High-Protein Air Fryer Salmon
Per serving (1 fillet, about 6 oz raw)
How I calculate this → Calculate your protein target →
The air fryer gets salmon to a crisp exterior faster than my oven does, without heating up the whole kitchen for one pan of fish. I check for doneness with a fork rather than a timer alone, since fillet thickness varies enough between fish that the exact minute can shift. It should flake easily and look opaque all the way through, not translucent in the center.
Why you'll love this
- 30g of protein per serving with no oven preheat needed
- Ready in 20 minutes start to finish
- Crisps on the outside the way baking alone doesn't
Recipe
High-Protein Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry. Rub with olive oil, then top with garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Serve with the lemon slices.
Equipment
- Air fryer
Notes
- I don't flip salmon in the air fryer. Skin-side down the whole time protects the delicate flesh and still crisps the top.
- Thicker fillets need closer to 10 minutes, thinner ones closer to 8. Check at the thinnest part of the fillet first since it cooks fastest.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 313 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 0g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, covered, in the air fryer at 300F for a few minutes, or eat cold over a salad the next day.
FAQ
Do I need to remove the skin first?
No. Cooking it skin-side down actually protects the fish and makes it easier to lift out cleanly. Leave the skin on for the crisp underside, and remove it after cooking if you don’t want to eat it.
How do I know when salmon is actually done?
It should flake easily with a fork and look opaque, not translucent, all the way through. An instant-read thermometer reading 125-130F at the thickest part is medium, which is where most people prefer salmon.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Thaw it first for even cooking. Cooking from frozen in the air fryer tends to dry out the outside before the center catches up.
Looking for more air fryer dinners: the air fryer tofu is a plant-based option with the same hands-off method.