7 Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipes You’ll Actually Make on Repeat
Ever stare into your fridge wondering what to make that’s quick, healthy, and actually tastes good? Yeah, me too.
Enter the air fryer salmon revolution — crispy edges, juicy middle, and no oily mess to scrub afterward. Whether you’re a meal-prep fan, a seafood lover, or someone just trying to eat better without giving up flavor, these recipes are your new weeknight heroes.
What I love most? Each one feels fancy but takes less time than scrolling through Netflix options.
From garlicky butter vibes to spicy maple magic, we’re talking bold flavors that make salmon anything but boring. Ready to level up your salmon game? Let’s get that air fryer humming.
1. Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon
There’s something wildly comforting about garlic butter, right? It’s like the little black dress of cooking — goes with everything, makes everything better. This garlic butter salmon gives you crispy, golden edges and that melt-in-your-mouth center that feels restaurant-level fancy but requires zero culinary degree.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika.
- Brush the salmon with the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, skin-side down, until flaky.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe feels like a cheat code — you get buttery richness and crispy texture without babysitting the pan. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lazy Sundays.
Tips
Quick tip: Add a sprinkle of parmesan in the last minute for extra crisp.
Serving idea: Serve it over a bed of garlic rice or with steamed asparagus.
2. Honey Soy Glazed Air Fryer Salmon
Sweet, salty, and sticky — basically everything you want in life (and your dinner). This honey soy salmon hits all the right notes with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like takeout but is 10x healthier.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1½ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
- Marinate salmon for 15–20 minutes (or skip if you’re starving — I get it).
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Air fry for 8–9 minutes, brushing extra glaze halfway through.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s sticky, savory, and perfectly caramelized — the kind of glaze that makes you lick the fork clean. Also works great for meal prep.
Tips
Quick tip: Swap honey for maple syrup if that’s what you have.
Serving idea: Serve with jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies for a balanced plate.
3. Cajun Spice Air Fryer Salmon
If you like bold flavors that punch back, this Cajun salmon is your jam. It’s spicy, smoky, and perfect when you want dinner to feel exciting again. It also happens to taste phenomenal in tacos — just saying.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp brown sugar
- Juice of ½ lime
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub salmon with oil, seasoning, sugar, and lime juice.
- Air fry for 9 minutes, skin-side down.
- Squeeze more lime before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s fiery, flavorful, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully — the secret to that irresistible crust.
Tips
Quick tip: Add this salmon to tacos with slaw and chipotle mayo.
Serving idea: Pairs beautifully with roasted corn or a cold beer (optional but recommended).
4. Lemon Dill Air Fryer Salmon
Fresh, light, and perfect for when you want something that feels fancy but not fussy. Lemon dill salmon is that spring-summer vibe you can enjoy year-round. It’s bright, tangy, and smells amazing while cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill (or fresh if you’re feeling fancy)
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over salmon fillets.
- Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until flaky.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s light but flavorful — perfect for clean eating without sacrificing taste. The dill and lemon combo screams freshness.
Tips
Quick tip: Add lemon slices on top for extra flavor and aesthetics.
Serving idea: Pair with roasted potatoes or a simple cucumber salad.
5. Maple Dijon Air Fryer Salmon
This one’s for anyone who loves that sweet-savory balance. Maple Dijon salmon is pure flavor harmony — it’s tangy, rich, and slightly caramelized on the edges. Bonus: your kitchen will smell incredible.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Whisk together maple syrup, mustard, soy sauce, and oil.
- Brush over salmon and air fry for 8 minutes.
- Brush extra glaze before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s the perfect mix of cozy and classy — tastes like something you’d order at a bistro but takes under 15 minutes. You’ll want seconds.
Tips
Quick tip: Add crushed garlic for more depth.
Serving idea: Serve over quinoa or wild rice with green beans.
6. Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon
Sticky, glossy, and full of umami — this teriyaki salmon is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s restaurant-level delicious without the takeout bill or MSG overload. And yep, that glaze? Absolutely addictive.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Sesame seeds & green onions (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Brush salmon with teriyaki sauce and sesame oil.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, brushing again halfway through.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s rich, sweet, and glossy — a go-to when you want takeout flavors without delivery fees. Great for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Tips
Quick tip: Use low-sodium teriyaki if you’re watching salt.
Serving idea: Pair with steamed rice and broccoli for that perfect bowl vibe.
7. Spicy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Salmon
This one’s bold, indulgent, and slightly addictive. Think of it as the grown-up version of garlic bread… but make it salmon. The spicy garlic parmesan crust crisps up beautifully while keeping the inside tender and buttery.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp parmesan, grated
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix mayo, parmesan, chili flakes, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the salmon.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–9 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
That crispy top and juicy middle? Unbeatable combo. It’s indulgent but still feels light — a true weeknight winner.
Tips
Quick tip: Skip chili flakes if you’re cooking for kids.
Serving idea: Serve with roasted broccoli or over pasta for a fun twist.
Conclusion
There you go — seven ridiculously easy air fryer salmon recipes that prove healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Whether you’re into zesty lemon-dill freshness or can’t resist that sticky maple glaze, there’s a flavor here for every mood. The beauty of the air fryer is that it does the heavy lifting — giving you crisp, juicy salmon every single time.
So the next time you’re tempted to grab takeout, just remember: you’ve got seven better options waiting at home. Now go preheat that air fryer — your future self (and taste buds) will thank you.
