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Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook in the air fryer—it’s fast, flavorful, and comes out perfectly juicy with crisp edges every time. Whether I’m in the mood for something simple with lemon and garlic or want to experiment with bold marinades like teriyaki or Cajun, the air fryer handles it all with ease.
This list includes a good mix of ideas—from classic go-to salmon recipes to more unexpected flavor twists. Some are perfect for a weeknight dinner, others make a nice addition to your meal prep rotation. I’ve even included a few that are great for special occasions, but still incredibly easy to pull off. The best part? No need to fire up the oven or pan-sear anything.
If you love crispy skin, juicy fillets, and recipes that don’t take more than 20 minutes from start to finish, there’s a lot here for you to try. I’ve cooked most of these on repeat, and I’m confident they’ll find a place in your regular meal planning too.
1. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon
When I want something rich and comforting but still quick, this garlic butter salmon always comes to mind. The butter melts over the fish in the air fryer, mixing with fresh garlic and herbs to create a simple sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s perfect with steamed rice or roasted veggies.
Author’s Note
Use softened, not melted, butter so it stays on top of the fillet and doesn’t run off too soon. It helps the garlic toast nicely on the surface.
Get the Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
2. Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
This one’s sweet, sticky, and savory in all the right ways. I make a quick glaze with honey, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar and brush it on before cooking. The edges caramelize beautifully, and the flavor pairs well with jasmine rice or stir-fried greens.
Author’s Note
Let the glaze sit on the salmon for 10 minutes before air frying so the flavor soaks in a bit more—it makes a difference!
Get the Honey Soy Glazed Salmon recipe.
3. Cajun Air Fryer Salmon
Bold and spicy, this is the salmon recipe I turn to when I’m craving heat. I rub the fillets with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon. The air fryer gives it a nice blackened crust without drying it out.
Author’s Note
Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so the spices really stick and form that crave-worthy crust.
Get the cajun air fryer salmon recipe.
4. Maple Mustard Salmon
Sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard come together to make a glaze that’s simple and surprisingly addictive. I brush it on mid-cook so it doesn’t burn, and always serve this with roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
Author’s Note
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the glaze for a subtle kick—it balances the sweetness beautifully.
Get the Maple Mustard Salmon air fryer recipe.
5. Lemon Pepper Salmon
This is one of my favorite “clean-out-the-fridge” meals. A bit of lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder is all you need. It’s light, zesty, and goes with just about any side dish you have on hand.
Author’s Note
Author’s Note: For extra lemon flavor, lay thin lemon slices directly on top of the fillet while it cooks—they infuse the fish with a bright aroma.
Get the Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe.
6. Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
This one’s a weekly staple in my house. I use a store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce, let the salmon marinate for 15–20 minutes, then cook it in the air fryer until the edges are caramelized. It’s great with rice and a handful of steamed edamame.
Author’s Note
Don’t toss the extra marinade—reduce it on the stove for a few minutes to make a thicker sauce to drizzle over the finished dish.
Get the Teriyaki Glazed Salmon recipe.
7. Pesto-Crusted Salmon
A spoonful of pesto goes a long way. I spread it right on top of the salmon before air frying, and it creates a golden, herb-packed crust that’s full of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that tastes fancy but takes no effort.
Author’s Note
Use a thicker pesto (store-bought or homemade) so it stays put on top while cooking—runny pesto will slide right off.
Get the Pesto-Crusted Salmon recipe.
8. Sweet Chili Salmon
This one’s for when I want a little kick but still want that sticky, sweet glaze. I brush the salmon with sweet chili sauce and let it cook until the glaze starts to bubble. It’s simple and pairs great with noodles or a fresh cucumber salad.
Author’s Note
A sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving adds great texture and makes it look even more appealing.
Get the Sweet Chili Salmon recipe.
9. Lemon Herb Salmon
This is my go-to when I want something fresh and herby. I mix olive oil with chopped parsley, dill, and thyme, plus lemon zest and juice. I rub it all over the salmon and let the air fryer do the rest. It smells incredible and tastes even better.
Author’s Note
Add the fresh herbs after cooking, too—it brightens up the flavor and gives it a little pop of color.
Get the Lemon Herb Salmon recipe.
10. Spicy Sriracha Salmon
When I need something bold, I mix Sriracha with a little honey and lime juice and brush it on before cooking. The glaze thickens in the air fryer, and the result is spicy, sweet, and slightly tangy. It’s always a hit.
Author’s Note
If you like extra spice, add a second layer of glaze in the last 2 minutes of cooking—it intensifies the flavor without burning.
Get the Spicy Sriracha Salmon recipe,
11. Parmesan Crusted Salmon
For a crispy, cheesy finish, I press a mix of grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and a bit of garlic powder on top of the salmon before air frying. It’s golden, crunchy, and delicious every time.
Author’s Note
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor—it sticks better and browns more evenly.
Get the Parmesan Crusted Salmon recipe.
12. Mediterranean Salmon
I top the salmon with chopped olives, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red onion before cooking. Everything roasts together in the air fryer, and the flavor reminds me of a Mediterranean getaway. It’s great with couscous or quinoa.
Author’s Note
Add a few crumbles of feta cheese right after cooking—it adds a creamy contrast that works perfectly with the briny toppings.
Get the Mediterranean Salmon recipe.
13. BBQ Air Fryer Salmon
I slather the salmon with smoky barbecue sauce and let it caramelize in the air fryer. It’s such a satisfying combo—smoky, sweet, and rich. I usually serve it with corn on the cob or baked beans for a full backyard BBQ feel.
Author’s Note
Use a thicker BBQ sauce so it clings to the salmon. Brush a little extra on halfway through cooking for max flavor.
Get the BBQ Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
14. Blackened Salmon
This one’s packed with smoky spices like paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne. I rub it all over the fillets and let the air fryer give it that signature dark crust. It’s bold, flavorful, and great with creamy coleslaw.
Author’s Note
Let the fillets rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking so the juices settle and the flavors come through better.
Get the Blackened Salmon recipe.
15. Miso Glazed Salmon
I make a simple glaze using white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar. It creates a deeply savory flavor that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed greens. The air fryer gives it a caramelized top that’s so satisfying.
Author’s Note
Don’t overdo the miso—it’s strong. A little goes a long way to add depth without overpowering the salmon.
Get the Miso Glazed Salmon recipe.
16. Orange Ginger Salmon
I whisk together fresh orange juice, ginger, and a bit of soy sauce for a light and zesty marinade. The citrus keeps the salmon tender and adds a fresh flavor that’s great for spring and summer meals.
Author’s Note
Zest the orange before juicing it—adding the zest to the marinade brings out even more flavor.
Get the Orange Ginger Salmon recipe.
17. Dill Pickle Salmon
It might sound odd, but trust me—this is a sleeper hit. I use a quick mix of chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and a little mustard as a topping before air frying. It’s tangy, crunchy, and totally different in the best way.
Author’s Note
Make sure the pickles are patted dry so the topping doesn’t slide off during cooking.
Get the Dill Pickle Salmon recipe.
18. Coconut Lime Salmon
This recipe brings tropical vibes to dinner. I mix coconut milk with lime juice and a little honey and use it as a marinade. The salmon turns out silky and flavorful, with just a hint of sweetness.
Author’s Note
Let the salmon marinate for at least 20 minutes so the coconut-lime flavor has time to soak in—it makes a big difference.
Get the Coconut Lime Salmon recipe.
19. Tandoori-Spiced Salmon
I mix Greek yogurt with tandoori spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, and turmeric, then coat the salmon generously. The yogurt keeps the salmon moist and adds a punch of Indian-inspired flavor.
Author’s Note
Let it marinate overnight if you can—this one tastes even better the next day and pairs great with naan or rice.
