Quick answer: Season two salmon fillets with salt, pepper, minced garlic and lemon juice, place them skin-side down and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes without flipping, until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
Season: Pat the salmon dry and season with the salt, pepper, minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
Arrange skin-side down: Place the fillets skin-side down in the basket. No oil is needed; the skin crisps on its own.
Air fry: Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, with no flipping.
Check doneness: The salmon is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork. The USDA recommends 145°F.
Serve: Serve with lemon wedges and fresh dill.
Dual basket tip: Salmon in basket 1 for 8 to 10 minutes. Asparagus tossed in olive oil and garlic in basket 2 for about 6 minutes at 400°F. Use Sync Finish for a complete dinner in about 10 minutes.
Best for this recipe: Ninja DZ090 6-QtCompact 3-Qt baskets are a good fit for 2 fillets and a side.
How Many Calories Are in Lemon Garlic Salmon? (Estimated)
Per serving (1 fillet (about 6 oz raw)): about 350 calories, 21 g fat (4 g saturated), 2 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 35 g protein, and 400 mg sodium. These are estimates, not lab values. Estimated from standard USDA values for cooked farmed Atlantic salmon plus the salt listed. Wild salmon is leaner.
What Flavor Variations Can You Try?
Honey mustard: brush with 1 tsp Dijon mixed with 1 tsp honey before cooking
Cajun: swap the garlic and lemon for 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Herb butter: top each hot fillet with 1 tsp butter mixed with chopped parsley
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does salmon take in an air fryer?
About 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F for 6-ounce fillets, skin-side down, with no flipping. Thicker fillets may need 1 to 2 more minutes.
Do you flip salmon in the air fryer?
No. Cooking it skin-side down the whole time keeps the fillet intact and crisps the skin.
Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes. Rinse off any ice, pat dry, season, and cook at 390°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, checking that it flakes and reaches 145°F.
What can I cook with salmon in a dual basket air fryer?
Asparagus, green beans, broccoli or potatoes in the second basket. Use Sync Finish so both finish together.
