Air Fryer Salmon

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Total: 15 min Servings: 2
Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published October 25, 2020 • Updated February 1, 2026

Reader Rating
5 Stars (1 Reviews)
5 Ingredients or LessAir FryerCarnivoreDairy FreeEasySeafood

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The air fryer is my go-to for salmon. This easy air fryer salmon recipe gets the skin perfectly crispy while keeping the flesh light and flaky every single time.

air fryer salmon on a plate with cauliflower rice and asparagus
Sometimes the simplest recipes end up being the best, and this keto air fryer salmon recipe proves it. All you need is a couple of seasonings and your air fryer to get restaurant-quality salmon at home.

The air fryer circulates hot air around the fillet, crisping up the skin while keeping the inside light and flaky. Next time you need an easy low carb dinner, grab some salmon! Serve with a side of cauliflower rice and air fryer asparagus for a complete meal.

cooked salmon in a air fryer basket

How to air fry salmon?

Start by preparing two 6oz salmon filets with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Next, lightly season the filets with salt and pepper and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning blend. If desired, you can place thinly sliced lemon on the fish for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. The air fryer will cause the lemon to crisp up a bit which is stunning when plated. Place the salmon skin side down inside the air fryer, on the cooking basket/rack.

How long to air fry salmon?

Cook at 375° F for 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your filet. Your filet is done when the thickest part of the filet reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. two salmon fillets on a wooden board
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Air Fryer Salmon

5 (1) Prep 5m Cook 10m Total 15m 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lemon
  • Two 4-6 oz salmon filets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Slice lemon

Cut the lemon in half. Save half for juicing. Cut the second half into thin slices.

sprinkling black pepper on a salmon fillet
2
Drizzle olive oil

Place the salmon filets skin side down and drizzle olive oil on top. Squeeze the juice from half of the lemon on top of the fish.

drizzling olive oil on top of a salmon filet
3
Season the filets

Sprinkle the salt, pepper and Italian seasoning blend over the fish. Place the lemon slices on top, if desired.

sprinkling italian seasoning on salmon
4
Air fry the salmon

Place the fish skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook the fish at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.

salmon fillets in an air fryer basket
Nutrition Per Serving
270 Calories
16g Fat
29g Protein
1.3g Net Carbs
1.7g Total Carbs
2 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Air Fryer Salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to air fry salmon when frozen?

This recipe is for fresh salmon. If yours is frozen, heat the air fryer to 375°F and place it in the basket for 5-7 minutes to thaw. Then proceed with Step 1.

How long to cook frozen salmon in air fryer?

Fresh salmon needs 8 - 10 minutes at 375°F depending on the thickness or until the internal temperature is 145°F.

Can I cook salmon in the air fryer with the skin on?

Yes, the skin helps protect the salmon. Once it's done, you can peel the skin off or eat it.

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Benefits of air fryer salmon

Cooking salmon in the air fryer is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to get a great low-carb dinner on the table.

Air fryers circulate hot air to cook, while keeping the food elevated above the oils. The result is evenly cooked fish with excess fat drained. When salmon is cooked in the air fryer, it is not only done quickly but it also gets delicious crispy seared edges while staying moist and flavorful in the center.

How to air fry salmon with skin?

When cooking your salmon in the air fryer, you want to leave the skin on the fish. It will help protect the fish from overcooking on the bottom and also helps keep the juices sealed in which prevents it from becoming dry. If the skin bothers you, you can remove it before plating.

Air frying salmon with skin is easy. Just place the salmon skin side down and follow the recipe instructions.

I love serving this dish with cauliflower rice and a simple green vegetable. Try it with simply seasoned asparagus, Brussels sprouts or broccoli. It also tastes great with an avocado salad.

sprinkling black pepper on a salmon fillet

Salmon seasoning variations

This seasoning combination is one of my favorites because it allows the natural buttery flavor of the fish to shine through. If you are looking to change things up, try seasoning your salmon with other keto approved ingredients like lemon pepper and garlic. You can also try using Dijon mustard, sugar-free maple, soy sauce or sesame seeds. No matter what seasoning experiments you try, the cooking temperature and time will remain the same.

Cooked salmon leftover storage

If you happen to be lucky enough to have leftovers, you should store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days. Try using the leftover fish on a bed of greens to add some protein to your salad, or experiment with shredding the salmon and wrapping it with lettuce for healthy lunch.
About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

Learn more about Annie View My Cookbook

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  1. J
    Judy M Jun 8, 2022

    Hi Annie,

    Thank you for all your great recipes.

    I just got an air fryer. I’d like to make the salmon, but our Kirkland/Costco salmon doesn’t have skin.

    Can I still make it this way?

    Thank you very much

    Reply
    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Jun 12, 2022

      Yes you can!

      Reply

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