Air fryer salmon is the BEST way to cook salmon that turns out crispy and flaky every single time! Ready in just 6 minutes, a secret trick guarantees perfectly cooked fish every single time.
I often use my air fryer for our dinners. They cut the cooking time of our favorite proteins, and honestly, it’s been a game changer.
Our favorite protein to cook in the air fryer is chicken breast, pork chops, and recently, we’ve loved salmon.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
This air fryer salmon recipe is one to add to your weekly dinner menu. If you’ve been skeptical of cooking salmon well, this is the method for you!
- It saves time. Cooking salmon in the air fryer takes less time than other methods, such as baking or grilling, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal in no time.
- There is less mess. The air fryer creates less mess than traditional cooking methods, with no oil splatters or grill clean-up to worry about.
- It’s a healthy meal option. Salmon is a nutritious and healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and cooking it in the air fryer allows you to enjoy all of its health benefits without added oil or fat.
- It’s perfectly cooked salmon every time. The air fryer cooks food evenly on all sides, ensuring the salmon is perfectly cooked and avoiding undercooked or overcooked portions. It’s so much better than using the oven!
No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients for this recipe: You probably have everything in your pantry right this second!
- Salmon fillets– Skin-on salmon is preferred, as it helps cook it completely.
- Olive oil– Keeps the salmon crispy on the outside but flaky and soft inside.
- Salt and pepper– To taste.
- Brown sugar– helps caramelize the fish and gives it a crispy exterior.
- Spices– Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhance the flavor of the fish and gives it a lovely, smokey flavor.
Simple is an understatement for air frying salmon. It follows a simple 3-step process, and it is essentially foolproof!
Step 1- Preheat the air fryer
For high-fat fish like salmon, cooking it at a high temperature is key. Preheat your air fryer to 200C/400F and lightly grease the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Season the salmon
Next, add the salmon and olive oil into a small bowl and mix. Add the salt, pepper, and spices, and rub them onto the fish. Ensure all sides of the fish are seasoned.
Step 3- Air fry the salmon
Put the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket and air fry for 6 minutes.
Remove the salmon from the air fryer basket and serve immediately. To keep the salmon juicy, brush some oil on top.
Air fryer salmon cooking time
The recommended cooking temperature for salmon in the air fryer is 375°F (190°C). However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet.
As a general rule, cook salmon for 6-7 minutes per inch of thickness.
- Opt for fillets with even thickness for even cooking.
- Apply a thin layer of cooking spray to the air fryer basket to prevent the salmon from sticking to it.
- Keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks to prevent it from overcooking, which can result in dry and tough meat. You can check the internal temperature to double-check using a meat thermometer. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist and tender final product.
- Try experimenting with different flavors, like honey, lemon juice, or soy sauce.
What to serve with fried salmon
Like most simply cooked fish, the side dishes to pair it with are endless. There are also some ideas for leftover salmon.
- Salads– Simple and delicious options include coleslaw, cauliflower potato, spinach, and a green goddess salad.
- Vegetables– Air fried zucchini, buffalo cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
- Sauces- Try some Asian-inspired sauces like bulgogi, katsu, or eel sauce.
- Potatoes– Baked potatoes, French fries, potato wedges, or even a baked sweet potato.
- Starches– Nothing beats white rice, spicy noodles, or chow mein.
Storage instructions
To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator 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.
Reheating: Heat the leftovers gently in a skillet or pan on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Instant read meat thermometer. To check the doneness of the fish.
- Air fryer. I’ve used this air fryer for years, and it hasn’t once failed me!
- Tongs. To remove the salmon fillets from the air fryer basket.
Avoid flipping the salmon in the air fryer, especially if the skin is intact. Salmon can be quite delicate, and flipping it risks the fish breaking apart.
You can use frozen salmon and there is no need to thaw it before adding it to the air fryer. You can increase the cooking time by two minutes.
No, you don’t need to add oil when cooking salmon in the air fryer. The salmon will naturally release its own oils as it cooks, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
More air fryer seafood recipes
Air Fryer Salmon In 6 Minutes | Tender And Flaky
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon 6 oz 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
- In a small bowl, coat the salmon with oil, then add the salt and pepper.
- Mix the remaining sugar and spices 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 cooked.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
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What air fryer is best?
I use a Phillips air fryer 🙂
Easy and delicious! Next time I’ll add a little chili powder to the rub. Give it a little heat.
Oh I’d do that too!!
Can I use foil in the air fryer?
Thank you
Helen
Surprisingly delicious. My husband doesn’t really like salmon and he approved this recipe!
An exceptional and simply delicious presentation😛
Can you use coconut sugar?
Yes 🙂
Absolutely love this recipe. Salmon is new for us, only because we just didn’t like the taste of it. Thankfully your recipe skills helped change our minds about salmon. It yielded great flavor and perfect texture without being overly cooked. Many thanks.