Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus

Salmon filets and asparagus in air fryer basket.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 15

Servings: people

Calories: 75kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

Learn how to cook crispy air fryer salmon and asparagus with this foolproof guide. This EASY method gives you flaky and tender salmon in about 10 minutes, plus the asparagus cooks right alongside!

Print Recipe

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

2 6-ounce salmon filets skinless
Olive oil spray

Salmon Dry Rub

1 Tablespoon paprika sweet or smoked
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried cayenne pepper

Asparagus

1 bunch asparagus trimmed

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the dry rub ingredients.
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the salmon with the dry rub and coat it on all sides.
Preheat your air fryer to 400-degrees.
Spray the basket with oil and add the salmon in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
Cook the salmon for 8 minutes. If desired, add the asparagus after 3 minutes and allow it to cook for 5 minutes.
Enjoy!

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Always pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels before sprinkling the seasonings over top. The spices will have an easier time sticking to a dry surface!

Take the time to preheat the air fryer before cooking the salmon. This helps the fish cook evenly and quickly.

Leave space in between each filet in the air fryer or cook the salmon in batches if you need to. Overcrowding or overlapping the salmon filets will cause them to steam instead of crisp.

Variations

Less spicy - Cayenne gives the salmon spice rub a kick of heat. If you don’t like spicy food, either omit the cayenne from the recipe or use my mild Salmon Dry Rub instead.

Change the spice rub - Rub the salmon with Cajun, Creole, or Blackened seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, or even this Chicken Wing Rub before air frying.

Marinate the salmon - Consider soaking the filets in this Italian Dressing or honey Sriracha marinade for 30 minutes before cooking for more moisture and flavor.

Nutrition