Five ingredients are all it takes to make this incredible air fryer salmon recipe with cilantro lime flavor. Skip ordering takeout and stay in and create a dinner that is packed full of nutrients and flavor. Fresh, lean, low calorie, this salmon recipe will win over the family.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with Cilantro Lime

Salmon is one of my favorite things to eat. Whether it’s drizzled with honey + pineapples or in my ramen, it’s a versatile piece of meat. If you enjoy salmon, you might want to try out this air fryer salmon. One of my go-to’s lately is that we pair with cauliflower rice or even classic brown rice. Grab the recipe down below and add it to your weekly meal plan.

What Do I Need To Make Cilantro Lime Salmon

Salmon filets. I recommend using a salmon with the skin on; this will help keep your salmon together and prevent sticking on the air fryer rack in the oven.

Olive Oil. This will help prevent sticking, but olive oil is a great mild flavor and will help prevent salmon from drying out as bad.

Lime and Cilantro. Lime and cilantro join forces to help season your salmon, along with a little coarse salt. With a little work, you have a restaurant-quality salmon filet to serve up.

Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Frozen salmon in the air fryer can lead to uneven pieces of the fish. You don’t want to run into overcooked areas and then areas that are going to be undercooked. I highly suggest cooking from thawed or buy fresh salmon.

How to Know When Salmon is Done

Salmon needs to read an internal temperature of 145 degrees internally to be fully cooked. I recommend investing in a meat thermometer to read and ensure your fish is fully cooked.

The other test is to take your finger or a fork and press it into the salmon. You will find a firm texture, and if you go to flake the salmon, it flakes easily.

Want even more salmon recipes

Ingredients for cilantro lime salmon

Yields 2 servings

2-6-ounce salmon filets, thawed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 limes (1 teaspoon fresh zest, 1 tablespoon fresh juice)
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon cilantro, minced (more for topping)

Parchment Paper

Directions on making salmon in the air fryer

Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F.
Line the air fryer basket with a perforated parchment piece.
Zest a lime, then slice it.
Add olive oil, salt, and cilantro to a bowl and mix.
Brush fillets with seasoning mixture.
Top filets with lime zest.
Place salmon into the basket, skin side down.
Cook salmon for 13-15 minutes or until cooked through (when it reaches an internal temp of 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the filet).
Top with lime juice and fresh cilantro, then serve!

Not a fan of cilantro?

Swap the cilantro with parsley if you are the type that does not enjoy the flavor of cilantro. It will still give you a delicious dish without the flavor of cilantro.

Parsley is mild and colorful, so you will still get that flavorful stand-out recipe.

Can You Meal Prep With Leftover Salmon?

Salmon is a great fish to use for meal prep meals. I know for me, I don’t mind it leftover. Just take any fish you are not going to eat and place it in single-serve containers.

Then pair with some cauliflower rice, classic rice, veggies, etc. Then refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat as you would like and enjoy.