This is perfect for weeknight dinners when you can’t be bothered to cook!
I am always on the hunt for quick family recipes that I can throw together. You know, the type that you can’t mess up spectacularly because you got distracted by your baby, who has managed to get into the snack cupboard AGAIN!
This air fryer salmon is one of my favourites. It’s my go-to easy weeknight dinner. I love salmon, and my son actually enjoys fish. My husband, on the other hand, HATES salmon. So I wasn’t sure if I was going to manage to get this one on everyone’s plate.
So, I did what any reasonable woman would do. I didn’t tell him what it was and told him to take a bite. And even he loved it. (It’s the crispiness, it gets everyone.)
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook salmon in air fryer, I promise you — it’s far easier than you think. You can get perfectly flaky air-fried salmon in 15 minutes without having to do…anything.
My kinda cooking.
Why I Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
This is one of those meals that feels far more impressive than the effort involved.
This air fryer salmon recipe is:
- A proper 20 minute dinner
- A genuine fast healthy dinner
- A reliable, quick salmon recipe that turns out perfect every time.
Don’t worry. This is not a healthy air fryer recipes that require a complicated marinade. Just some simple seasoning, good quality salmon, and the magic of hot circulating air.
If you’re new to making salmon in air fryer, you’re about to kick yourself for not doing it sooner. I definitely did!
Easy Healthy Dinner Recipe
I’ve found when I am rushed, that’s when I end up eating something that is less than great for myself. That’s why I like to keep an easy, healthy dinner recipe up my sleeve for myself in particular.
This air fryer salmon requires minimal prep, minimal washing up, It’s one of those healthy dinner ideas that works for everyone with a few small tweaks (see the table above the recipe card.)
Because salmon is naturally rich in protein and healthy fats, this doubles as a brilliant high protein dinner too.
And if you’re watching carbs? It easily fits the bill as a low carb salmon recipe.
Naturally, it’s also a simple gluten free dinner recipe — no swaps required.
Tasty Healthy Family Meals
If you’re trying to build more healthy family meals into your week, like me, without complaints, this one might be a winner.
This air fryer salmon has worked surprisingly well as a dinner for picky eaters in my house. I was pretty surprised myself, given that most of my family says they don’t like it. Maybe it’s the texture, maybe it’s the flavours, but somehow I’ve snuck this one into a few more plates than I expected. The best bit is, I mix up this healthy salmon recipe in the morning. I toss the salmon in a tub with the seasonings and have the glaze ready mixed in a Tupperware. That way, I literally toss the salmon into the air fryer and then into the tub and I’m DONE.
How To Cook Salmon In An Air Fryer
If you’ve been Googling how to cook salmon in air fryer, here’s the simple version.
- Dice your salmon and season
- Place it in the basket (yes, air fryer salmon with skin works beautifully).
- Cook for 15 minutes at 160 degrees until crispy.
That’s it.
The beauty of salmon in air fryer is that the hot air perfectly crisps the outside while keeping the centre soft.
How Long to Cook Salmon in An Air Fryer?
The exact how long to cook salmon in air fryer question depends slightly on the thickness of the pieces, but generally, if you dice a fillet of salmon, then it takes 15 minutes at 160°C.
Thicker fillets may need a minute or two more.
Many air fryers have pre-set modes for fish. I, however, always adjust mine to 15 minutes at 160°C.
How Do You Know When Salmon Is Done?
If you’re wondering how do you know when salmon is done, here’s what I look for:
- The flesh is a nice pink.
- The fish is brown and crispy on the outside but feels soft to the touch
- The centre is just cooked through but not dry.
Perfect air fried salmon should be moist, not chalky.
The air fryer makes this surprisingly foolproof. I have never had to check my salmon.
What to Serve With Salmon
If you’re thinking about what to serve with salmon, this is where I keep this recipe really simple.
I serve it with a yummy avocado and tomato salad on the side and a small portion of rice.
This spicy honey air fryer salmon goes amazingly well with the avocado salad, but if you’re interested in having something a little warmer, you can always try having it with:
- Mediterranean air fryer vegetables (courgettes, aubergines, peppers)
- Roasted potatoes and carrots
- Sautéed spinach
- Rice and avocado salad
If you are looking for salmon dinner ideas, this recipe is a good bet because it pairs with a lot of different things.
Add some veg, rice or salad and you instantly have one of those balanced, healthy family meals without it being complicated.
Healthy Meal Prep & Family Planning
Another reason I love air fryer salmon? Leftovers.
This works beautifully for healthy meal prep and even fits neatly into protein meal prep ideas for lunches the next day.
Cold salmon added to salads or grain bowls makes weekday lunches easy.
If you’re building a healthy family meal plan, this is a reliable protein option to rotate in weekly. It’s quick enough for busy nights but nutritious enough to feel intentional.
Why Air Fryer Salmon Is on My Weekly Menu
At this point, air fryer salmon is something I always eat during the week, even if no one else wants to. It’s too easy, so I can take care of eating the right things for me amongst all the dinner requests!
It’s:
- A simple salmon recipe
- A dependable, quick family dinner
- One of my favourite easy healthy dinner recipe staples
- And genuinely one of the best healthy salmon recipe options for busy families
When I need a fast healthy dinner that doesn’t derail our evening, this is what I make.
How I Make This Recipe Work For The Whole Family
I make a few small tweaks to this recipe to serve it to the little people:
How I Adjust It
| For… | What I Change… |
| Adults | Recipe as is on the recipe card below |
| Kids | Remove siracha and cayenne pepper. Remove the lemon on the green salad. Include only a pinch of garlic and onion powder. Serve with white rice (for fussy eaters). |
| Baby | Same as kids. Blend the salmon, rice, and avocado together once cooked for early eaters. |