Need a fast, healthy dinner that tastes amazing? You’re going to love this one.
Let us introduce your new favorite recipe: Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy nights or when guests are coming over.
In this post, we’ll show you:
Whether you cook all the time or this is your first try, this salmon recipe will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen.
Why Make Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices?
Quick, Crispy, and So Good
Air fryers are awesome. They make food crispy without needing a lot of oil. When you cook salmon this way, it gets a perfect crust on the outside while staying juicy inside.
Add garlic and spices, and boom—your taste buds are doing a happy dance.
This recipe is super simple. Just a few common ingredients, and you’ll have dinner ready in under 20 minutes.
Healthy and Tasty
Salmon is packed with protein, healthy fats (like omega-3s), and vitamins like B12 and D. Air frying keeps the good stuff without adding extra grease.
The spices—like garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne—add flavor and even some health benefits too.
Great for Weeknights or Special Meals
Whether it’s a busy Monday or a weekend dinner with friends, Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices fits the plan. You can change it up easily and serve it with lots of different sides.
Cleanup is simple too. No oily pans—just rinse the air fryer basket, and you’re done.
What You’ll Need (Just the Basics!)
Most of these ingredients are likely already sitting in your kitchen:
- 2 salmon fillets, each weighing between 6 to 8 ounces, with or without skin.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped small
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
These create a crispy outside and tender inside. Smoked paprika adds a rich flavor, and garlic makes it smell amazing!
Picking the Best Salmon
Try to get fresh, wild-caught salmon—it tastes better and flakes nicely. Frozen salmon is okay too, just thaw it all the way and dry it with paper towels before cooking.
Want the perfect side? Try pairing this recipe with Frozen Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer. It’s fast, crispy, and complements the garlic-forward flavor of the salmon beautifully.
How to Cook Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dry the Fish
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps it get crispy. - Season It
Mix the oil, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub it all over the salmon. - Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set it to 400°F and let it heat for 2–3 minutes. - Cook the Salmon
Place the fillets skin-side down. Cook for 8–10 minutes. They’re done when the inside is 125–130°F and flakes with a fork. - Let It Rest
Rest for a minute before serving. This keeps the juices in.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t crowd the air fryer. Give the salmon space.
- For extra crispiness, brush on a bit more oil halfway through cooking.
- Squeeze fresh lemon over it before serving—it adds brightness!
Try New Flavors with This Salmon Recipe
Mix Up Your Spices
You can make this Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices your own by changing the seasoning.
Try:
- A smoky kick with cumin or chipotle
- A fresh feel with oregano, dill, or thyme
- A sweet-spicy combo with a pinch of brown sugar and chili flakes
Just go light—salmon has a gentle flavor and doesn’t need too much.
Fun Toppings to Add
Once it’s cooked, you can top your salmon with:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
- A drizzle of lemon or honey-mustard
- Crumbled feta or chopped olives
- Crispy onions or nuts for crunch
Get creative—it’s hard to go wrong!
What Goes Well with Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices
Simple Sides for a Great Meal
This salmon is great on its own, but adding sides makes it even better. Try it with:
- Roasted veggies
- Cucumber salad
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Quinoa or wild rice
- Cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach for low-carb options
Crusty garlic bread also works great for soaking up juices!
More Ideas Everyone Will Like
Need to feed a crowd? Add sides that everyone can enjoy:
- Steamed green beans with lemon
- Cold chickpea salad
- Air-fried zucchini for a crispy match
- Mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory mix
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Save It for Later
If you’ve got extra Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices, don’t toss it—just store it right!
- Cool the salmon first
- Place it in a sealed container
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days
- You can also store it in the freezer for as long as 2 months.
Always write the date on your container so you remember when you made it.
Reheat It Right
To keep it from drying out:
- Use your air fryer again at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. Cover with foil.
- Or use a skillet on low heat with a splash of lemon or water.
- Microwave only if needed—use 30-second bursts with a damp paper towel on top.
Final Thoughts
Why This Recipe Works
Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices is a hit because it’s:
- Quick
- Easy
- Full of flavor
- Healthier than other cooking methods
It proves you don’t need fancy tools or ingredients to make a great meal.
Try It Tonight!
If you’ve never made salmon at home before, this is a great place to start. It’s beginner-friendly and gives amazing results every time.
Give it a try—and we bet it’ll end up on your weekly menu again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices: Tasty, Healthy & So Easy!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices is the perfect go-to dinner recipe—quick, flavorful, and healthy. It features a crispy crust, juicy center, and is loaded with smoky garlic goodness. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each), skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
-
Dry the Salmon
Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and crisp the surface. -
Make the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. -
Season the Salmon
Rub the spice mixture all over the salmon fillets, coating both sides evenly. -
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for 2–3 minutes. -
Cook the Salmon
Place fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C). -
Rest and Serve
Let the salmon rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
-
For extra crispiness, brush a bit more olive oil on the salmon halfway through cooking.
-
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
-
Frozen salmon works too—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry.
-
Great side pairings include roasted vegetables, quinoa, or frozen garlic bread in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 170g
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices, air fryer salmon recipe, garlic salmon in air fryer, healthy salmon dinner, easy salmon recipe, crispy air fryer fish, low carb salmon recipe
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Spices
1. Is it okay to use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can! But you’ll need to thaw it first. Run it under cool water or let it sit in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, make sure to pat it dry before seasoning. This step helps the spices stick better and keeps the salmon from steaming instead of crisping. Even when using frozen fish, this recipe still turns out delicious.
2. What kind of salmon works best in the air fryer?
Both wild-caught and farm-raised work, but wild-caught is often preferred. That’s because it usually has a richer flavor and firmer texture. However, farm-raised salmon can still be tasty and affordable. No matter which type you use, make sure it’s fresh and not too thin, so it doesn’t dry out.
3. How do I keep the salmon from drying out?
To avoid dryness, don’t overcook it. Set your air fryer to the right temperature and check the salmon after 8 minutes. Additionally, using a food thermometer helps. Aim for 125–130°F inside. Plus, letting the salmon rest for a minute or two after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
4. What are some quick sides to pair with this salmon?
Great question! This dish goes well with many simple sides. For example, try roasted veggies, a cucumber salad, or even mashed sweet potatoes. These sides are not only quick to make but also balance out the bold flavors of the garlic and spices. If you’re in a rush, even a slice of garlic bread works great!
5. Can I make this salmon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it ahead! Simply season the salmon and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. That way, when it’s time to cook, all you have to do is pop it in the air fryer. Prepping early also lets the spices soak into the fish, giving it even more flavor.
6. How do I reheat leftover salmon without losing texture?
The air fryer is perfect for reheating! Set it to 350°F and heat the salmon for about 4–5 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil to avoid drying it out. You can also reheat it in a pan with a splash of lemon juice or water. While the microwave is quicker, it can make the fish rubbery—so it’s best used only when needed.