Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes
Pat salmon dry with paper towels
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika
Lightly oil the salmon or coat the basket with a thin layer of oil
Place salmon in a single layer, skin-side down if skin-on
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7–10 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets
For thicker fillets, add 1–3 minutes as needed
Check for doneness: salmon flakes easily and reaches 125–135°F (52–57°C) for moist, or 140°F (60°C) for firmer
Remove carefully and rest 1–2 minutes
Optional: Brush with lemon juice or glaze (maple-dijon, teriyaki) during the last 1–2 minutes
Optional: Add asparagus or vegetables around the salmon, ensuring they’re in a single layer
Clean basket and tray after cooling