Air-Fried Salmon: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in a tender, flaky, and juicy centre with a seared or crispy outer crust. It is low-calorie, low-carb, and can be ready in as little as 7 minutes.

Seasoning salmon for the air fryer

• Choose your favourite type of salmon, such as king, coho, or sockeye. You can also use steelhead trout.
• Dry the salmon fillets with paper towels before seasoning to help the seasoning stick better.
• Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Some popular seasoning options include:
• Paprika, which adds a mild flavour and a beautiful browned colour to the salmon.
• Garlic powder, which pairs well with seafood.
• Dijon mustard, which keeps the salmon moist and adds flavour.
• Brown sugar or honey, which gives the salmon sweetness and helps it caramelize.
• Soy sauce, which adds a salty, umami flavour.
• Ginger, which adds a subtle, lively touch to the dish.
• Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the salmon to help the spices absorb and add moisture.
• Rub the spices into the salmon fillets for the best flavour.
• You can also marinate the salmon before air frying to enhance the flavour.
• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
• Cook the salmon at a temperature of around 400°F for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Check the salmon for doneness by flaking it with a fork. It should be opaque and easily flake when done.
• Serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side.

How long to cook salmon in an air fryer

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in tender, flaky fish with a browned, seared exterior. The air fryer locks in the juices, keeping the salmon moist and flaky.

Depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the temperature, air fryer salmon typically cooks in 7-11 minutes at 390-400°F (190-200°C).

Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking, although this is not essential.
• Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to help it crisp.
• Season generously.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; ensure proper air circulation by arranging the salmon in a single layer.
• Check for doneness with a fork. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and is opaque in the centre.
• The internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet should reach 145°F (63°C).
• To prevent the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly coat the basket with oil or use parchment paper.
• Cooking spray or a thin layer of oil on the salmon will enhance the colour of the top.
• Place the salmon skin side down to protect the flesh and keep it moist. The skin will slide off easily when the salmon is cooked.
• Don't flip the salmon while cooking; it's not necessary.
• For frozen salmon, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed, then add the seasoning and cook for another 6-11 minutes.
• For optimal results, refer to the recipe card for valuable notes, expert tips, and frequently asked questions.
• The provided nutrition information is an approximation and may vary depending on specific ingredients/brands used.

Air fryer salmon recipes

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in seared edges and a tender, flaky centre. It's also a low-calorie and low-carb option for a healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce

Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes and rub each fillet with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Check if the salmon is cooked by flaking it with a fork – it should be opaque in the centre. Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Tips:

• Make sure the salmon fillets are of a similar thickness so they cook evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer for more consistent results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – this will prevent the salmon from cooking evenly and affect how crispy it gets.
• You can cook the salmon with the skin on – it will slide off easily once cooked.
• The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F.
• You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer – preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed, then add your seasoning and cook for another 6-11 minutes.

Serving suggestions:

• Salad: Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad or a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad.
• Grains: Rice, couscous, barley or farro. Try Lebanese Rice or Mediterranean Couscous Salad.
• Vegetables: Cook your veggies in the air fryer – try Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice and Green Beans with Almonds.

Other seasoning ideas:

• Honey and brown sugar give the salmon a sweet flavour and help it caramelise.
• Soy sauce adds a salty, savoury flavour.
• Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavour.
• Ginger gives the sauce a subtle, lively touch.
• Garlic is a seafood flavour BFF.
• Spicy salmon: season with Cajun seasoning or try a Buffalo Salmon recipe.
• Honey garlic: use honey instead of brown sugar, with garlic powder and salt.
• Teriyaki: brush the salmon with teriyaki sauce before cooking.
• Garlic lemon: use lemon juice instead of Dijon mustard and soy sauce, with garlic powder and salt.

Air fryer salmon cooking tips

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, which results in a tender, flaky, and juicy centre with a seared and crispy exterior. Here are some tips to help you cook salmon in an air fryer:

Pre-Cooking

• Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes.
• Remove any bones from the salmon.
• Let the salmon reach room temperature by leaving it on the counter for an hour.
• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to help it crisp.
• Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes.

Seasoning

• Season the salmon generously.
• Use any seasoning or marinade you like. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper with olive oil works well.
• For a browned colour, add paprika.
• For a sweet taste, brush the salmon with honey or brown sugar.
• For a tangy taste, add Dijon mustard.
• For an Asian-inspired flavour, add soy sauce and ginger.
• For a classic pairing, add garlic.

Cooking

• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket skin side down.
• Don't overcrowd the basket as the air needs to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Don't flip the salmon while cooking.
• For crispy skin, pat the skin dry and brush with oil.
• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the air fryer model. On average, it will take 7-10 minutes.
• Check if the salmon is done by flaking it with a fork. It should be opaque and easily flake when done.
• The internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon should reach 135-145°F.
• If cooking vegetables, cook them separately to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer salmon sides

There are many side dishes that go well with salmon cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Vegetables

You can pair salmon with any vegetable. Some suggestions include asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and green beans. You can also make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, and Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice.

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side dish to serve with salmon. Some specific suggestions include Corn Tomato Avocado Salad, Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad, and Arugula Salad.

Grains

Rice, couscous, barley, and farro are excellent side dishes to serve with salmon. Some specific suggestions include Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, and Turmeric Rice Salad. Quinoa is also a good option, as it adds fiber and healthy carbohydrates to the meal.

Frequently asked questions