Air Fryer Salmon
Published 7/16/2023 • Updated 8/15/2024
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It took us a while to jump on the air fryer train, but we’re so glad we dove headfirst because air fryer salmon is truly next level. It’s got that crispy crispy skin and flakey flakey goodness. What makes our super unique is the homemade salmon seasoning we used to flavor it.
When. in doubt, cook salmon in the air fryer. Our air fried salmon comes out perfectly cooked every time — I mean flakey goodness on the inside and crisped-up skin on the outside. Plus, if you have 15 minutes, you can make this protein-packed (48g!), healthy dinner. I love eating it on top of a garden salad or next to roasted broccoli.
A quick rundown: Season your salmon filets with an easy mix of spices and a drizzle of olive oil and then cook it in the air fryer at 400ºF for 7-8 minutes.
What You Need for Air Fryer Salmon
This recipe is so simple that you only need 3 things —
- salmon filets
- salmon seasoning
- olive oil
Try Surrender Salmon!
Our all-time favorite salmon is Surrender Salmon. They catch wild-Alaskan salmon off of Bristol Bay in Alaska. The salmon is bright orange, so flakey and delicious, and truly the best.
Surrender Salmon is a family-run company based here in Minneapolis and they are good friends of ours! Support a local business if you can.
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
- Remove moisture: first, use a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the salmon filets.
- Season salmon: next, season each salmon filet with your salmon seasoning. If you don’t want to use our homemade seasoning, you can use a store-bought all-purpose seasoning.
- Air fry salmon: drizzle the tops of the salmon with a little olive oil (this will make them extra crispy!). Air fry them skin-side down for 7-8 minutes at 400ºF or until the internal temperature is 140ºF – 145ºF (FDA).
- Let rest: let the salmon rest for 5 minutes so that it can continue cooking to reach 145ºF and enjoy!
Do you have to flip salmon in the air fryer?
You do NOT have to flip salmon in the air fryer! That’s the beauty of the air fryer. It acts like a frying chamber and cooks your salmon all the way through!
Can I use a whole salmon filet?
You absolutely can. Just make sure you use your handy dandy meat thermometer to make sure your salmon is done in the middle. It may take longer that the recommended time for filets.
Can you use frozen cooked salmon?
Like our air fryer chicken wings tutorial, you can cook salmon from frozen in the air fryer. Essentially the way it works is that you first defrost the salmon in the air fryer and then cook it as directed.
- So, before beginning our recipe, place frozen salmon portions skin-side down on the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400ºF for 7-9 minutes, or until defrosted.
- Then, follow our recipe as directed.
FAQ
Cook fresh salmon in the air fryer at 400ºF for around 7-8 minutes. Cook frozen salmon in the air fryer for around 14-16 minutes.
Cook your salmon in the air fryer at 400ºF for around 7-8 minutes.
You know when salmon is finished because it is a pale pink color, firm to touch, and flakey. You can also use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read at least 145ºF.
The answer is yes, but do we recommend it? No. The reason why air fryers cook food so perfectly is because of circulation. If you line your air fryer with tin foil, you are blocking the airflow and things won’t cook properly.
You can essentially defrost your salmon in the air fryer and then cook it. So, yes!
How to Store Air Fried Salmon
Store leftover air fryer salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat: we recommend reheating in the microwave on high for 60 seconds or on the stovetop on medium for 2-3 minutes.
Leftover Salmon Ideas
Got leftover salmon? Here are some quick and easy ways to use it up!
- Salmon Patties
- Salmon and Egg Scramble
- Salmon Salad
- Fiesta Salmon Rice Bowl
- Salmon Stuffed Avocados
- Smoked Salmon Breakfast Frittats
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious main with your favorite sides such as steamed broccoli, a baked potato, or air fryer Brussels sprouts.
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
Salmon Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Air Fryer Salmon
- 1.5 lbs. salmon filet, sliced into 4 salmon steaks
- 1 tablespoon salmon seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- First, combine all of the ingredients for the salmon seasoning. Mix to combine. Set aside. Note that you will have leftover salmon seasoning, so make sure to transfer the leftovers into a jar for later.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pat the salmon steaks with a paper towel to remove moisture and then sprinkle steaks with 1 tablespoon of salmon seasoning. Be sure each steak is coated in seasoning (don’t worry about getting any of the seasoning on the skin).
- Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. Drizzle the salmon with the remaining olive oil. Be sure the salmon steaks are not overcrowded or touching (two batches may be needed depending on the size of the air fryer).
- Cook the salmon for 7-8 minutes at 400ºF.
- Use a fork to test to see if the salmon is done. If that salmon flakes apart easily, remove it from the air fryer. If the salmon is not done, cook it for 1-minute increments until it is done cooking.
- Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes and enjoy.
Tips & Notes
- Want to cook from frozen? Place frozen salmon portions skin-side down onto your air fryer basket. Cook at 400ºF for 7-9 minutes to defrost. Then, follow the recipe as directed.
- The salmon seasoning becomes a delicious thin crust on the outside of the salmon. It creates a blackened look so don’t be worried if it looks burnt.
- Remove moisture in the salmon: before seasoning your salmon portions, use a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible. This will help the salmon crisp up on top.
- Generously season: since you’re using homemade salmon seasoning, you can gauge how much salt is being used. Don’t worry about over-seasoning because of this.
- Cook skin-side down: salmon does not need to be flipped in the air fryer. Therefore, make sure to cook it skin-side down.
- Drizzle with olive oil: one of our secrets to perfect salmon in the air fryer is drizzling it with olive oil before cooking. It will make the outside crispy and blackened-like, so don’t skip it!
- Don’t overcook: whatever you do, don’t overcook your salmon! Cook salmon in air fryer for 7-8 minutes or until the flesh turns a pale pink color on the inside.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds, we’d love to see what you’re up to!
Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.
woohoo! loved it!
So yummy!! Easy and quick
Was looking for a new recipe for salmon that would be quick and easy and I definitely found it in this!! So so good we had it three times the first week. We drizzled a little honey over it before eating too – delicious! Highly recommend.
Wow, we’re blushing Rhea! Thanks so much for this review 😀
I’ve tried air fryer salmon multiple times, and this was one of the best recipes! The seasoning was phenomenal.
Made from frozen and was great. Seasoning is easy to make with stuff you have at home – just be sure to use plenty of it – its so good.