This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe is incredibly delicious and packed with lemon, garlic and Italian herbs. You can rub the salmon fillets with the oil, lemon juice and spices or combine everything and let it marinate in the fridge overnight.
Garlic lemon rubbed salmon cooks up perfectly in the air fryer, with slightly crispy edges and a tender and flaky middle. You can also cook this tasty fish in a skillet if you prefer.
In case you have any leftovers, you can make a delicious salmon pasta salad the next day. We provided our favorite pasta salad recipes below in case you want to give this amazing lunch option a try.
❤️ WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS SALMON RECIPE
✔️ Cooking salmon in the air fryer is quick and easy!
✔️ Only 15 minutes from start to finish. Quick prep and quick cooking.
✔️ No splatter on the stove or washing pots and pans!
✔️ The seasoning is perfection.
✔️ 34 grams of protein for each serving.
✔️ Gluten free and dairy free.
AIR FRYER SALMON WITH GARLIC LEMON RUB INGREDIENTS
You may have all of these air fryer lemon salmon ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts.
- Salmon fillets: You can use fresh salmon fillets or defrosted frozen ones. Make sure your fillets are not dried out or have any dark spots.
- Oil: We use olive or avocado oil.
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon Juice: For best flavor use fresh lemon juice.
- Italian seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
If you'd like to print this recipe, scroll down to the recipe card where you can print the recipe or have it scaled to double or triple. You'll also find nutrition information.
SEASON SALMON: In a small bowl, add oil and lemon juice. Whisk until combined. Coat all sides of the salmon with the oil mixture.
Mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl. Rub the top of the salmon with the seasoning rub. Let sit for 10 minutes.
COOK IN AIR FRYER: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. Place salmon filets in the air fryer basket with the skin side down.
Cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes. Do not flip or rotate. Salmon is done when the internal temperature is 125ºF to 135ºF.
🔴 TIP: Air fryers need space between the food items to circulate the hot air and cook food properly. Do not overcrowd your air fryer.
SERVE: Sprinkle salmon filets with chopped parsley and lemon slices and serve immediately.
🔴 TIP: Level the teaspoon off when adding your baking powder. Do not add extra baking powder.
TIPS FOR THE BEST AIR FRYER SALMON
✔️ Use the freshest salmon you can find. It can be previously frozen but it should be firm, not squishy and should have a nice pink color.
✔️ Rub the oil, lemon and seasonings into the salmon well with your hands. This allows the spices to really flavor the salmon and be less likely to fall off during cooking.
✔️ Do not overcook salmon. Salmon will continue cooking for about 5 minutes after you remove it from the air fryer so if it's a little undercooked when you finish that's better than being overcooked. Overcooked salmon is dry and much less enjoyable to eat.
✔️ If your air fryer has a wire rack or basket, you might want to cook your salmon on air fryer parchment paper to prevent sticking.
WAYS TO USE LEMON GARLIC SALMON LEFTOVERS
If you were wondering what to do with lemon garlic salmon leftovers, we have a great suggestion: add it to your favorite pasta salad. Here are two of our most loved pasta salads that work perfect with salmon:
- SALMON PASTA SALAD – This fresh and healthy cold pasta salad uses a homemade lemon dill vinaigrette and tastes insanely good.
- PESTO PASTA SALAD – Packed with fresh summer flavors, this pasta salad makes the perfect light lunch. Just add cold, cut up salmon pieces and enjoy.
STORAGE TIPS
Storing your food properly is important to prevent spoiling or food poisoning.
Refrigerate: Let the air fryer salmon cool completely. Then store in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Lemon garlic salmon is best eaten fresh. However, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight and freezer safe container or ziploc freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Defrosting: A great way to defrost is in the refrigerator overnight.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SALMON
Enjoy this great recipe as a great addition to a full meal with these other recipes:
MORE SEAFOOD RECIPES
While we love garlic lemon rubbed salmon we also love some of these other recipes and think you will as well.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can mix the oil, lemon and spices and make a marinade, if you prefer. Coat your salmon in the marinade, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
No. For the best air fryer salmon, put the salmon fillets into the air fryer basket skin side down, and do not flip or rotate them once in the air fryer.
Yes, there are no ingredients in the original recipe that contain dairy or gluten.
Yes, heat a skillet to medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Place salmon in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the internal temperature is 135ºF. Remove from heat. The cook time varies depending on the thickness of the salmon, the temperature of the pan and the internal temperature of the salmon.
Equipment
Ingredients
Salmon ingredients:
- 6 salmon fillets - about 6 oz each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - or avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning - or Italian herbs
Garnish:
- sliced lemons
- freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
In a small bowl, add oil and lemon juice. Whisk until combined.
Coat all sides of the salmon with the oil mixture.
Mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Rub top of the salmon with the seasoning rub. Let sit for 10 minutes.- Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray.
Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket with the skin side down.
Cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes. Do not flip or rotate. Salmon is done when the internal temperature is 125ºF to 135ºF.
Serve with lemon and fresh parsley.
Dannii says
The air fryer is the best way to cook salmon. It is perfectly cooked every time.
Suja MD says
I just love this and its was a big hit with everyone. And this was such a pleasing experience!
Dana says
The most perfectly tender and flaky salmon! Absolutely love all of that garlicky lemony goodness, too 🙂
Ieva says
Salmon turned out absolutely perfect! The texture and the flavour! Will definitely make this recipe again.
Glenda says
This was delicious salmon and honestly it was beautiful on the plate! I got so many complements. Thank you!
Andrea + Stef says
I'm so glad you loved it!