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My air fryer salmon is the best method for cooking this fish. It’s tender and flaky every time and cooks in just six minutes. My family loves it for a healthy weeknight dinner.
It’s no secret that I use my air fryer almost daily, but my favorite use is cooking proteins, and air frying salmon is no exception. The air fryer works its magic to create a perfectly crispy and flaky exterior for the salmon while locking in all its juices, and the sweet and spicy rub takes it to the next level. It’s one of my family’s favorite weeknight dinners.
Why you’ll love my easy recipe for salmon in the air fryer
- It’s fast. Salmon is already one of the fastest-cooking proteins, and this air-fried salmon takes just 6-8 minutes (depending on the thickness).
- Perfect texture. You get the crispy edges and flaky, tender interior.
- Healthy main dish. Salmon is a nutritious and healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Easy to customize. I kept this recipe simple with a few seasonings, but you can enhance it with a sauce, marinade, or your favorite spice mix.
Key Ingredients
- Salmon fillets. I prefer skin-on salmon, as the skin helps cook the fish more completely and evenly. The skin also traps the juices better and yields a more tender fish. You can use skinless salmon fillets, but be sure to grease the air fryer basket generously to prevent sticking.
- Olive oil. Although salmon is naturally oily, adding a touch of oil will help the seasonings stick to the fish and prevent it from sticking to the basket. Melted unsalted butter will also work.
- Brown sugar. My secret ingredient! Adding a touch of sugar helps caramelize the fish and gives it a crispy exterior and a very subtle sweetness.
- Spices. Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhance the fish’s flavor and lend it a lovely, smoky aroma.
- Sauce. This is optional, but I like to glaze the freshly cooked salmon with sweet chili sauce or honey soy sauce.
How to make air fryer salmon
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Pat the salmon dry to ensure there is no moisture.
Step 2- Add the salmon and olive oil to a small bowl and mix. Add the seasonings and rub them onto the fish.
Step 3- Put the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes.
Step 4- Remove the salmon, let it rest for a minute or two, then serve.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a meat thermometer. My #1 tip. To ensure your salmon cooks perfectly, you can check the internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Choose even-sized salmon fillets. Opt for fillets that are similar in size and weight. This will ensure the fish cooks evenly and entirely at the same time.
- Adjust the cooking time. My air fryer took 6 minutes to cook 6-ounce salmon fillets. Depending on the make and model, you may need to cook them slightly longer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. If needed, I cook the fish in batches, as adding too many to the air fryer basket will affect the overall texture.
- Add parchment paper. Or air fryer liners to the base of the air fryer. This makes cleanup an absolute breeze!
Storage instructions
To Store: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled salmon in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to two months.
Air Fryer Salmon {In 6-Minutes}
Video
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon 4-6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Pat dry the salmon fillets to ensure there is no excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, coat the salmon with oil, then add the salt and pepper. Mix the remaining brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, and rub over the salmon.
- Add the salmon skin side down to the air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 6 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145F.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and glaze with a sauce, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
The salmon does not need to be flipped in my recipe, as the skin is still intact. Salmon can be quite delicate, and flipping it risks the fish breaking apart. Even if you opt for skinless fillets, I’d recommend cooking them as is.
Yes! You can use frozen salmon, and there’s no need to thaw it. To compensate, increase the cooking time by 2 minutes.
Air-fried salmon is healthy, but you can round out the meal with other healthy side dishes like steamed vegetables, rice, and salads. You can also do as I do and air fry some vegetables WITH the salmon, like air fryer brussels sprouts, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer frozen broccoli.
I don’t have an air fryer. can I bake the salmon as well as add a touch of maple syrup.
Thank you.
Martha
This sounds and looks very good, but I have a couple of questions, First , I don’t have an air fryer, can I bake or broil the salmon and second, can I add a little maple syrup? Thank youk.