Air fryer salmon comes out so tender on the inside and perfectly crisped up on the outside. We flavor ours with the most delicious homemade salmon seasoning.
This 15-minute meal will get you a 48g of protein per serving!
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.
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, and 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.
Top Tips for Salmon in Air Fryer
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.
Can you use frozen salmon in the air fryer?
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
How long to cook salmon in the air fryer.
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.
Do you have to flip salmon in the air fryer?
You do not have to flip salmon over in the air fryer because it circulates air to cook your food perfectly on both sides.
What temperature should salmon be in an air fryer?
Cook your salmon in the air fryer at 400ºF for around 7-8 minutes.
How do you know when salmon is finished?
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 125ºF.
Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer?
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.
Can you cook frozen salmon in air fryer?
You can essentially defrost your salmon in the air fryer and then cook it. So, yes!
Storage
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!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious main with your favorite sides such as steamed broccoli, a baked potato, or air fryer Brussels sprouts.
Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.
