Just like Air Fryer Steak, cooking salmon in the air fryer has become my new obsession. I tried it dozens of times and it is a game-changer! I love how air fryer cooks the fish evenly, and also crisps up the skin in a way that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods.
Air fryer salmon is my new favorite way to enjoy tender and flaky pink fish with a crispy exterior. May I also recommend the Air Fryer Cod that turns out incredible in the air fryer with the yummiest crust?
I love that it takes less than 10 minutes to cook salmon in the air fryer, and I don’t have to worry about preheating an oven or cleaning up a stovetop. With just a few simple seasonings, I usually have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time.
Air Fryer Salmon recipe
Benefits of Cooking Salmon with an Air Fryer
Air fryers are known for producing food that is crispy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside. And this is exactly what makes them perfect for cooking salmon. My favorite things about cooking salmon with an air fryer:
Healthy: Air fryer salmon requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking methods. It’s my go-to healthy protein that is delicious, versatile, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
Fast and Easy: Cooking salmon with an air fryer is quick and effortless. It takes half the time than cooking it in the oven, and there’s no need to heat up the stove.
Delicious: Air fryer makes salmon crispy and flavorful on the outside, while keeping it moist and tender on the inside. This is just what you want in your salmon fillet.
Ingredients
Salmon fillets that are 1 inch or thicker work best for air frying. Make sure to remove any bones and skin before cooking. Mine were 1 and ¼ inch thick, boneless.
Oil. A tablespoon of your preferred cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil works beautifully).
Seasoning: I used a mixture of salt and pepper, garlic, dill, smoked paprika and lemon. When it comes to seasoning salmon, go for something simple that doesn’t overpower the natural flavor of the fish. Salmon has a delicate flavor that can be enhanced with simple seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic, or lemon. Add your favorite flavorings and let the salmon marinate for 30 minutes before air frying.
How Long to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
This depends on the size of your fillet and personal preference. How do you like your salmon? Medium or well done?
For an average 1-inch thick fillet, cooking time is around 8-10 minutes at 400°F for medium-rare and 10-15 minutes at 400°F to cook a salmon fillet to a medium-well perfection in an air fryer.
Pay close attention to the color of the flesh as it cooks and use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. FDA recommends the internal temperature of the salmon to 145°F. While it’s a bit well-done for me, I prefer my salmon tender and flaky, closer to a medium, therefore the internal temp of my salmon is 135°F.
Gently lift the salmon out of the air fryer basket (use a large spatula if needed) and let it rest. Cover it with a foil and let it sit for 3- 5 minutes. During this time, the flavors will settle and be infused in the fish while the residual heat will add juiciness to the salmon.
Keep in mind that once you remove salmon from the air fryer and have it rest for 5 minutes, the internal cooking process may slow down, but the heat inside the fish can continue to cook the salmon even after it has been removed from the air fryer.
One essential tip – Because many air fryers may cook differently, pay close attention to cooking time and temperature, as salmon can quickly go from perfectly cooked to overdone.
Air fryer salmon bbq cut fillet
Directions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the salmon fillets by patting them dry with paper towels and removing any pin bones (if any) with tweezers.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, sea salt and black pepper to taste, and half a teaspoon of each: garlic powder, paprika, and dill, if desired. Or use any custom seasoning that you have on hand. Below you will find 4 more recipe variations with other seasonings.
Brush the mixture onto the skin side of each salmon fillet. Cover and let the salmon marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes (optional).
Place the salmon fillets, skin side down, into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the flesh with a fork – if it flakes easily, it is cooked through.
Serve hot with lemon slices and your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa salad.
Should I Flip the Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Yes! Flipping the salmon allows for even cooking on both sides, but it also interrupts the cooking process and can cause the delicate fish to fall apart. If you’re using a thicker piece of salmon, flip it gently using a large spatula to make sure the center is fully cooked (avoid using thongs). If you’re using a thinner fillet, it may be best to cook it on one side only to prevent overcooking or breakage.
I personally turn the salmon. I cook the flesh side up first, then flip it, and air fry the skin side up. What I especially like is that the flesh cooked in the grease from the skin, turns out with a gorgeous char on top.
However, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to flip your salmon in the air fryer. Try it both ways and see which method works best for you!
Air Fryer Salmon Recipes Variation
There are countless ways to cook air fryer salmon, from simple to gourmet. Here are some delicious air fryer salmon recipes that you can try out:
