Air-Fryer Salmon: Is It Possible?

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 also a healthy option for a weeknight meal, being low-calorie and low-carb.

The air fryer locks in the juices of the salmon, and the dish can be prepared in under 15 minutes. The salmon can be seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, and lemon juice, and served with salad, grains, or vegetables.

How to cook salmon in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar or honey
• Dijon mustard
• Ginger
• Garlic

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes.
• Remove any bones from your salmon if necessary and let the fish sit on the counter for an hour.
• Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
• Season the salmon with salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and/or other spices of your choice.
• Rub or brush the salmon fillets with olive oil.
• Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
• Air fry the salmon for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Check the salmon with a fork to ensure it is cooked to your liking.
• Serve the salmon with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired.

Tips

• It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking the salmon.
• You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer, but it may require a longer cooking time.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• You can line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• It is not necessary to flip the salmon during cooking.

What to serve with air fryer salmon

There are several options for what to serve with air fryer salmon. Here are some ideas:

Salad

A fresh salad is a great side dish to accompany air fryer salmon. Try a Corn Tomato Avocado Salad, a Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad, an Asian Noodle Salad, or a classic Arugula Salad.

Grains

Rice, couscous, barley, and farro make excellent accompaniments to salmon for a filling and nutritious meal. Try Lebanese Rice, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, Turmeric Rice Salad, or Instant Pot Brown Rice.

Vegetables

You can pair any vegetable with salmon. Some suggestions include Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, Green Beans with Almonds, Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Asparagus, Air Fryer Asparagus, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, or steamed or sautéed snow peas.

Other Ideas

• Salmon goes well with instant pot fluffy rice or lemon cucumber couscous salad.
• For a more decadent option, pair it with a Niçoise Salad.
• Air fryer salmon can also be served with air fryer brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or a side of instant pot fluffy rice.

Tips for making salmon in the air fryer

Air fryer salmon is a quick and easy way to cook salmon, resulting in seared edges and a tender, flaky centre. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this cooking method:

• Ensure the salmon fillets are of comparable thickness so that they cook evenly at the same time. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the seasoned salmon. This helps to cook the salmon evenly and gives a more crisped edge.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around the salmon, so cook in batches if necessary.
• Check for your desired level of doneness with a fork. Air fryer models and the thickness of the salmon will affect cooking time.
• You can cook multiple salmon fillets at once, but make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as this will affect cooking time.
• Lightly coat the salmon with cooking spray or brush with oil for a nice, crispy top.
• Don't be afraid to be generous with your seasonings!
• If your salmon has skin, start cooking with the skin side down. This helps to protect the flesh and keep it moist, and the skin will slide off easily when the salmon is done.

How to store leftover salmon

It is important to store leftover salmon properly to prevent harmful bacteria from growing and to keep it tasting great. Here is a guide on how to store leftover salmon:

Refrigerating Cooked Salmon

• Allow the salmon to cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking.
• Place the salmon in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. If storing smoked salmon, add an extra layer of foil to prevent the fridge from smelling like fish.
• Label the container with the date and try to consume within 2-4 days for optimal freshness.
• If reheating, cover the salmon and place in the oven at 275 °F (135 °C) for about 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature is between 125 and 130 °F (52 and 54 °C).

Storing the Salmon in the Freezer

• Wrap the salmon in plastic wrap within 2 hours of cooking and then add a layer of foil or place in a sealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Label the package with the date and "cooked salmon" and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, transfer the salmon to the fridge for 6 hours or until completely thawed.
• Reheat in the oven at 325 °F (163 °C) for 8-12 minutes. The salmon may be a little dry, so drizzle with olive oil or melted butter before serving.

Using Leftover Salmon

• Add to soup or chowder, such as corn chowder or Thai-style salmon soup.
• Mix into a curry or casserole, like a salmon noodle bake.
• Blend with cream cheese and crème fraîche or yogurt to make a salmon spread for crackers or vegetable sticks.
• Shape into salmon patties and cook in a skillet to make salmon burgers.
• Use cold in a salad or sandwich with mayonnaise, celery, and pickle relish.

Remember to always check that leftover salmon is safe to eat before consuming. If it smells bad or sour, or the flesh feels slimy, throw it out.

Best salmon recipes

Yes, you can put salmon in an air fryer! In fact, cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tender, flaky, and succulent piece of fish.

Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic and Paprika

This recipe is ready in just 10 minutes and results in salmon with seared edges and a tender, flaky centre. Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes, then season each fillet with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Place the salmon in the preheated air fryer and cook for 7-9 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork.

Air Fryer Salmon with Brown Sugar and Soy Sauce

This recipe also takes just 10 minutes and results in salmon that is tender and flaky on the inside, with a hint of crispness on top. Pat the salmon fillets dry, then season with salt and pepper. Mix together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger, and spread the mixture over the salmon. Place the salmon in your preheated air fryer and cook for 6-11 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Fryer Salmon with Dijon Mustard

This recipe is ready in under 15 minutes and results in moist salmon with a gorgeous outer crust. Spread a layer of Dijon mustard onto the salmon fillets, then sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and spray with olive oil. Place the salmon in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, until flaky.

Air Fryer Salmon with Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar

This sweet and savoury recipe is quick, easy, and super flavourful, and is ready in just 20 minutes. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder, then spoon the mixture over the salmon fillets, rubbing it in until fully coated. Place the salmon in your preheated air fryer and cook for 7-10 minutes, until flaky.

Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer:

• You can cook salmon from fresh or frozen, but if using frozen, allow it to fully thaw before cooking.
• Pat the salmon dry before adding any seasonings to help the seasonings stick and to encourage crisping.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon and the type of air fryer you have. Check the salmon with a fork after 7-8 minutes to see if it flakes easily.
• You can cook the salmon with the skin on, which will help it hold together, and remove the skin after cooking if desired.
• Don't wrap the salmon in foil, as this will prevent it from crisping.
• There is no need to flip the salmon while cooking.

Frequently asked questions