Air-Fryer Salmon With Skin: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to get that perfect crispy skin and tender, flaky fish. The air fryer method is also fuss-free and hands-free, making it a convenient way to cook salmon without having to turn on the stove.

The cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon fillet and your desired level of crispiness for the skin. On average, it takes about 10 minutes to cook salmon in an air fryer, with an additional 3-4 minutes to get the skin extra crispy.

To get started, simply season the salmon with your choice of spices and oil, place it in the air fryer basket skin-side up, and let it cook!

How to get the skin extra crispy

If you're cooking salmon in an air fryer, you may want to get the skin extra crispy. Here are some tips and tricks to achieve that:

Pat the salmon dry

Before seasoning the salmon, use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.

Oil the salmon

After patting the salmon dry, lightly coat the salmon fillets with olive oil or another flavourless oil of your choice. You only need a small amount, as air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods.

Season the salmon

You can season the salmon with just salt and pepper, or add other spices and herbs of your choice. Smoked paprika, garlic granules, and onion granules are popular choices. You can also try a spice blend or a touch of lemon juice after cooking.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 200°C/392°F and 425°F. The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer model and personal preference.

Place the salmon skin-side up

When cooking the salmon, place the fillets in the air fryer basket with the skin side facing up. This allows the heat to directly crisp the skin.

Cook for 6 to 10 minutes

Depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary. For thinner salmon skin, 6 to 8 minutes should be sufficient. For thicker fillets, you may need up to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the salmon to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Check for doneness

You can determine if your salmon is done by checking if it flakes easily with a fork. Additionally, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be between 120°F/50°C and 130°F for medium doneness.

Remove the skin

Once the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer. If you want to crisp the skin further, carefully separate it from the top of the salmon using tongs or a fork.

Return the skin to the air fryer

Place the salmon skin back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.

Serve immediately

Once the skin is crisped to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve it immediately. The skin will lose some of its crispness over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

How to season the salmon

There are many ways to season salmon before air frying it. Here are some ideas:

Spices and herbs

You can use a variety of dried or fresh spices and herbs to season your salmon. For example, smoked or sweet paprika, garlic powder or freshly minced garlic cloves, onion granules, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for a subtle, lively touch.

Mustard

Dijon mustard keeps the top of the salmon moist and adds flavour. You could also use stone-ground mustard for added texture. Spread half a tablespoon of mustard onto each salmon fillet, or brush or spoon it on.

Olive oil

Drizzle or spray a small amount of olive oil on the salmon fillets. This will help to keep the salmon moist and prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Soy sauce

Soy sauce adds a salty umami flavour to the salmon. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.

Honey or brown sugar

Honey or brown sugar gives the salmon a perfect amount of sweetness and helps it caramelise.

Lemon

Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking, or squeeze some lemon juice over the fillets.

Other ideas

You can also try other seasonings such as Cajun seasoning, teriyaki sauce, or a salmon marinade (soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard).

How to know when the salmon is done

There are a few ways to know when your salmon is done. Firstly, the FDA recommends that salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. This can be measured with an instant-read thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the salmon by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently pulling the flesh apart to see if it flakes easily. If the salmon flakes apart, it is done. Another indication that the salmon is done is when the flesh is opaque and can be easily separated into clean slices or chunks.

When cooking salmon in an air fryer, it's important to keep in mind that the size and thickness of the salmon fillets will impact the cooking time. Therefore, it's recommended to check on the salmon around the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking or burning. It's always better to slightly undercook the salmon and then add more time as needed, rather than accidentally overcooking it.

Additionally, when cooking with skin-on salmon, it's worth noting that the skin can be easily peeled off once the salmon is done cooking.

What to serve with the salmon

Salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes, including vegetables, salads, and starches. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer salmon with skin:

Vegetables

Roasted or stir-fried asparagus, broccoli, spinach, or Brussels sprouts are all great options to serve with salmon. You could also try oven-roasted asparagus, or microwave asparagus with melted butter, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. If you're looking for something different, try instant pot asparagus or broccolini cooked with garlic and olive oil.

Starches

Baked, mashed, or roasted potatoes are classic side dishes that go well with salmon. For something more indulgent, try garlic butter smashed potatoes or buttery boiled potatoes. Rice is also a good option, whether it's plain white rice, rice pilaf, or lemon butter pasta. If you're feeling adventurous, try a ramen and snow pea dish, or a one-pot rich lemon rice with a creamy texture and a lemony tang.

Salads

A tossed salad is always a simple option, but if you're looking for something more substantial, try a kale, quinoa, and avocado salad with a lemon Dijon vinaigrette, or a Mediterranean farro salad with a Greek vinaigrette. A cucumber salad with sour cream and dill is a refreshing option, especially if you add some red onion slices, bacon, Parmesan cheese, or baby tomatoes. For something fruity, a blueberry walnut salad with a raspberry vinaigrette will add a burst of colour to your plate.

How to store and reheat the salmon

Storing salmon

If you want to store your salmon, it's best to leave it to cool completely and then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, again in an airtight container or a Ziploc freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.

Reheating salmon in the oven

The oven is the best way to ensure that you preserve the integrity of the salmon flesh when reheating. To reheat your salmon, preheat your oven to 275°F-300°F. Squeeze half a lemon or rub a tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon. Then, fold a piece of baking foil loosely over the salmon and place it on a baking tray. Bake the salmon for 15 minutes. Check to see if the salmon has heated through to an internal temperature of 125°F-145°F. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Reheating salmon on the stovetop

You can also reheat salmon on the stovetop. Heat a pan over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or butter. Add the leftover salmon to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until it’s heated through.

Reheating salmon in an air fryer

An air fryer is a great option if you don't want to heat up your whole house by turning on the oven. Set the air fryer to 360°F. If your salmon has the skin, place the skin side down on a piece of parchment paper. Heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until the salmon is heated through.

Reheating salmon in the microwave

While not recommended, as it tends to dry out the fish and unleash a strong fishy aroma, you can also reheat salmon in the microwave. Place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish or bowl and cover it with a paper towel or lid to keep moisture in. If your salmon is dry or you're reheating it with rice, add a tablespoon of water, lemon juice, sauce, or broth to the container. Set the microwave power to a low setting (around 30%) and heat for 30 seconds. Remove the salmon, flip it, and heat for another 30 seconds.

Frequently asked questions