WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Air Fryer Salmon
Rated Array out of 5
COOK TIME
9 min
TOTAL TIME
13 min
SERVINGS
2-3 servings
If you’re not air frying salmon, you’re missing out on the easiest way to make it! Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, the air frying method takes just 9 minutes and works with any seasoning or marinade. We make Air Fryer Salmon on repeat and always serve it over a big salad or next to roasted veggies!
I’ve always been a big salmon fan because it’s quick, healthy, and pairs with so many easy side dish recipes. My husband? Not so much. He’ll tolerate it, but he’s definitely more of a steak guy.
Still, I’ve been working it into our weekly dinner rotation more often, and honestly, I think I’ve won him over with this version. I used to bake salmon in a foil packet or grill it during the summer, but once I tried making salmon in the air fryer, the entire family was completely converted. It’s fast, easy, and somehow makes the outside just the tiniest bit crispy while keeping the inside perfectly tender. Now it’s the only way I cook it.
Why Make Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Cooks in under 10 minutes. This method is super fast, making it perfect for busy nights when you need to cook something healthy and homemade.
The texture is amazing. You get those slightly crisp, golden edges on the outside while keeping the center tender and flaky every time. There aren’t many methods that get it just right.
Endlessly customizable. Use any spice blend, seasoning, or marinade you love, so you can switch it up each time you make it.
Keeps your kitchen cool. Since there’s no oven involved, this is a great option for warm-weather cooking.
Perfect for small batches. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or just one or two people, it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t waste energy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salmon – Look for fresh or thawed skin-on or skinless filets that are about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
Olive Oil – Helps the seasonings stick and gives the salmon that lightly crisped exterior. You can use avocado oil too if that’s what you have on hand.
Seasoning or Marinade of Choice – This is where you can get creative! I love using Rodelle’s seafood blend, but anything from lemon pepper to a teriyaki glaze works beautifully. Just make sure you coat each filet evenly.
How To Make Salmon Filets In The Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F. Let it preheat for a few minutes while you get the salmon ready. This is especially important if you want that slightly crispy crust.
Dry the salmon filets: Pat each salmon filet dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the oil and seasoning stick better and prevents it from steaming.
Add oil and seasoning: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each filet, then rub it in gently with your hands or a brush. Sprinkle your favorite seasoning blend or marinade evenly over the top and sides.
Arrange in the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray, then place the salmon filets inside in a single layer. Make sure there’s a little space between them.
Air fry the salmon: Cook the salmon filets at 375°F for 9 minutes. No flipping needed! The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the salmon from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve it hot with your favorite side dishes, sauces, or on top of a fresh salad.
Expert Tips
If you have time, let your salmon rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking before the inside is done.
Use parchment paper liners made for air fryers if you want easier cleanup. Just don’t add it to the air fryer WHILE it’s preheating as it will fly around from the convection.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Even if you’re cooking more than two filets, give them a little breathing room so the hot air can circulate properly and crisp the edges.
For thicker salmon filets, add 1–2 extra minutes of cook time. The air fryer is powerful, but thicker cuts take just a little more time to get that flaky center. Use a kitchen thermometer if you’re unsure.
Pat the salmon dry even if it looks dry already. That one extra step makes a difference in how well the oil and seasoning stick.
Add a light brush of oil to the air fryer basket if you’re skipping spray. This keeps the bottom of the salmon from sticking without adding too much grease.
Use tongs or a spatula to lift the salmon gently out of the basket. It can be super delicate when hot, and you don’t want to lose that beautiful crust.
Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute so every bite stays moist.
Best Ways To Season Salmon
Seasonings
Sprinkle over the salmon after oiling.
Lemon pepper
Cajun spice blend
Garlic herb seasoning
Blackened seasoning
Everything bagel seasoning
Salt, pepper, and dried dill
Smoked paprika and garlic powder
Old Bay
Chili lime seasoning
Marinades
Let your salmon soak for at least 15–30 minutes or up to a few hours.
Soy sauce, garlic, and honey
Lemon juice, olive oil, and Italian herbs
Teriyaki sauce with fresh ginger
Orange juice, garlic, and tamari
Greek yogurt, lemon, and dill
Miso paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil
Balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and olive oil
Coconut aminos, lime juice, and garlic
Sriracha, honey, and lime juice
Ideas For Leftovers
Making a few extra salmon filets is always a good idea. Leftover salmon holds up well for a few days. You can eat it cold, warm it up, or flake it into all kinds of dishes.
Add to a big leafy salad with a creamy dressing or vinaigrette
Use in a salmon rice bowl
Stir into scrambled eggs or an omelet
Toss into cooked pasta with garlic, olive oil, and veggies
Serve with spinach cream sauce
Make salmon cakes or patties with breadcrumbs and seasoning
Add to a rice paper wrap with veggies for a fresh spring roll
Top on toast or a bagel with cream cheese
Make creamy Tuscan salmon
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Leftover salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for tossing on salads, or into rice bowls the next day.
Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat salmon in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep it moist and flaky.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon filets in the air fryer without thawing?
Yes, you can cook frozen salmon directly in the air fryer, but you’ll need to increase the cook time by 4–5 minutes. Rinse the filets under cold water to remove any ice crystals, pat dry, and season just before cooking.
Should I cook salmon with the skin on or off?
Both work! If you keep the skin on, place it skin-side down in the air fryer basket as it helps hold the filet together and makes it easier to remove after cooking. The skin also crisps up well if you enjoy eating it.
Why does my salmon stick to the air fryer basket?
This usually happens if there’s no oil or if the skin is very delicate. A quick spray of nonstick spray or a light brush of oil on the basket before cooking makes a big difference.
Why does my salmon come out with white stuff on top?
That white substance is called albumin, a protein that coagulates when salmon is cooked too quickly or at high heat. To reduce it, let the salmon come to room temperature before cooking and avoid overcooking. A quick wipe before serving can remove it if it bothers you.
Should I flip the salmon halfway through air frying?
There’s no need to flip. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, so the top and bottom cook evenly, and flipping can sometimes break apart delicate filets or ruin the crust forming on top.
How do I adapt the cook time if my salmon is thick or thin?
For thick filets (over 1.5 inches), add 1–2 minutes and check for doneness in the center. For thinner pieces, start checking around 7 minutes to avoid drying them out. Using a thermometer is extra helpful here.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Print
Air Fryer Salmon
Perfectly done salmon in minutes in the air fryer. So easy! Add any seasoning or marinade and pair with your favorite sides or a bright salad. So good!
Ingredients
2–3 salmon filets
olive oil
seasoning or marinade of choice
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees. Spray air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
2. Prepare salmon by patting dry then drizzle with olive oil and add your favorite seasoning or sauce.
3. Place salmon on the air fryer basket and then cook for 9 minutes.
4. Once done, remove and serve with your favorite side, sauce or salad. Enjoy!
Notes
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