This air fryer salmon is my go-to for quick, foolproof, perfectly seasoned fish with a crispy edge and juicy center—ready in under 15 minutes. I’ve tested every method (including my viral oven baked salmon!) but this is the one I use when I want zero mess, (almost) zero smell, max flavor, and guaranteed dinner success!
The Fastest, Crispiest, Most No-Nonsense Way to Cook Salmon
Look—I love salmon. Honestly, I probably love most fish more than I love meat. But what I don’t love? The way my house smells like fish for hours after I cook it. (Even though my lemon garlic butter baked salmon is 100% worth it.)
Enter the air fryer. Cook your salmon fillets in there and not only are they done in under 15 minutes—they’re juicy, crispy around the edges, and your house doesn’t smell like a dockside diner.
Now don’t get me wrong: oven baking is perfect for a whole side of salmon. It’s great for feeding a crowd or when you want that beautiful centerpiece moment. But when it’s 6:17pm and someone’s asking what’s for dinner while standing on the dishwasher door? It’s air fryer salmon or nothing.
This version uses cut-up fillets. They cook faster, crisp up better, and you don’t have to babysit a pan or fuss with foil. Just season, air fry, and done.
Why this air fryer version works (and why I won’t change a thing):
- Smaller fillets cook more evenly and quickly in the air fryer, without overcooking the edges like big pieces sometimes do.
- Cornstarch in the rub gives you crispy bits without frying or flour dredging.
- Brown sugar? Yes. People get weird about it, but it balances the savory spices, helps with caramelization, and doesn’t make the fish taste sweet. (Promise.)
- The rub is smoky, garlicky, punchy, and fast. No marinating. No sauces to reduce. Just season, air fry, done.
I’ve tried it with skin-on and skinless fillets—works great either way. We serve it with anything from mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans, to rice and air fryer broccoli or asparagus. Add some greens with a lemon vinaigrette and dinner is done! If you’ve only ever had bland salmon with lemon pepper from a dusty spice jar… this will absolutely change your mind.
The rub that turns salmon into a weeknight flex
This version uses cut-up salmon fillets—thick, skin-on ones if you can get them.
A quick rub of oil helps the spices stick, and the seasoning? A glorious mix of smoked and sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar (trust me), and a little cornstarch to crisp it all up. Salt, pepper, and done. No marinating. No sauce. Just deeply flavorful, perfectly cooked salmon in under 15 minutes.
Printable recipe
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet (I prefer thick skin-on fillets)
- 1 tablespoon oil (use an oil intended for high temp cooking)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (you can… skip it if you must)
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon salt (use a little more if using kosher/sea salt)
- black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes.
- While preheating, lightly oil the salmon (all over if using skinless, I usually do just the non-skin side if I have skin-on fillets).1.5 pounds salmon fillet, 1 tablespoon oil
- Combine all remaining ingredients. Rub on the oiled salmon (again – all over or just on top).1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, ½ teaspoon ground smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon salt, black pepper
- Place the salmon, skin-side down, in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on size/thickness of fillets and preferred doneness (the USDA recommends an internal temp of 145°F for safe salmon; many higher-end restaurants will cook salmon to 120-125°F for the most succulent fish).
I first shared this recipe in 2021 – I was new to air frying and the recipe was totally fine. 4 years later, I know a lot more about air frying and made some updates to the seasoning and technique to add big improvements. Also, new text and new photos – because why not😉
TL;DR – What you actually need to know:
- Cut-up salmon fillets cook faster and crispier than big center cuts.
- The rub = smoky, garlicky, sweet-but-not-sweet. Brown sugar belongs.
- Cornstarch = crisp. Don’t skip it.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8–12 minutes depending on thickness.
- No marinade. No babysitting. No fishy-smelling house. You’re welcome.
FAQ – Air Fryer Salmon Edition (aka stuff people will definitely ask)
🐟 Prepping the salmon
Do I need to soak salmon in milk first?
Nope. That’s a throwback trick for masking fishy flavors in old salmon. If your fish is fresh and good quality, you’re golden—no milk required.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and well patted dry before seasoning. Any extra moisture = soggy salmon.
Do I have to use skin-on salmon?
No. Skin-on gives you a crispier base, but skinless works too. Just oil all sides so the seasoning sticks and nothing dries out.
🧂 Seasoning + cooking questions
Why is there brown sugar in this?!
Because it works. It balances the spices and helps caramelize the surface. It won’t make the fish sweet—just delicious.
Why cornstarch?
It helps the rub stick and adds a light crisp to the exterior. Tiny effort, big payoff.
Do I need to flip the salmon?
Nope. Air fryer magic = even heat. Keep it skin-side down the whole time and let it do its thing.
How do I know when it’s done?
Use a thermometer if you can!
- 125–130°F: moist, restaurant-style finish
- 145°F: fully cooked, USDA safe
Choose your adventure.
🍴 Leftovers
Can I save leftovers?
Totally. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or a skillet, or flake it cold into salads, wraps, or salmon rice bowls.
🧡 Tried it? Loved it? Never going back to pan-searing?
Leave a comment or drop a star rating below—it helps more people find this air fryer salmon magic, and honestly, I want to know if you’ve converted to Team Brown Sugar.
📌 And don’t forget to pin it so future-you has dinner handled next time 6:17pm hits and the dishwasher door is someone’s favorite perch.
Dorothy J Gatewood says
Very easy and delicious!
Kathy Bartaldo says
What temperature for the air fryer?
Nora says
For that air fryer salmon recipe, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the salmon for about 10 minutes, and it should turn out perfectly—flaky and delicious! 😊
Dorothy says
Your recipe makes no mention of how much Italian seasoning to use or the temp to airfryer at. Could you clarify? Sounds delish. Thanks
Nora says
If you head to the recipe card, you’ll find all of the information you’re looking for, Dorothy.