True seafood fans will love this Old Bay salmon air fryer recipe! It's easy to prep with a handful of simple ingredients, like Old Bay seasoning and fresh lemon. The seasoned skin-on salmon fillets cook to moist, fork-flakey perfection in less than 10 minutes for a delicious dinner in a snap!
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This Old Bay salmon air fryer recipe is perfect for those who have been in love with Old Bay for years, and is sure to be an instant favorite for anyone just getting to know this iconic seasoning blend. It includes only 6 ingredients, but the combination makes even a busy weeknight dinner feel like a special meal.
We keep the number of ingredients minimal to let the magic of the Old Bay really shine... This peppery, earthy, savory and deliciously salty blend really pops with the lightly sweet and mild flavor of salmon.
Not to mention that it's super handy having all of the best spices already combined and ready to use! Additionally you can try making salmon in the air fryer using this homemade blacken seasoning recipe. Homemade seasoning is great and can be made it large quantities.
For this recipe we coat beautiful skin-on salmon fillets with olive oil and plenty of Old Bay seasoning, plus a hint of fresh lemon juice. There is no need to marinate - the seasoned fish goes right into the air fryer! Cook for just under 10 minutes for salmon that easily flakes with a fork and practically melts in your mouth.
Recipe ingredients
Salmon fillets. Skin-on with the pin bones removed. Use fresh or previously frozen fillets that have properly thawed in the fridge overnight. Pat the fish dry with a clean lint-free towel to remove any moisture.
Olive oil. Rich but without a super strong flavor. EVOO helps to cook the meat of the fish so that it's perfectly moist and butter.
Old Bay Seasoning. Classic spice blend originally from the East Coast. It's often enjoyed on seafood, but is also a popular seasoning on other foods like french fries and deviled eggs.
Salt and pepper. Use just a pinch of each to taste. Old Bay seasoning has a good bit of salt and pepper in it already, so be sure to try a bit before adding more of either or both.
Lemon juice. A squeeze of lemon juice gives a lovely pop of acid and freshness to the salmon. It balances the richness of the fish and olive oil with the intense Old Bay spices. You can omit this ingredient, if you like.
Fresh dill or parsley. A bit of fresh chopped herbs is great to finish the salmon before serving.
How to make old bay salmon in air fryer
Begin by gently patting down the salmon fillets with paper towels until they're dry. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly seasoned surface. Next, season each side of the fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting the amount according to your taste preferences. After seasoning, lightly coat each fillet with a thin layer of olive oil to enhance the flavor and ensure the seasoning sticks.
Evenly distribute Old Bay Seasoning across the surface of the salmon fillets to add a rich, savory depth. For an extra zing of freshness and acidity, finish by squeezing some lemon juice over each fillet. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also helps in tenderizing the fish. I used lemon but if you have lime to juice it will work as well.
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Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the basket of the air fryer, arranging them skin-side down to achieve a crispy skin texture. Cook the fillets for 7-8 minutes, or until they're fully cooked and can be easily flaked with a fork. There's no need to flip the fillets at any point during cooking, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free preparation with delicious results.
What is in old bay seasoning?
Old Bay is a simple but brilliant combination of staple kitchen spices. Ingredients include (but are not limited to) celery salt, red and black pepper, paprika, dry mustard, ground bay leaves, allspice, and a smidge of cayenne pepper.
Side dishes
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.
Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then let it cool. Mix with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a refreshing and healthy side.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Boil peeled and cubed sweet potatoes until tender. Mash with a bit of butter, milk, salt, and a touch of cinnamon for a slightly sweet side dish that complements the salmon's richness.
Sautéed Green Beans: Quickly sauté green beans in olive oil with sliced garlic until they're bright green but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a sprinkle of almond slivers for extra crunch.
Leftovers and reheating
Store leftovers in the air tight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 minutes (preferred method)
Frequently asked questions
In a word: YES! The bold spices in Old Bay are perfect for nearly any seafood (and so much more!). It pairs very well with the sweet flavors of salmon to bring add a delicious ocean-y vibe.
Both methods are great for cooking fish fillets so they are crisp, moist, and flakey. However, air frying often takes less time... Like in this Old Bay salmon air fryer recipes, where the fish cooks in less than 10 minutes vs. baked salmon, which typically requires 10-15 minutes to cook.
No, there is no need to flip the salmon when making this easy recipe. The fillets are put in the fryer skin-side down. You want to leave them alone so that the skin gets nice and crispy.
Coating the salmon fillets with the proper amount of cooking oil will help to ensure the skin does not stick to the fryer basket. For extra anti-sticking protection, consider lining the basket with a piece of parchment paper... Just be sure to put down the paper after preheating the air fryer, right before adding the salmon.
You may also like
- Salmon fries
- Broiled salmon with skin
- Bang bang salmon bites
- Air fryer jerk salmon recipe
- Oven baked rockfish recipe with old bay
Hope you will like this old bay salmon in air fryer recipe as much as we do. Rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.
Recipe
Old Bay Salmon in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets about 4 oz. each
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice from ½ lemon
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Then, rub each fillet with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the Old Bay Seasoning evenly over the salmon fillets. For an added burst of flavor, squeeze lemon juice over the seasoned fillets.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 7-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. There's no need to flip the fillets midway through cooking.
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