Salmon is one of the healthiest dinners you can make, but it can also be one of the easiest to overcook. Many people turn to the air fryer because it cooks fish in less than 10 minutes without needing to switch on the oven or deal with oil splattering on the hob. However, if you're not careful, salmon can quickly dry out, leaving it lacking the soft, flaky texture that makes it so popular. That's why it's important to prepare it properly before it goes into the air fryer. One food blogger says there's one step that makes all the difference and helps keep the fish moist while giving it beautifully crisp edges.
Coating with Olive Oil Is the Key
Yumna Jawad is a recipe developer and runs the Feel Good Foodie blog. Her air fryer salmon recipe has earned a perfect five-star rating from more than 37,000 reviews. Yumna said: "I make salmon a lot, and ever since I started cooking it in the air fryer, I don't think I can go back. It's just so easy! Season the salmon fillets, pop them in the air fryer, and less than 10 minutes later, you've got the most moist, tender cooked salmon with a flaky center."
Before seasoning the fish, Yumna recommends coating each salmon fillet with olive oil. She says the olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the fish while also preventing the salmon from drying out as it cooks. Avocado oil can also be used instead.
Seasoning and Cooking Tips
The recipe uses garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper for seasoning, while fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce are served on the side. Yumna recommends preheating the air fryer before adding the salmon so it cooks evenly and develops crisp edges. She also says it's important not to overcrowd the basket because the hot air needs to circulate freely around each fillet. If necessary, cook the salmon in two batches.
Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the fish and the air fryer being used, so she recommends checking whether the salmon flakes easily with a fork before serving.
Thousands of Glowing Reviews
The recipe has received thousands of glowing reviews from people who have tried it at home. One person said: "Love this recipe. It's my new go-to air fryer salmon. So easy and delicious!" Another wrote: "This salmon was amazing! Juicy, melts in your mouth, and so easy and quick! This will be the way I cook salmon from now on!"
A third added: "Absolute perfection. I will never make salmon another way again. Delicious and foolproof." Someone else said: "I love this recipe! It comes out perfect every time!"
Yumna's Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, to serve
- Tartar sauce, to serve
Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C.
- Rub each salmon fillet with the olive oil, then season with the garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.
- Place the salmon into the air fryer basket, making sure the fillets are not overcrowded.
- Cook for seven to nine minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Check whether it flakes easily with a fork and, if needed, cook for another one or two minutes before serving with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
