃣ Serve:
Enjoy immediately with lemon wedges and your favourite crispy veggies — I’m serving mine with air-fried green beans.

💡 Tip: No need to flip the salmon — the air fryer circulates hot air evenly for perfect results every time.

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Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

✔ For extra flavour: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of herbs (like dill, parsley, or thyme) before serving.
✔ Oil alternatives: Use avocado oil or melted butter for a different richness.
✔ Vegan variation: Try this seasoning blend on tofu or cauliflower “steaks” — same crisp edges, same delicious flavour.
✔ Storage tip: Store cooked salmon in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2–3 minutes.
✔ Presentation tip: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with garlic butter or yogurt dill sauce for a restaurant-style finish.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)

Q1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw the salmon completely and pat dry before seasoning. Moisture prevents crisping.

Q2. How long should I cook salmon in the air fryer?
At 200°C (400°F), cook for 7–9 minutes, depending on fillet thickness.

Q3. Do I need to flip the salmon halfway?
No. Air fryers circulate heat evenly, so no flipping is needed.

Q4. How do I know when salmon is cooked perfectly?
The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F), and the fish should flake easily with a fork.

Q5. What sides go well with air-fried salmon?
Try roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

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Wrap-Up 

Crispy on the outside, buttery on the inside — this air-fried salmon is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated! It’s quick, flavourful, and perfect for any night of the week.
💬 Try it for dinner tonight and tell me — do you prefer your salmon plain, spicy, or with sauce?
👉 For more easy air fryer ideas, check out my Air-Fried Kransky recipe!

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Keywords (키워드)

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