Best Healthy Salmon Recipe in the Air Fryer

ByNkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
23 Comments

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BEST AIR FRYER SALMON RECIPE  Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it…

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Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! #Salmon #seafood #Airfryersalmon #Fishrecipe #salmonrecipe #healthysalmonrecipe

BEST AIR FRYER SALMON RECIPE 

Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! 

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is the best thing, as you end up with a restaurant-quality salmon fillet.  Tender and flaky with crispy and crusty edges – delish!  To be honest, healthy air-fried salmon is finger-licking good, and am here for it!

You don’t have to ever worry about what to eat on those busy weeknights as this would make an excellent low-calorie salmon dinner. The best thing about this healthy salmon recipe is that it cooks in no time, we are talking about less than 10 minutes, and you don’t even have to flip it as you would normally do most air fryer recipes. And at the same time, this recipe requires only a few ingredients from your pantry.

There are many air fryer salmon recipes; however, this best healthy salmon recipe is easy to make. It does not need any seafood or salmon marinade. All you need for seasoning is the ingredients you already have in your pantry. At the same time, cleaning up is easy because you made it the air fryer! Duh!

Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! #Salmon #seafood #Airfryersalmon #Fishrecipe #salmonrecipe #healthysalmonrecipe

AIR FRY EVERYTHING I MEAN AIR FRY SALMON FILLET!

No, SERIOUSLY, air fry everything! One of the best decisions was getting my air fryer; currently, I use it for literally everything! I have the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer (6 quart), and I love it. You can use it to air fry, bake, broil, reheat, dehydrate, etc. It has different fantastic uses! Anyways, if you enjoy air fryer recipes, then be sure to check out my air fryer steak bites, air fryer chicken thighs, healthy air fryer chicken fajitas, and air fryer sweet potatoes slices.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS BEST HEALTHY SALMON RECIPE:

  1. It is flavorful and fun
  2. Easy to make and easy to clean up afterward.
  3. This healthy salmon recipe is keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free!
  4. Healthy air fryer salmon recipe is flaky, tender, and with a crispy exterior.
  5. Salmon fillets never tasted so good!
  6. Healthy air fried salmon recipe is a perfect low-carb and low-calorie salmon dinner.
  7. This is the best healthy salmon recipe cooked in the air fryer without the fluff you don’t want and loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
  8. Quick and easy; after you air fry salmon fillet, you never make salmon any other way. 
  9. Less is more; when making this healthy salmon recipe, less is more. You will only need a few pantry ingredients.
Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! #Salmon #seafood #Airfryersalmon #Fishrecipe #salmonrecipe #healthysalmonrecipe

WHY IS SALMON A SUPERFOOD? 

Salmon has several health benefits. First, it is a high-quality protein. Second, it contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Some of the advantages of omega-3 fatty acids include supporting heart health, eye health, and skin health. Equally, salmon has a good amount of vitamins b-12, D, b-6, selenium, etc. The bottom line is that salmon is an excellent superfood that deserves a seat on your dinner table. 

If you are one of those people who are scared to make salmon at home and only eat them at a restaurant? Stop it! Salmon is way cheaper to make at home than pay exorbitantly at the restaurant for one fish! This recipe is for you; it requires fewer ingredients and no skill at all. After making this best healthy salmon recipe, you will never go back!

Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! #Salmon #seafood #Airfryersalmon #Fishrecipe #salmonrecipe #healthysalmonrecipe

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING THE BEST HEALTHY SALMON RECIPE IN THE AIR FRYER:

  • Salmon fillets (possibly wild caught)
  • Avocado oil or olive oil. 
  • Cajun seasoning.
  • Maggi Cube Seasoning
  • Black pepper
  • Dry thyme
  • A pinch of salt if needed (or none; both Cajun and Maggi have sodium).
  • Lime or Lemon (for garnishing)
  • Fresh Parsley (for garnishing)

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST HEALTHY SALMON RECIPE IN THE AIR FRYER (STEP-BY-STEP)

Step one: clean salmon. If you washed the fish, ensure to use a paper towel to dry it thoroughly. Cut salmon fillets into equal sizes. I usually buy mine precut.

Step two: Season salmon fillet. First, sprinkle oil on all sides of the salmon fillets, and use a clean hand to rub it in. Finally, sprinkle the dry rub on all sides and rub in. 

Step three: Air fry salmon fillet. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees, and set the time to 10 minutes—Cook salmon in the air fryer without turning because there is no need. 

Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket
Ready to cook!

Step four: Finish cooking and serve. Check the salmon after 7 – 8 minutes; remove if ready. Your fish may be ready before 10 minutes if they are not as thick. Always essential to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the meat thermometer to the thickest part of the fish, and if it measures 125 – 130 Fahrenheit, then this healthy salmon is ready! I usually want my fish well cooked. On the other hand, if you want your fish medium-rare, 120 Fahrenheit would be perfect. Serve with any side dish of choice; garnish with chopped parsley and lime/lemon wedges.

Always essential to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the meat thermometer to the thickest part of the fish, and if it measures 125 – 130 Fahrenheit, then this healthy salmon is ready!
Almost done.

WHAT ARE GOOD SIDES FOR SALMON?

Vegetable Sides; veggie sides are my ultimate go-to whenever I make this healthy salmon recipe. Gladly it pairs so well with any vegetable of choice. One of my favorite vegetable sides to serve with this healthy air fryer salmon is red beet puree. It takes your homemade air-fried salmon to restaurant-quality level.

First of all, it looks gorgeous. Second, it is such a cheap/affordable heart-healthy option! The husband and I had this for one of our at-home dinner date nights.  I also like serving other veggies with my healthy air fryer salmon, including Tasty Air Fryer Broccoli, Healthy Braised Red Cabbage, Air Fryer Honey Mustard Green Beans, or my Baked Brussels sprouts. 

Silky red beet puree, aka beetroot puree, is simply a recipe of pureed cooked beets, coconut milk, fresh garlic, salt, and pepper. Red beet puree is sweet, savory, flavorful, colorful, and comes with a perfect kick of freshness from the fresh raw garlic. Red beet puree recipe is easy to make; easily peel and cut up a couple of raw red beets, boil to soften, and then blend the boiled beets to become creamy and smooth! Healthy beet side dish is ready in less than 40 minutes. Serve pureed beets with salmon, meat, or any choice of main. #Beet #Beetpuree #Pureedbeet #Gardenbeet #Beetrootpuree #pureedbeetrot #Beetsidedish #Beets #beetrecipe #vegetablesidedish
Pictured: Gorgeous Red Beet Purée with Air Fryer Salmon

Salads: My number 1 way to serve my best healthy salmon recipe is to add them to salads. Add air fried salmon fillet to this Walnut Blue cheese salad, Raw Beet Salad, or this Strawberry Avocado Salad. They make a great addition to Kale or Spring Mix Salads too! Amazingly, salmon pairs well with any salad of choice. 

Easy to make raw beetroot and feta cheese salad with lettuce, cucumber, avocado, and salmon; serve with creamy yogurt dressing and top with your favorite things! I added pomegranate seeds, and it was perfect; the best part is that this recipe takes less than 15 minutes to put together. This heart-healthy beet salad is a dream!#Beet #beetroot #beetsalad #beetrootsalad #hearthealthysalad #beetsaladandfetacheese #beetrootandfetacheese #healthysaladrecipe
Pictured: Raw Beetroot and Feta Salad

Grains; most low calorie salmon recipes such as this one will be perfect with grains. For instance, I like them in this Brown Rice Jollof Recipe or even with Coconut Rice. Serve healthy air fried salmon with quinoa, couscous, and any other grain of choice!

Easy healthy braised red cabbage with apples and red onions is the best side dish ever! It's savory, sweet, a little sour, tangy, and wonderfully complements every main dish. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, keto-friendly, and packed with flavorful herbs and spices. Look no further for a fabulous + tasty, healthy side you need for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, it comes together so quickly! #Cabbage #Braisedcabbage #healthysidedish #sidedish
Pictured here is how I served salmon with two of my favorite sides – cabbage & rice!

I hope you never wonder, “what can I eat with salmon?” There are plenty of options! What are you going to serve with your air fried salmon? Share we me in the comment!⬇️

TIPS/RECIPE NOTES:

  1. When I tried this recipe initially, I used only one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning without Maggi cube seasoning, and it was ok. On a second recipe test, I use ½ teaspoon Cajun and ½ teaspoon Maggi Cube seasoning, and I find this combo has the absolute bomb taste. So delicious. Listen, don’t stress or fret over Maggi seasoning. If you don’t have it, Cajun seasoning alone will work perfectly fine.  
  2. If possible, measure out all the seasoning ingredients and add them to a small bowl, and then mix. This way, it will be easier to sprinkle on the salmon.
  3. Cut the salmon fillet in even sizes or buy precut salmon fillet. Mine were precut. 
  4. If using frozen salmon fillets, allow thawing completely.
  5. Wash your hands before handling the salmon, or wear gloves when seasoning the salmon. Ensure that the seasoning gets everywhere for a flavorful and tasty fish!
  6. My favorite cooking oil to use in my air fryer is avocado oil and sometime olive oil. And my favorite air fryer oil spray is avocado oil spray. 
Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free!

FAQs

Do you have to flip salmon in air fryer?

No, you do not have to flip salmon in the air fryer while cooking. There is simply no need for that! Also, I wouldn’t want the fish to break! Generally, I never flip fish when I make them in the air fryer as a rule of thumb.

How long does it take to air fry salmon?

Usually, it takes about 8 – 10 minutes to cook salmon in the air fryer. And I like setting the temperature for cooking salmon at 350 degrees.

Can you put frozen salmon in Airfryer?

Yes, you can absolutely air fry frozen salmon fillet. Air fryer salmon from frozen is a sure thing! If you are cooking salmon from frozen, it may take more time. Whenever I make salmon from frozen, I set the time to 15 minutes. I would air fry it for 3 – 5 minutes and then season/oil spray. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and serve as you would. 

What are good sides for salmon?

Serve this best healthy salmon recipe with vegetables, grains, or salads. If you are on a low-carb diet, check out this air fryer broccoli, walnut blue cheese salad, or spring mix salad. If not a low-carb diet, definitely pair this healthy salmon recipe with pureed beet, my ultimate healthy comfort food! Also, rice or quinoa are excellent with salmon. Remember, salmon is versatile and pairs well with many recipes. 

Does Air Fried Salmon Keep?

Yes, air fryer salmon keeps well in the fridge for a couple of and up to 3 months in the freezer. You can prep this best healthy salmon recipe at the beginning of the week to last the entire week. Uniquely, they make a great meal prep recipe.

Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free!

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES TO TRY:

CHECK OUT MORE FISH RECIPES:

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY AIR FRYER SALMON RECIPE (STEP-BY-STEP)

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Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! #Salmon #seafood #Airfryersalmon #Fishrecipe #salmonrecipe #healthysalmonrecipe

Best Healthy Salmon Recipe in the Air Fryer

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! 

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is legitimately the best thing for salmon as you have a restaurant-quality salmon fillet. Tender and flaky with crispy and crusty edges – delish!  Healthy air-fried salmon is just the best!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 salmon fillets; 6 ounce each (possibly wild caught)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil. 
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Maggi Cube Seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dry thyme
  • A pinch of salt if needed (or none; both Cajun and Maggi have sodium).
  • 1 TBS chopped parsley (for garnishing)
  • 1 Lime or lemon (cut into wedges; for garnishing)

Instructions

  1. Step one: Clean salmon. If you washed the fish, ensure to use a paper towel to dry it thoroughly. Cut salmon fillets into equal sizes. I usually buy mine precut.
  2. Step two: Season salmon fillet. First, sprinkle oil on all sides of the salmon fillets, and use a clean hand to rub it in. Finally, sprinkle the dry rub on all sides and rub in. 
  3. Step three: Air fry salmon fillet. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees, and set the time to 10 minutes—Cook salmon in the air fryer without turning because there is no need. 
  4. Step four: Finish cooking and serve. Check the salmon after 7 – 8 minutes; remove if ready. Your fish may be ready before 10 minutes if they are not as thick. Always essential to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the meat thermometer to the thickest part of the fish, and if it measures 125 – 130 Fahrenheit, then this healthy salmon is ready! I usually want my fish well cooked. On the other hand, if you want your fish medium-rare, 120 Fahrenheit would be perfect. Serve with any side dish of choice; garnish with chopped parsley and lime/lemon wedges.

Notes

When I tried this recipe initially, I used only one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning without Maggi cube seasoning, and it was ok. On a second recipe test, I use ½ teaspoon Cajun and ½ teaspoon Maggi Cube seasoning, and I find this combo has the absolute bomb taste. So delicious. Listen, don’t stress or fret over Maggi seasoning. If you don’t have it, Cajun seasoning alone will work perfectly fine.  

If possible, measure out all the seasoning ingredients and add them to a small bowl, and then mix. This way, it will be easier to sprinkle on the salmon.

Cut the salmon fillet in even sizes or buy precut salmon fillet. Mine were precut. 

If using frozen salmon fillets, allow thawing completely.

Wash your hands before handling the salmon, or wear gloves when seasoning the salmon. Ensure that the seasoning gets everywhere for a flavorful and tasty fish!

My favorite cooking oil to use in my air fryer is avocado oil and sometime olive oil. And my favorite air fryer oil spray is avocado oil spray. This is my Air Fryer (love it)!

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! Cooking salmon in an air fryer is the best thing for salmon as you have a restaurant-quality salmon fillet. Tender and flaky with crispy and crusty edges – delish! Healthy air-fried salmon is just the best! #Salmon #seafood #Airfryersalmon #Fishrecipe #salmonrecipe #healthysalmonrecipe

I love this simple + healthy air fryer salmon recipe; it is easy, quick, and tasty. Hopefully, you can give it a try. Leave me a comment and rate it as well.

Thanks for stopping by! Stay well and blessed!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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I'm Nkechi Ajaeroh, a 2x International Best Selling Author, Food Enthusiast, and Public Health expert with a Master's in Public Health. Originally from Nigeria, I now reside in the United States. My passion is crafting heart-healthy Nigerian meals with an American twist. My blog explores the joy of food and life, sharing my personal and professional journey and helping you navigate your healthy lifestyle. I am dedicated to impacting lives through storytelling and inspiring others to achieve their personal goals. LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

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23 Comments

  1. This is the only way I’m making salmon from now on! It turns out perfectly every time!



    Reply

  2. This looks really delicious and fairly simple to make! Can’t wait to try it out! thanks for the recipe 🙂



    Reply

  3. Such a great air fryer recipe – quick and easy, but packed with flavour. Perfect weeknight dinner – thank you!



    Reply
  4. Jyoti Behrani says:

    This looks incredible! I love salmon, never thought of making it in an air fryer. I can’t wait to try this healthy air fryer recipe. Thanks for sharing!



    Reply

  5. I am always looks for new recipes for air frying and I just bought salmon going to try this tonight~



    Reply

  6. Love the crispy outside coating the air fryer imparts on the salmon while it cooks – so good and such a simple weeknight recipe!



    Reply

  7. I love that this salmon is made in the air fryer. Simply delicious!



    Reply

  8. I love salmon, and I’m always looking for a new recipe. I made this for the family last night, and it was delicious. It really does come out perfectly in the air fryer.



    Reply

  9. This has seriously been my craving fir the past weeks and I am SO excited to finally try this!



    Reply

  10. My whole family loved this recipe!! It is packed full of flavors!



    Reply

  11. I absolutely loved this recipe! I’m new to the air fryer, so I wanted to ask: Does anybody have tips for getting the fishy smell out of the basket once you’re done cooking? I made mine over the weekend and the stink continues to linger.



    Reply

  12. Do you use the bake setting or the fry setting?

    Reply