How to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer in 3 Easy Steps
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes and pat the salmon dry to remove excess moisture.
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and healthy way to enjoy this delicious fish.
Next, lightly brush the fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, placing them skin side down in a single layer.
Finally, cook the salmon for 8 to 10 minutes until it flakes easily or reaches 145°F internally.
Keep going to discover tips for perfect, flavorful results every time.
Key Takeaways
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before cooking salmon.
- Pat salmon fillets dry, brush with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Arrange fillets skin side down in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.
- Cook salmon for 8 to 10 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 145°F and flakiness.
- Let salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance flavor and juiciness.
Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to confirm even cooking and crispy edges. While it warms up, make certain the air fryer basket is clean and dry; this prevents sticking and guarantees better airflow during cooking.
Next, pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is vital because it helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a crispier texture. Lightly brush the fillets with olive oil to lock in flavor and keep them from drying out.
When placing the salmon in the basket, arrange the fillets in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, ensuring they cook consistently. By properly preheating and preparing the air fryer and salmon fillets, you set the stage for perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Season and Arrange the Salmon Fillets
To season your salmon fillets perfectly, pat them dry with paper towels so the spices stick well and avoid sogginess. Next, brush each fillet lightly with olive oil to enhance flavor and keep the salmon moist. Then, season and arrange the salmon fillets by sprinkling salt and pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly across the surface.
Adjust the amounts to suit your taste. When placing the fillets in the air fryer basket, make certain to position them skin side down. This helps protect the flesh and promotes crispiness.
Be careful to leave enough space between each piece to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation. Also, try to use salmon fillets of similar thickness—ideally around 1 inch—to guarantee they cook at the same rate. By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for perfectly cooked salmon with a flavorful crust and tender inside.
Cook and Check for Perfect Doneness
Once your salmon fillets are seasoned and arranged properly, it’s time to cook them to perfection. First, preheat the air fryer at 390°F for 5 minutes to guarantee even cooking and crispy edges.
Next, follow these steps to cook salmon perfectly:
- Place fillets in the basket without overcrowding to allow hot air circulation.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, adjusting cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets—about 1 inch thick is ideal.
- Use a fork to check for doneness; the salmon should flake easily.
- Verify the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time slightly but still check the internal temperature. Avoid overcrowding to prevent uneven cooking and soggy texture.
How Long to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is one of the quickest ways to get a tender, flaky fish with a lightly crisped outside. In most cases, salmon fillets cook perfectly in 7 to 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This timing works well for average fillets that are about one inch thick and placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
The thickness of the salmon plays a major role in cooking time. Thinner fillets, around ¾ inch thick, usually need closer to 7 minutes, while thicker cuts may take 9 to 10 minutes. If the salmon is cooked straight from the refrigerator, it may need an extra minute compared to fillets that have rested at room temperature for a short time.
Air fryer models can vary slightly in power and airflow, which may affect results. Some air fryers cook faster, so checking the salmon around the 6–7 minute mark helps prevent overcooking. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
If you are cooking frozen salmon, expect the cooking time to increase to 12 to 15 minutes at the same temperature. For best results, flip the fillet halfway through cooking and lightly brush with oil or seasoning to keep the fish moist while it cooks evenly.
Best Seasonings and Flavor Variations
Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of seasonings and flavors. A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the natural taste of the fish without overpowering it. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before or after cooking can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing tang that complements the richness of the salmon.
For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, a glaze made from honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar works wonders. These sweet glazes can be combined with soy sauce or Dijon mustard to create a savory-sweet profile that caramelizes slightly in the air fryer, giving the salmon a delicious crust. Herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme add a fresh, aromatic layer that elevates the overall taste.
If you prefer a bolder flavor, consider spice blends like Cajun, smoked paprika, or chili powder. These seasonings give the salmon a smoky, slightly spicy kick and work especially well for those who like a more robust taste. Another popular option is an Asian-inspired marinade using ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, which infuses the salmon with rich, umami flavors.
Experimenting with different oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil, can also subtly change the flavor and help the seasonings stick better to the fish. Whether you prefer classic, sweet, or spicy, the right combination of seasonings can turn a simple salmon fillet into a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is quick and convenient, but a few simple tips can make a big difference in achieving a perfectly cooked, juicy fillet. One key tip is to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the salmon. This ensures even cooking and helps the exterior develop a slight crisp.
Another important tip is to pat the salmon dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture prevents the fish from steaming and allows the seasonings to stick better. Lightly brushing the fillets with oil also helps enhance browning and keeps the salmon moist.
Here are some additional tips for perfect results:
- Avoid overcrowding the basket: Give each fillet enough space to allow hot air to circulate evenly.
- Check the thickness: Adjust cooking time according to fillet thickness to prevent undercooking or overcooking.
- Use a thermometer: The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Flip halfway through: For even cooking and a uniform crust, flip thicker fillets halfway through the cooking time.
- Experiment with marinades: Marinating the salmon for 15–30 minutes adds extra flavor without overpowering the natural taste.
- Rest briefly: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Do Salmon in an Air Fryer?
To cook salmon in an air fryer, start with fresh or thawed frozen salmon. Use salmon seasoning or a marinade with your favorite flavor combinations like garlic, lemon, and herbs.
Set air fryer settings to 390°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, ensuring it’s tender and juicy. Pair with healthy side dishes like steamed veggies.
Do I Need to Flip My Salmon in the Air Fryer?
You don’t need to flip your salmon in the air fryer; the flipping technique isn’t necessary because the hot air circulates evenly. Keep the salmon skin side down to enhance flavor infusion and achieve a crispy texture.
Adjust cooking time based on fish quality and your texture preference. Season well before cooking for the best seasoning tips. Leaving space between fillets improves air flow, making meal prep easier and salmon cooking more consistent.
How Long Does Salmon Stay in an Air Fryer?
You’ll keep salmon in the air fryer for about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on salmon thickness and your air fryer model. Cooking time varies, so don’t just guess—use doneness checks and a cooking temperature around 390°F.
Skin on benefits include crispiness, while seasoning options and flavor pairings elevate taste. For meal prep or reheating salmon, adjust timing slightly to avoid overcooking and preserve flavor.
How Do You Keep Salmon Moist When Air Frying?
To keep salmon moist when air frying, start with salmon marinade tips like olive oil or lemon juice for flavor enhancement and moisture retention. Use precise air fryer settings—set temperature control around 390°F to 400°F and a short cooking time to avoid dryness.
Pat the fillets dry before seasoning options such as herbs or spices. Consider foil wrapping to lock in juices. Pair with light side dishes to complement your perfectly cooked salmon using these cooking techniques.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered cooking salmon in your air fryer, you’re just a few minutes away from a delicious, healthy meal that feels like a warm embrace from the past. With these simple steps, you’re bringing timeless flavors into your modern kitchen effortlessly.
So, go ahead—enjoy that perfectly cooked salmon, and savor the comfort it brings, like a handwritten letter from an old friend reminding you that good food never goes out of style. Cooking salmon in an air fryer is not only quick and easy but also locks in moisture and flavor for a tender, flaky result every time. Embrace the convenience and taste of air fryer salmon for your next meal!
