Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Herb Crust

Perfectly cooked air fryer salmon with a lemon herb crust in under 15 minutes. Crispy exterior, moist interior — the easiest weeknight dinner in your rotation.

5 min Prep Time
10 min Cook Time
15 min Total Time
4 Servings
Easy Difficulty

Ingredients

Servings:
4
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 340 kcal
Protein 38g
Fat 19g
Omega-3 2.5g
Carbohydrates 2g
🍳

Best Made With: Air Fryer

See Our Top Air Fryer Picks →

Air fryer salmon is one of the fastest weeknight dinners you can make — restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes total. The circulating hot air creates a lightly crisped exterior while keeping the interior moist and flaky, which is notoriously difficult to achieve with pan-searing or baking.

We tested this recipe in both the Ninja AF101 and COSORI Pro Gen 2. Both produced excellent results at 400°F for 9 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets. The COSORI’s digital display made it easier to set precise temperatures, while the Ninja’s compact size was convenient for cooking 2 fillets at a time.

How to Tell When Salmon Is Done

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork at the thickest part and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For medium doneness (slightly translucent in the center), pull it at 130-135°F. Overcooked salmon turns dry and chalky — err on the side of undercooking and add 1-2 minutes if needed.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving (1 fillet)
Calories 340
Protein 38g
Fat 19g
Omega-3 2.5g
Carbohydrates 2g

Instructions

1

Pat dry and make herb mixture

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

💡 Pro tip: Drying the salmon ensures the herb crust adheres properly and the exterior crisps rather than steams.
2

Coat salmon with herb mixture

Brush the herb mixture generously over the top and sides of each salmon fillet.

💡 Pro tip: Be generous — the herb crust is the star of this dish.
3

Preheat air fryer to 400°F

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes. Line the basket with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

💡 Pro tip: Parchment paper makes cleanup much easier and prevents the herb crust from sticking.
4

Air fry skin-side down

Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each fillet. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes depending on thickness.

💡 Pro tip: Do not flip the salmon — the skin protects the bottom from overcooking and releases easily when done.
5

Check for doneness

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature. A 1-inch thick fillet takes about 9 minutes.

💡 Pro tip: For medium doneness (slightly translucent in center), pull at 130-135°F. Overcooked salmon is dry and chalky.
6

Serve with lemon wedges

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.

💡 Pro tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before eating brightens all the flavors.

More to Cook

You Might Also Like

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

A comforting, timeless chicken noodle soup made from scratch with tender shredded chicken, savory homemade broth, and hearty noodles—perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little comfort. Easy to make in a Dutch oven or set and forget in a slow cooker.

View Recipe →

Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings

Comforting Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings — a one-pot dinner with tender braised chicken, silky gravy, and pillowy dumplings. Make this classic comfort food easily at home using a heavy Dutch oven for perfect heat retention.

View Recipe →

Stay in the loop

Get the Best Kitchen Picks Delivered

New buying guides, honest reviews, and kitchen-tested recipes — straight to your inbox. No spam, ever.