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Air Fryer Salmon Fillet (Master Recipe)

The base method for air fryer salmon: dry, oil, season, and cook at 400°F to a crisp edge and a tender centre, with flavour variations to build from.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon 6 to 8 oz each, even thickness, skin-on
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
  • 1/2 tsp paprika optional
  • lemon wedges and fresh herbs to serve

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Small bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (198°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the fillets dry, brush with oil, and season all over.
  3. Place skin-side down in a single layer with space between the fillets.
  4. Cook 7 to 9 minutes, until the centre is just opaque and reads 125 to 130°F.
  5. Rest 2 minutes; the temperature climbs a few degrees off the heat.

Notes

Even thickness cooks evenly: fold thin tail ends under themselves.
Pull at 125 to 130°F for medium; carryover finishes it.
Variations: citrus-herb (lemon zest, thyme, garlic), sweet-sticky (maple and Dijon), sesame-ginger (soy, sesame oil, ginger), or smoky (smoked paprika, garlic, cumin).