Air fryer salmon is one of the most delicious and easy things to cook! This salmon comes out perfectly cooked and flaky. This recipe is easy to customize, but gives you the guidelines and tips for cooking a salmon fillet in the air fryer.
I love fish. And salmon is one of my favorites because it's so healthy and I always keep some in my house. When I run out, I know it's time to head back to the store to get more.
And I love my air fryer. So I've been making salmon in my air fryer at least once a week. To me, it comes out so much better than any other way of cooking.
Especially when I want crispy skin.
I've made so many versions of air fryer salmon, but this is the basic guide to making delicious salmon in the air fryer.
Why make salmon in the air fryer
- Salmon in the air fryer is so easy and quick!
- Salmon remains moist, and the skin crisps up nicely.
- You can season as you wish, and customize to how you love!
What to serve with the salmon
If you're wanting another air fryer recipe for a side dish, this salmon goes great with air fryer sesame green beans, air fryer Mediterranean vegetables, or air fryer Greek-inspired potatoes.
This salmon is also delicious served on top of salads or in grain bowls or with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve this salmon for dinner alongside flavorful sides like these chipotle mashed sweet potatoes, this roasted asparagus and tomatoes, roasted harissa carrots, or roasted red cabbage.
And if you're looking for a sweet and easy air fryer dessert, try these air fryer bananas that are gorgeous to look at and so delicious. Air fryer cinnamon apples are also a favorite!
Where to buy salmon and what type to use
I always love using wild sockeye salmon. I usually get mine from Costco in the frozen section, then I thaw before cooking.
However, you can use fresh or frozen salmon, and whatever kind you prefer! For this recipe, I do recommend thawing before cooking.
How to safely thaw salmon
Refrigerator method
The safest way to thaw frozen salmon is in the refrigerator. Remove it from any packaging and place on a plate or in a bowl. I like to place mine on paper towels to catch any water that accumulates as the salmon thaws.
While the refrigerator method is fantastic and safe, it does take prep time, as it can take hours or even overnight to thaw the salmon, depending on size and thickness.
Bowl method
I usually thaw salmon in a bowl of cold water. You want to remove from the packaging and place in a new resealable plastic bag.
Fill a bowl with water and submerge the salmon in the water. Replace the water every 30 minutes to prevent bacteria growth. Once salmon is thawed, store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Note that you want to use cold water for this and not hot water, as the cold water preserves the freshness of the salmon and prevents bacteria growth.
Ingredients:
- Salmon filets
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbs and spices (optional)
Other air fryer salmon recipes
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
- Air Fryer Orange Salmon
- Air Fryer Tuscan Salmon
- Air Fryer Honey Dijon Salmon
Cooking tips
- Cooking time will depend on both your air fryer and how thick your piece of salmon is. While this recipe provides good guidelines for making salmon in your air fryer, you may need to adjust cooking time. I recommend a meat thermometer. Salmon should be cooked 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the center for medium cooked salmon.
- You can also judge the doneness of salmon by seeing when it easily flakes.
- If cooking multiple pieces of salmon, try to make sure all are the same thickness so that they all cook properly.
- Salmon skin is usually very easy to remove after cooking. If you don't want to remove the skin before cooking, but don't want skin on your salmon, just remove it after cooking.
How to make air fryer salmon
Take the salmon and dry with paper towels.
Drizzle with the olive oil, and spread over the salmon, making sure all sides are coated. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices.
Preheat your air fryer, the place salmon in the air fryer skin side up and cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon.
Remove from air fryer, plate as desired (I added some fresh thyme sprigs here for presentation) and enjoy!
Other air fryer salmon recipes to love:
Air Fryer Salmon with Crispy Skin
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 ounce salmon fillet
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer at 5 minutes to 400 degrees F.
- Pat your salmon fillet dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon, and brush all over so that oil lightly coats the salmon.
- Sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper. At this point, you can also add any additional dried herbs or spices you desire.
- Place salmon in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 7-10 minutes until salmon is done and flakes easily.
- Remove from air fryer and serve. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Cooking time will depend on both your air fryer and how thick your piece of salmon is. While this recipe provides good guidelines for making salmon in your air fryer, you may need to adjust cooking time. I recommend a meat thermometer. Salmon should be cooked 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the center for medium cooked salmon.
- You can also judge the doneness of salmon by seeing when it easily flakes.
- If cooking multiple pieces of salmon, try to make sure all are the same thickness so that they all cook properly.
- Salmon skin is usually very easy to remove after cooking. If you don't want to remove the skin before cooking, but don't want skin on your salmon, just remove it after cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
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