Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Frying Salmon

Achieving perfectly cooked salmon in your air fryer is incredibly simple. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious meal:

1. Prepare the Salmon: Begin by gently patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps create a crispier exterior. Next, lightly rub the flesh (and skin, if keeping it on) of each salmon fillet with olive oil. This not only adds a touch of richness but also acts as a binder for the seasoning.
2. Season Generously: Once oiled, generously sprinkle your chosen salmon seasoning (our homemade blend is highly recommended!) over all sides of the salmon fillets. Don’t be shy – a good coating ensures maximum flavor.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allowing the air fryer to preheat properly ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desirable crispy crust from the moment the salmon enters the basket.
4. Arrange in Air Fryer: Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring the skin side is down. It’s essential that the fillets do not touch each other, as this allows hot air to circulate freely around each piece, promoting even cooking and crisping. If necessary, cook in batches. To simplify cleanup, consider lining your air fryer basket with a parchment paper liner before adding the salmon.
5. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the salmon for 7 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. Use the tips below to gauge doneness.
6. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using a large, flat spatula to keep the delicate fillets intact. Serve immediately and enjoy your tender, flavorful air fryer salmon!

Storing Leftovers: Any leftover air fryer salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While you can reheat seafood, I personally prefer to enjoy leftover salmon cold, perhaps flaked over a fresh salad or incorporated into a vibrant grain bowl for a quick and healthy meal.

Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

• Adjusting for Fillet Thickness: Salmon fillets vary in size and thickness. If the thickest part of your salmon fillet is less than 1 inch thick, reduce the initial cooking time to 5 minutes to prevent overcooking. For thicker fillets (over 1.5 inches), you might need an extra 1-3 minutes. Always prioritize internal temperature for accuracy.
• Achieving Desired Doneness: Salmon is best cooked to an internal temperature of 110°F (43°C) for rare, 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium, and up to 145°F (63°C) for well done. Remember that salmon, like all meats, will continue to cook slightly (carry-over cooking) after it’s removed from the heat. I recommend removing your salmon when it reaches 5-10 degrees below your desired final temperature. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, a simple fork test can help: if the salmon easily flakes with a fork, it’s done and ready to eat.
• Avoid Flipping: Resist the urge to flip the salmon while it’s cooking in the air fryer. Salmon is a very delicate fish, and attempting to flip it can easily cause it to fall apart. The beauty of an air fryer is its ability to circulate hot air evenly around the food, effectively cooking both the top and bottom simultaneously without the need for manual turning.
• Keep the Skin On: There’s no need to remove the skin from the salmon before cooking, and in fact, I highly recommend keeping it on. The skin acts as a natural barrier, protecting the delicate flesh and keeping the salmon incredibly moist as it cooks in the air fryer. Post-cooking, the salmon’s flesh will effortlessly peel away from the crispy skin, which you can then discard or enjoy if you prefer it.
• Ensure Uniform Fillet Size: For the most consistent cooking results, always try to purchase or cut salmon fillets that are similar in size and thickness. If you have one piece significantly smaller than the others, it will cook faster and likely overcook before the larger pieces are done. In such cases, you may need to remove the smaller fillet earlier or cook in separate batches.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Proper air circulation is key to air frying. Make sure that the salmon fillets are not touching each other in the air fryer basket. Each piece needs sufficient space for the hot air to circulate freely around it, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. If all your salmon doesn’t fit comfortably without touching, cook it in batches. For reference, my 5.8-quart air fryer comfortably fits two large salmon fillets or four smaller ones.
• Experiment with Seasoning Variations: While our salmon seasoning is fantastic, feel free to customize the flavor profile. You can replace the suggested seasoning with other delicious options like spicy Cajun seasoning, bright and zesty lemon pepper seasoning, aromatic Italian seasoning, or bold blackened seasoning for a different culinary experience.

Cooking Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

Don’t have fresh salmon on hand? No problem! This recipe is adaptable for frozen salmon as well. Cooking from frozen requires a slightly adjusted approach to ensure the salmon cooks through evenly without drying out or burning the exterior.

The key steps for cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer are:

1. Initial Lower Temperature Cook: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen salmon fillets (unseasoned) in the basket and air fry for 5 minutes. This lower temperature initial cook helps to gently thaw the outer layers without overcooking.
2. Season Mid-Cook: After the initial 5 minutes, carefully remove the basket. The salmon should be partially thawed, making it easier to season. Now, brush the salmon with olive oil and evenly sprinkle your salmon seasoning over the fillets. Seasoning midway through ensures the rub adheres properly, which is difficult on fully frozen fish.
3. Complete Cooking at Higher Temperature: Return the seasoned salmon to the air fryer and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue to air fry for an additional 6-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your specific salmon pieces and your desired internal doneness. Always check for flakiness with a fork or use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred temperature.

This two-stage cooking method ensures a perfectly cooked, flavorful result even when starting with frozen salmon.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon

One of the many advantages of this quick air fryer salmon recipe is that it frees up your time to prepare delicious side dishes. While the salmon is cooking its speedy 7 minutes, you can easily roast or steam vegetables, or toss together a fresh salad. For even greater efficiency, consider preparing an air fryer side dish before the salmon, then simply toss it back into the air fryer for 1 minute to warm it up after the salmon is done. You truly can’t go wrong with any of these delectable pairings for your tasty air fryer salmon:

• Roasted Cauliflower: (pictured above) A classic pairing, its slightly nutty flavor and tender texture perfectly complement the rich salmon.
• Steamed Broccoli: Light, nutritious, and vibrant, steamed broccoli provides a wonderful contrast in texture and a boost of green goodness.
• Steamed Cabbage: Surprisingly delicious and tender, steamed cabbage offers a mild, sweet counterpoint to the seasoned fish.
• Smashed Broccoli: For something a little different, smashed broccoli offers crispy edges and a fantastic flavor profile.
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are quick to make and a satisfying carbohydrate option.
• Baked Sweet Potatoes: Whether baked in the oven, air fryer, or microwave, sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and fiber.
• Grilled Caesar Salad: A smoky, crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and a delightful crunch.
• Italian Salad: A zesty Italian salad with fresh greens and a vibrant dressing is a refreshing accompaniment.
• Blue Cheese Salad: For those who enjoy a bolder flavor, a blue cheese salad offers a creamy, tangy complement.
• White Rice: A simple, comforting side that absorbs the salmon’s flavors beautifully, easily prepared on the stovetop, Instant Pot, or rice cooker.
• Cauliflower Rice: A fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice, perfect for a lighter meal.

The Health Benefits of Salmon

Beyond its incredible flavor and ease of preparation, salmon is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s renowned for being an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Regular consumption of omega-3s can lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Salmon is also packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. A single serving provides a significant portion of your daily protein needs. Furthermore, it’s rich in several vital vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (B12, B6, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine), which are important for energy production and nerve function. It also contains potassium, selenium, and vitamin D, supporting bone health, thyroid function, and immune system strength. Incorporating air fryer salmon into your diet is a delicious and effortless way to boost your nutrient intake and support your overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer? While some people use aluminum foil, parchment paper liners are generally recommended for air fryers as they prevent sticking and are often safer, especially for acidic foods like fish seasoned with lemon. Always ensure airflow isn’t blocked by the liner.
• How do I store leftover air fryer salmon? Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• What’s the best way to reheat air fryer salmon? To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the fish.
• What kind of air fryer is best for salmon? Any basket-style air fryer will work well for this recipe. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate your salmon fillets without overcrowding. A 4-6 quart capacity is usually sufficient for 2-4 fillets.
• Can I add lemon to the salmon? Absolutely! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salmon before or after cooking adds a bright, fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with salmon. You can also add lemon slices to the air fryer basket alongside the fish.

More Seafood Recipes You’ll Love

Never run out of delicious and creative ideas for how to cook fish! Add these scrumptious seafood recipes to your weekly menu to explore new flavors and expand your culinary repertoire.

Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients

• 20 ounces salmon fillets (two large 10-ounce fillets, or four small 5-ounce fillets)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salmon seasoning (click link for the recipe)

Instructions

1. Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, then coat evenly in the salmon seasoning.
3. Place the salmon, skin side down, in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes.

Notes

• Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If the thickest part of your salmon is less than 1 inch thick, reduce the cooking time down to 5 minutes.
• Salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 110°F (for rare) to 145°F (for well done). Remember that the salmon will continue to cook after you remove it from the air fryer. I recommend removing the salmon when it reaches 5-10 degrees under your desired temperature. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, use a fork to test when the salmon is cooked. If the salmon easily flakes with a fork, it’s done and ready to eat.
• Do not flip the salmon while it’s in the air fryer. Salmon is a very delicate piece of fish and you risk it falling apart if you try to flip it in the air fryer. The great thing about using an air fryer to cook the salmon is that the air circulates around the salmon and cooks it evenly on all sides.
• You do not need to remove the skin on the salmon before cooking it. And I actually don’t recommend it. The skin will keep the salmon moist as it cooks in the air fryer. The salmon’s flesh will easily peel away from the skin after you cook it. After eating the salmon, you can discard the leftover salmon skin.
• Always try to purchase salmon fillets that are similar in size. If one piece of salmon is much smaller than the others, you might have to adjust the cooking time for that piece of salmon so that it doesn’t overcook.
• Make sure that the salmon is not touching in the air fryer. You need space around each piece of salmon for the air to circulate and cook the salmon evenly. If all of the salmon does not fit inside the air fryer basket without touching, you’ll have to cook it in batches.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

214 kcal (11%)

Carbohydrates

1 g

Protein

28 g (56%)

Fat

10 g (15%)

Saturated Fat

2 g (10%)

Polyunsaturated Fat

4 g

Monounsaturated Fat

4 g

Cholesterol

78 mg (26%)

Sodium

160 mg (7%)

Potassium

716 mg (20%)

Fiber

0.3 g (1%)

Sugar

0.1 g

Vitamin A

345 mg (7%)

Vitamin C

0.3 mg

Calcium

20 mg (2%)

Iron

1 mg (6%)