Air Fryer Old Bay Salmon Recipe
Description
Air fryer Old Bay salmon coats tender fillets in a smoky, seasoned rub and cooks them to crispy-edged, buttery perfection in about 10 minutes. It's a fast, one-basket weeknight dinner that turns a few pantry spices into restaurant-quality salmon every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets, 2–4 portions, preferably skin-on
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, or avocado oil
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika, optional
- ½ tsp dried dill, or 1½ tsp fresh
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley or dill, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dill.
- Brush the fillets with oil, then press the spice mix onto the top and sides.
- Place skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between fillets. Air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, until the salmon flakes when gently pressed and reaches your target temperature (125–130°F for medium; 145°F for fully cooked).
- Rest 3–5 minutes, then finish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- Temperature is everything. Pull farmed salmon at 125–130°F and wild at 120°F; carryover heat finishes it.
- Frozen fillets: follow my frozen salmon in the air fryer method and add the rub once the surface thaws.
- Oven option: roast at 425°F for 9–12 minutes.
- Safety: cooking below 145°F is a personal choice; use fresh, quality fish.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 23gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 52mgPotassium: 617mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 208IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg