I love cooking salmon in the air fryer because it’s quick, healthy, and practically foolproof. The best part is the foil—wrapping the salmon keeps it perfectly moist, locks in flavors, and makes clean-up almost effortless. Every time I prepare this, the salmon comes out tender, flaky, and infused with all the seasonings, which makes me feel like a kitchen pro without spending hours over the stove.
What excites me the most is how versatile this method is. You can play around with herbs, citrus, or even a touch of honey or garlic, depending on your mood. I usually serve it with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies, and it feels like a restaurant-quality meal in less than 20 minutes. Air fryer salmon in foil has honestly become one of my go-to weeknight dinners.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Salmon Fillet: I always go for fresh, skin-on salmon fillets. The skin helps keep the fish moist during cooking, and it crisps slightly even inside the foil, giving it that irresistible texture. A good quality fillet really makes a difference in taste and presentation.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil coats the salmon beautifully and adds a subtle, fruity flavor. It also helps the seasonings stick to the fish and prevents it from drying out during air frying.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the rich flavor of the salmon. I like to slice a few thin rounds to place on top of the fillet inside the foil—they infuse the fish with a gentle, tangy aroma.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor of salmon. Roasting it gently in foil softens the sharpness and deepens the flavor, making each bite savory and irresistible.
Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, or thyme are my favorite. They bring a fragrant freshness that elevates the salmon and makes the meal feel elegant and well-rounded.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings like salt and black pepper enhance all the other flavors without overpowering the natural richness of the salmon. I always season generously but evenly.
Ingredients List
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (sliced and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh dill (or parsley/thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon in Foil
Step 1: Prepare the Foil
Tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap each salmon fillet individually. Lay the foil flat and lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillet on the foil, skin-side down. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Lay lemon slices over the fillet for extra flavor.
Step 3: Wrap the Salmon
Fold the foil over the fillet, creating a sealed packet. Make sure it’s tightly sealed so the steam stays inside while cooking, which keeps the salmon moist.
Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the foil packets in the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully open the foil packets, watch out for hot steam, and transfer the salmon to a plate. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like roasted veggies, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use thick, uniform salmon fillets to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overfill the foil packet; leave some space for steam to circulate.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference—experiment with combinations like dill and thyme.
- If you like a slightly crispy edge, open the foil for the last 2 minutes of air frying.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking for even results.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I add other vegetables to the foil packet?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus cook well alongside the salmon.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the foil packets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work too—just use about half the amount of fresh herbs called for.