Air fryer sockeye salmon is flaky and delicious. It usually cooks up in less than 10 minutes, and can be customized with so many different seasonings.
I adore making salmon in my air fryer, and I almost always use sockeye salmon when making it. The salmon is so flavorful, flaky, and a delicious texture, and pairs so nicely with different seasonings and spices!
Because of those reasons and that is is quick and easy to cook in the air fryer (most of the time less than 10 minutes), sockeye salmon is just such an easy choice when making air fryer salmon.
What is sockeye salmon?
Sockeye salmon is a type of wild salmon from Alaska and the north Pacific ocean. It has a flavorful, flaky texture that is almost buttery.
It is said to be very high in Omega3s and more flavorful than Atlantic salmon. Read about the differences between sockeye salmon and Atlantic salmon.
Where do you find sockeye salmon?
Sockeye salmon can be found at most grocery stores! If you don't see it prepackaged, you may need to ask someone at the fish counter if they have it.
I personally love using the frozen sockeye salmon from Costco. I always make sure I have a bag (or two) in my freezer.
If using frozen sockeye salmon, make sure to thaw safely and completely before cooking.
Customization ideas
I seasoned the sockeye salmon with a smoked paprika rub, however there are so many other options to season your salmon.
Here are a few of my favorites, all using sockeye salmon:
What to serve with the salmon
The wonderful thing about air fryer salmon is that it pairs well with so many other dishes! Here's a few suggestions.
Appetizers - Air Fryer Mini Peppers, Air Fryer Frozen Edamame, Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Side dishes - Miso Roasted Radishes, Air Fryer Crispy Squash, Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Desserts - Air Fryer Caramelized Banana, Air Fryer Apples, Air Fryer Candied Pecans
Recipe notes
- I cooked this salmon with the skin on. If you are cooking salmon with the skin off, you may want to cook for only 6-8 minutes.
- All air fryers cook differently. Cook times may vary based on the thickness of your sockeye salmon and your specific air fryer.
How to cook sockeye salmon in the air fryer
Pat the sockeye salmon dry with paper towels. Next, drizzle olive oil over the top.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Rub into the salmon.
Either brush air fryer basket with oil or use air fryer parchment paper. Place salmon in the air fryer.
Air fry at 380 degrees F for 7-9 minutes. (Note, mine was perfect at 8 minutes). Slightly thicker cuts may need an extra minute.
Serve as desired! I love a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lime juice on my salmon.
Looking for how to make air fryer Atlantic salmon instead? Check out this other post. And here's a good air fryer salmon basic recipe.
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Air Fryer Sockeye Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 ounces sockeye salmon
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salmon and rub into the surface.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper onto the salmon along with the smoked paprika. Rub into the salmon.
- Brush the air fryer basket or use air fryer parchment paper to keep salmon from sticking.
- Air fry at 380 degrees F for 7-9 minutes.
Notes
- I cooked this salmon with the skin on. If you are cooking salmon with the skin off, you may want to cook for only 6-8 minutes.
- All air fryers cook differently. Cook times may vary based on the thickness of your sockeye salmon and your specific air fryer.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
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