Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, then run the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Rub each salmon filet with the olive oil.
Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika together in a small bowl and season the salmon with this seasoning mixture.
Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook for 7-9 minutes at 400 degrees F until the salmon is cooked through and flakey. If the salmon is not done, cook in 1-2 minute increments until cooked to your preference. You may have to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Squeeze the lemon juice on the salmon when serving and enjoy!
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Notes
*Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips
Cooking Salmon - To ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and about the same time, we recommend cooking salmon that are about the same thickness.
Cooking Time - Depending on the thickness of your skin-on salmon, cooking time will vary. You will know that your salmon is finished cooking when it flakes with a fork and has internal temperature of 145 degrees. We recommend using a meat thermometer to make sure salmon is cooked. Check out Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe for a pan fry option.
Prepare Air Fryer - If your air fryer has the preheat function, we recommend using that for the best cooked salmon. If it does not have that function, then turn on your air fryer for about 5 minutes to allow it to preheat.
Seasoning Variation ideas
Once you master this recipe, you can change the spices up slightly for different variations of this air fryer salmon recipe.
Season with Garlic Butter - You can create a garlic butter salmon air fry recipe by seasoning the salmon filets with butter and minced garlic instead of the olive oil and garlic salt.
Asian Seasoning - Also, you can give it a more Asian flair by drizzling the salmon with a soy sauce and honey mixtures.
Cajun Seasoning - A little Cajun Seasoning really adds so much flavor to the Salmon. Try this Blackened Salmon if you love Cajun Seasoning.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning - Lemon pepper seasoning is one of my favorites to add to salmon. I like to squeeze fresh lime when the salmon is cooked.
Steak Seasoning - You can even use a simple steak seasoning. Most of the steak seasoning blends indicates that it works great on fish.
Fresh Herbs - We have even seasoned the salmon with fresh herbs such as a 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary.
Sweetness - If you prefer a hint of sweetness, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar on the salmon.
Mustard - We also like to add a glaze made with Dijon Mustard or regular mustard and fresh dill for delicious flavor.
How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
You can make air fryer fresh or frozen salmon fillets by putting the frozen salmon filets directly in the air fryer basket.I recommend doubling the minutes of cooking time if you are cooking the salmon from frozen as it would need the additional time to defrost in the air fryer as well.After the cooking time, if the salmon is not cooked perfectly, continue to cook in the air fryer in 2 minute increments until the fish flakes with a fork.