Air fryer salmon gives you perfectly cooked fish with a crispy outside and tender inside in just minutes. This quick cooking method locks in flavor and nutrients while using very little oil. The high heat circulation creates a delicious crust on the salmon while keeping the center moist and flaky. This recipe works well for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal fast, or for weekend dinners when you want something impressive without much effort. The simple seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the salmon without overwhelming it.
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Reasons to Try Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon stands out for many good reasons. First, it cooks in just 7-10 minutes, much faster than oven-baked versions. The high, circulating heat creates a perfect texture – crispy on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. You’ll also use much less oil than pan-frying, making this a healthier option.
The clean-up is minimal since you’re only using the air fryer basket. Unlike stovetop cooking, you won’t get fish smell throughout your house. The recipe is very flexible – you can use different seasonings based on what you have or prefer. The results are consistent every time, taking the guesswork out of cooking fish perfectly. Even if you’re new to cooking salmon, the air fryer method is forgiving and gives great results.
Where did Air Fryer Salmon come from?
Air fryer salmon recipes emerged after the introduction of air fryers to home kitchens around 2010. Traditional salmon cooking methods date back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest perfecting various techniques for this nutritious fish. The air fryer cooking method combines modern technology with the timeless appeal of salmon. As air fryers gained popularity for their ability to create crispy textures with minimal oil, home cooks began experimenting with salmon. The method quickly gained fans because it solved common salmon cooking problems: sticking to pans, overcooking, and lengthy preparation times. By 2018, air fryer salmon recipes were appearing in cookbooks and food blogs as a go-to method for quick, healthy meals.
Ingredients Notes
Salmon fillets:
Look for fresh salmon with bright color and firm texture. Wild-caught salmon generally has more flavor than farm-raised, but either works well. Skin-on fillets work best as the skin helps keep the fish together during cooking.
Olive oil:
A light coating helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning. Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle flavor, but any cooking oil works.
Lemon:
Fresh lemon brightens the flavor of salmon. The zest contains oils that add extra citrus flavor.
Garlic:
Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Herbs:
Fresh dill pairs perfectly with salmon, but dried herbs work too. Adjust amounts if switching between fresh and dried.
Salt and pepper:
Sea salt or kosher salt gives better flavor control than table salt. Freshly ground black pepper provides more flavor than pre-ground.
Paprika:
Adds a mild, sweet flavor and beautiful color to the salmon. Smoked paprika adds an extra dimension if you have it.
How to Make Air Fryer Salmon
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps get a crispy exterior.
- Brush each fillet with olive oil on all sides.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried herbs, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the salmon, gently pressing it in.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For fillets about 1-inch thick, 8 minutes usually works well.
- Check for doneness – salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked salmon and garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
What You Must Know About Air Fryer Salmon
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed to allow proper air circulation around each piece. The salmon continues cooking slightly after removal, so take it out when it’s just shy of your preferred doneness.
Always preheat your air fryer for the best results. Cold air fryers lead to inconsistent cooking and sticking. Different air fryer models may cook at different rates, so check your salmon a minute or two before the expected finish time on your first attempt.
The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), but many chefs prefer 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium doneness with a more tender texture. If you choose the lower temperature, make sure your salmon is very fresh and from a trusted source.
Don’t flip the salmon during cooking unless your air fryer specifically requires this. Most models cook evenly without flipping.
Helpful Tips
Let your salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results. If you forget to defrost your salmon, the air fryer can cook it from frozen – just add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
The skin easily peels off after cooking if you prefer to eat your salmon without it. Cooking with the skin on helps protect the delicate flesh.
For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before air frying. A simple mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic works well.
A thin coating of mayonnaise before adding seasonings creates an extremely moist and tender salmon with a golden crust.
Variations and Substitutions
Lemon Dill Salmon: Add lemon zest to the seasoning mix and top with fresh dill after cooking.
Honey Garlic Salmon: Brush with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic before air frying.
Cajun Salmon: Replace the herb mix with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean Salmon: Top with a mixture of chopped olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese after cooking.
Maple Glazed Salmon: Brush with pure maple syrup mixed with a touch of mustard before cooking.
If you don’t have fresh salmon, frozen fillets work well too – just thaw completely before cooking. Different fish like trout or arctic char can substitute for salmon in this recipe, though cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Salmon
Serve your air fryer salmon over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa that will soak up the juices. A side of roasted asparagus or broccoli complements the salmon perfectly. For a complete meal, add a fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
For an elegant presentation, place the salmon on a warmed plate with a lemon wedge and sprinkle with fresh herbs. A dollop of tzatziki or dill sauce on the side adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice and sautéed greens. The salmon also works well cold the next day, flaked over a salad or made into salmon cakes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best quality, eat it within 2 days.
To reheat in the air fryer, warm at 275°F (135°C) for 3-4 minutes until just heated through. The lower temperature prevents drying out the fish. You can also reheat in a microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until just warm.
Leftover salmon is also delicious cold in salads or made into salmon patties.
FAQ
Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer. Add about 3-5 minutes to the cooking time and check for doneness with a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Do I need to flip the salmon while it cooks?
Most air fryers don’t require flipping the salmon. Cook it skin-side down for the entire time. If your specific air fryer model recommends flipping for even cooking, you can carefully turn it halfway through.
How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The color changes from translucent to opaque, and the fish should feel slightly firm but still tender.
Can I use salmon with the skin on?
Yes, salmon with skin on works best in the air fryer. The skin helps hold the fish together during cooking and prevents the bottom from drying out. After cooking, the skin easily peels away if you prefer not to eat it.
What if my salmon comes out dry?
Dry salmon usually means it’s overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes on your next attempt. You can also brush the salmon with olive oil or a thin layer of mayonnaise before cooking to help lock in moisture.
Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely! Salmon pairs well with many different flavor profiles. Try lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, or a simple salt and pepper approach. Just avoid very sugary marinades which can burn in the air fryer.
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Irresistible Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: Ready in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs dill, parsley, or thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- Fresh herbs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C)
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels
- Brush salmon with olive oil on all sides
- Mix garlic powder, dried herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl
- Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over salmon
- Place salmon in air fryer basket, skin side down
- Cook for 7-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F
- Remove from air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over top
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Based on a 6oz (170g) salmon fillet with minimal oil:- Calories: 350
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 22g (mostly healthy omega-3 fatty acids)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 125mg (varies based on seasoning)
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