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Easy Air Fryer Salmon

This Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe is quick to make using fresh or frozen fish. This post includes all of the tips on how to make tender, juicy, and perfect salmon.

air fryer salmon on a wooden board with a fresh lemon size
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This post originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.

FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.

Can you cook fish in an air fryer? Absolutely! My 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Catfish is a hit! Overall, seafood works really well in the air fryer. I have also made Air Fryer Fish Sticks, Panko Breaded Bang Bang Shrimp and Shrimp Po Boys.

My catfish recipe is breaded, however, you can make fish with no breading in the air fryer, too! The great thing is, it doesn’t take long for seafood recipes to cook! They are ready in no time. This salmon will measure up to any grilled fish recipe.

If you are looking to make salmon patties in the air fryer, you can follow the linked recipe and the same cook times noted below.

Is Salmon Good in the Air Fryer

Cooking salmon is wonderful in the air fryer! It cooks the fish to the perfect texture. I like salmon that is moist and flaky. I’m not a fan of dry salmon.

Best Type of Salmon to Use

I like to use wild-caught salmon. It has a beautiful bright color and a buttery taste. The fish consume a natural diet and are lower in calories and fat.

Salmon that is sourced from the Atlantic is usually farmed. Farmed means antibiotics and food coloring (to give it a pink color) are used. This adds harmful chemical additives to the fish.

You can read more about What Type of Salmon is the Healthiest to Eat here.

raw Alaskan salmon on a cutting board

How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

  1. First, decide how you want to season the salmon. One of my favorite methods to use is lemon pepper seasoned salmon. I also always use a seafood seasoning when preparing seafood. I love Primal Palate.
  2. You should also coat the salmon in oil. I like to use olive oil, but avocado oil and butter will work well too. Coat the salmon in oil and seasonings. Rub the seasoning into the salmon.
  3. I leave the skin on the salmon. The air fryer will produce tender, flaky salmon. The skin will come right off when it’s cooked.
  4. Air fry the salmon.
a collage photo of 4 different photos of lemon pepper seasoning, raw salmon seasoned, and raw salmon in an air fryer

How Long to Cook/Cook Time

The time to cook salmon in the air fryer is minimal. Mine was ready in 10 minutes. Each air fryer brand is different and will cook at a different speed. Your salmon may need to cook for 10-12 minutes.

air fryer salmon on a blue plate with a fresh lemon size

Air Fryer Temperature

I use 360 degrees because it’s the best temperature to use if you don’t want to overcook the salmon. Overcooked salmon is dry and lacks flavor.

air fryer salmon on a blue plate with a fresh lemon size

Can You Use Frozen Salmon

If you are using frozen salmon, raise the temperature on the air fryer to 390 degrees and cook them for 8 minutes. Monitor the salmon closely. Overall, I recommend using fresh salmon. It will yield better results.

air fryer salmon on a blue plate with a fresh lemon size

How to Tell the Fish is Done

When the fish is done, it will be a translucent pink in the middle. It should also look flaky. You can check out more tips on How to Tell if Salmon is Overcooked here.

How to Reheat

For leftovers, I reheat the salmon in the air fryer for 4 minutes on 360 degrees.

air fryer salmon on a wooden board with a fresh lemon size

Other Salmon Seasonings and Flavors:

You can use a couple of teaspoons of any of the following, to substitute lemon pepper seasoning:

Cajun Seasoning
Smoked Paprika
Mediterranean Seasoning

Pair this Salmon with These Recipes

Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

More Salmon Recipes

Salmon Fried Rice
Keto Salmon Patties

Blackened Salmon
Crab Stuffed Salmon
Pan-Seared Salmon

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Maple Glazed Salmon
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Ninja Foodi Grill Salmon
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Traeger Smoked Salmon

air fryer salmon on a wooden board with a fresh lemon size
Print Pin
5 from 35 votes

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Salmon

This Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe is quick to make using fresh or frozen fish. This post includes all of the tips on how to make tender, juicy, and perfect salmon.
Save this recipe here.
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer fish, air fryer salmon
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 210kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pat salmon dry completely using paper towels.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a bowl. Add in 1/2 lemon (juice from the lemon) and stir.
  • Brush the mixture onto the salmon.
  • I leave the skin on the salmon fillets because it will peel right off once the salmon is cooked. Leaving the skin on will help prevent the salmon from drying out.  Season the salmon with the spices and salt, and be sure to focus on the top edge as well as the left and right sides of each piece. Rub the spices into the salmon. This will prevent them from “sitting on top” of the salmon as it cooks. You want it to penetrate.
  • Place the salmon in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry the salmon for 10-12 minutes on 360 degrees. Mine was ready right at 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer and test that the inside of the salmon has reached 145 degrees.
  • Allow the salmon to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

I recommend you purchase salmon with the skin on. The skin helps prevent the skin from drying out quickly.
You can make your own seafood seasoning using 1/4 teaspoon of: onion powder, garlic powder, crushed bay leaves, dried parsley, and dried chives. You can also simply use your preferred seasoning.
Each air fryer brand is different and will cook at a different speed. Monitor your salmon throughout your cooking to test the cook time that will work best for you.
White patches on top of the salmon are usually signs you have overcooked it. Watch out for these while monitoring the salmon.
You can also use butter or ghee in place of olive oil. A garlic butter drizzle will work well.

Other Salmon Seasonings and Flavors:

You can use a couple of teaspoons of any of the following, to substitute lemon pepper seasoning
Cajun Seasoning
Smoked Paprika
Mediterranean Seasoning
 
Recipe Tools Used in this RecipeAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 9g
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Recipe Rating




Shauntel

Wednesday 31st of May 2023

So thankful for these detailed instructions- I can make delicious salmon so quickly and easily now.

staysnatched

Tuesday 6th of June 2023

So glad to hear it!

Monica R

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

I use this method for my salmon, almost every week. Today I made Asian-marinated salmon for fish tacos, and it came out perfect! These base recipes are such an easy way to change things up and add different flavors to your quick weeknight dinners. Thanks, Brandi!

staysnatched

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoy it.

Meghann

Saturday 26th of November 2022

Finally tried the air fryer for salmon and followed your tips and it turned out great!

staysnatched

Sunday 27th of November 2022

So glad to hear it!

Sydney

Tuesday 18th of October 2022

Fastest and best way to make salmon! Dinner in minutes and of course it tastes good!

staysnatched

Tuesday 18th of October 2022

Iā€™m glad you enjoyed it!

Crystal

Wednesday 8th of June 2022

Really so easy! Used frozen filets from Butcherbox and it was delicious! Less mess than cooking on the stove.

staysnatched

Sunday 12th of June 2022

I'm so glad to hear it!