Air Fryer Salmon turns out perfectly flaky and cooks in less than 10 minutes! You can use fresh or frozen salmon with this easy cooking method, so it will quickly become a new favorite.
Just like cooking air fryer chicken breasts, salmon seems to stay more tender on the inside when cooked in the air fryer. The machine automatically turns off when the cooking time is complete, so you won’t risk overcooking the fish if you get distracted.
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is also an energy saver since you won’t have to wait for a larger oven to preheat. It’s perfect for warm summer months when you don’t want to heat your whole kitchen.
This quick & easy recipe is a delicious way to get more omega-3 fatty acids into your routine. Serve it over a Strawberry Spinach Salad or with a side dish like Asian Coleslaw for a nourishing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salmon tastes amazing with simple seasonings, like fresh lemon juice and garlic. Brushing it with olive oil helps lock in its moisture, and then all you need is plenty of salt and pepper.
If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can season salmon fillets with paprika and garlic powder for another savory option.
Or, stir together two tablespoons each of Dijon mustard and maple syrup (or honey) to create a sweet and tangy glaze. Brush it over the top of the salmon before cooking, and be sure to season with plenty of salt and pepper.
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
For this recipe, you’ll need salmon filets that weigh roughly 6 ounces and are 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Arrange the salmon skin-side down on a plate so you can season the tops.
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Spoon the mixture evenly over the salmon, rubbing it on the sides, as well.
Season the fish generously with salt and pepper, then transfer the filets to the air fryer basket. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each piece for even cooking.
Air fry at 400ºF for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the center of the fish reaches at least 125ºF with an instant-read thermometer.
This temperature will give you a medium-cooked result, but the FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145ºF, which is well done in the center. Be sure to check the temperature at the thickest part of the salmon, since the edges will cook faster.
The more often you cook salmon, the better you’ll know which temperature you prefer. The fish should easily flake with a fork and the flesh will look opaque when it’s done cooking.
It’s easy to add one more minute of cooking in the air fryer, so start with the lower cooking time and add more as needed.
Just like cooking meat, there is some carry-over cooking when you remove salmon from the heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, and the internal temperature may increase even more.
Serve air fryer salmon over rice and cooked veggies for an easy meal. This simple seasoning pairs well with practically any salad or stir fr, too!
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, or Air Fryer Chicken Breasts for more ideas.
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets , about 1 1/2-inches thick
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF if your machine requires it. (Not all do; you can skip this step if you prefer.) In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Stir well, then spoon the mixture over the fish.
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Sprinkle each fillet generously with salt and pepper. I use roughly ¼ teaspoon of salt on top of each filet, and then a heavy sprinkle of black pepper. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, if desired. Arrange the two fillets about 1 inch apart from each other in the air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for 7 minutes.
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When the cooking cycle is complete, check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach at least 140ºF in the thickest part, and when you take it out to rest it should reach 145ºF. (The recommended safe temperature by the FDA.) The fish should look opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it’s not done yet, return it to the air fryer for 1 to 2 more minutes or until it reaches your desired doneness level.
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Let the salmon rest briefly, then serve warm with your favorite side dishes. You can store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Cook Frozen Salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 360ºF. Once it’s hot, place the frozen salmon on the air fryer basket and cook at 360ºF for 7 minutes. (This is for 1 1/2-inch thick fillets that are roughly 6 oz. each, if yours are thinner, start with just 5 minutes.) This is the “thawing” step.
After this, spoon the lemon mixture over the top and season generously with salt and pepper on top. Return the salmon to the air fryer to cook for another 7 minutes at 360ºF. When the cooking cycle is done, check the internal temperature of the salmon in the middle, to make sure it reaches 140-145ºF.
The outer edges are usually done before the center when you’re cooking frozen fish, so you may need to cook the fish for an additional 1 to 3 minutes. (This results in slightly uneven cooking; since the outer edges will be more done, but this is the nature of cooking fish from frozen.)
Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 851mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
If you try this Air Fryer Salmon recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how it turns out for you!
