Salmon gets a bad rap for being “fancy” or “hard to cook,” but trust me—your air fryer can make it crispy, juicy, and totally restaurant-worthy in minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or just a “treat yourself” night, these 8 air fryer salmon recipes are approachable, flavorful, and fun to make.
If you’re looking for more seafood variety, pair these recipes with:
- 12 Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes for Meatless Fridays – juicy, kid-approved shrimp dishes.
- 10 Easy Air Fryer Fish Recipes Perfect for Any Night – flaky, crispy, and versatile.
- 10 Kid-Friendly Air Fryer Seafood Recipes – perfect for picky eaters.
Let’s get cooking!
1. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon
Why it’s awesome: Classic, buttery, and practically foolproof.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Brush over salmon fillets.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The garlic butter seeps into every bite—juicy, tender, and effortlessly gourmet. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies for a full meal.
2. Honey Mustard Air Fryer Salmon
Why it’s awesome: Sweet, tangy, and universally loved.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Whisk honey, mustard, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Brush over salmon fillets.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Sticky, caramelized, and kid-friendly too. You could even rotate this with air fryer shrimp recipes for a fun seafood weeknight.
3. Lemon Dill Air Fryer Salmon
Why it’s awesome: Bright, fresh, and light.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Fresh dill
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon over salmon; sprinkle with dill.
- Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for spring or summer dinners, and it pairs beautifully with vegetarian air fryer sides for a balanced meal.
4. Cajun Air Fryer Salmon
Why it’s awesome: Bold, smoky, and full of character.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Brush salmon with olive oil and coat with Cajun seasoning.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Adds a punch of flavor to your dinner table without extra effort. Try rotating with crispy air fryer fish recipes for variety.
5. Teriyaki Glazed Air Fryer Salmon
Why it’s awesome: Sweet, savory, and slightly sticky—Asian-inspired perfection.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Teriyaki sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Brush salmon with teriyaki sauce.
- Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Why You’ll Love It
Great over rice or noodles. This recipe is also fantastic alongside air fryer shrimp recipes for a quick seafood dinner.
6. Pesto-Crusted Air Fryer Salmon
Why it’s awesome: Herbaceous, vibrant, and fresh.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Basil pesto
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Spread pesto over salmon fillets.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The pesto adds flavor and moisture while giving it a gourmet flair—kids and adults alike will love this one.
7. Maple Soy Air Fryer Salmon
Why it’s awesome: Sweet, salty, and perfectly caramelized.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Maple syrup
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Whisk maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Brush onto salmon fillets.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The sweet-salty combo gives the salmon a beautiful golden glaze, making dinner feel fancy without extra effort.
8. Mediterranean Air Fryer Salmon
Why it’s awesome: Fresh, herby, and colorful.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Lemon slices
- Cherry tomatoes & olives
- Oregano & garlic
Instructions
- Place salmon in the air fryer basket. Top with olive oil, lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, oregano, and garlic.
- Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Bright, vibrant, and restaurant-quality in minutes. Serve with air fryer veggies or roasted potatoes for a full, impressive meal.
Pro Tip
Rotate these salmon recipes with air fryer shrimp, crispy fish sticks, or kid-friendly seafood recipes for a full week of simple, gourmet-style dinners that keep everyone happy.
Final Thoughts
These 8 Air Fryer Salmon Recipes show that salmon can be quick, flavorful, and impressive without the fuss. Pair with your favorite sides, add some crispy shrimp or fish bites, and dinner suddenly feels like a treat.
Your air fryer just earned its spot as the MVP of easy, gourmet seafood dinners. 😄
