Dry the Fish: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry on all sides using paper towels. This step is crucial for the salmon air fryer recipe to result in crispy skin.
Season: Rub the fillets evenly with olive oil. Mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then press the seasoning onto the top and sides of the salmon.
Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 2 minutes.
Cook: Place the salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness (7 minutes for 1-inch fillets, up to 10 for thicker cuts).
Rest and Serve: Check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the fillets rest for 2 minutes, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve immediately.