Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, quick, and incredibly delicious meal. This method delivers the most tender, succulent, and flavorful salmon you can imagine, all in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality dish without the fuss, air fryer salmon is naturally low carb and low calorie, making it a guilt-free pleasure. In just about 10 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked salmon that’s ready to be the star of your dinner table. The air fryer works its magic to create beautifully browned edges and a flaky, moist interior, rivaling even the best seafood restaurants.
If you’re already an air fryer enthusiast, you know the convenience and magic it brings to cooking. And if you’re new to air frying, preparing salmon this way will instantly convert you. It’s become my go-to method for cooking fish, especially when time is short but flavor is paramount. Just like my other air fryer favorites such as Breaded Air Fryer Chicken, Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes, and even Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs, this air fryer salmon recipe is incredibly simple yet yields outstanding results.
Simple Steps to Air Fryer Salmon Perfection
Cooking salmon in the air fryer is straightforward and quick. Here’s how to achieve perfectly cooked salmon every time:
Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Start by cutting your salmon fillets into even portions. This ensures they cook uniformly. You can purchase pre-cut fillets to save time. While skin-on salmon is perfectly fine for air frying, you can remove the skin if you prefer before cooking.
Season Generously: Flavor is key! In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil over each fillet, then generously rub the spice mixture all over the salmon, ensuring every part is seasoned. Paprika is my secret ingredient for air fryer salmon – it not only adds a subtle smoky flavor but also helps the salmon achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Depending on the thickness of your salmon and your specific air fryer model, cooking time will vary. However, as a general guideline, air fryer salmon typically cooks in just 7-9 minutes. The salmon is done when it easily flakes apart with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and it’s ready to serve immediately.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon? Delicious Pairing Ideas
Air fryer salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide array of side dishes. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving it with:
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are excellent choices. Air fryer vegetables are also a great option for a fully air-fried meal!
- Salads: A fresh garden salad, Caesar salad, or quinoa salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.
- Grains: Serve over a bed of rice, quinoa, couscous, or pasta for a heartier meal.
- Sauces: Enhance the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, tartar sauce, dill sauce, or a simple yogurt-based sauce.
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Salmon
To ensure your air fryer salmon is always cooked to perfection, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Uniform Thickness Matters: Select salmon fillets that are roughly the same thickness. This is crucial for even cooking. If you have fillets of varying thicknesses, consider cooking the thinner ones slightly shorter or in a separate batch.
- Doneness Check is Key: Air fryer cooking times can vary, so rely on doneness cues rather than just time. The best way to check if salmon is cooked is to gently flake it with a fork. It should separate easily and be opaque throughout. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F (63°C).
- Preheat for Crispy Edges: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the salmon. Preheating helps to sear the outside of the salmon quickly, creating those desirable crispy edges and ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overlapping salmon fillets will steam rather than air fry, resulting in less crispy and unevenly cooked fish. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece has enough space for hot air to circulate.
- Don’t Forget the Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil is essential for moist and flavorful air fryer salmon. It also helps the spices adhere to the fish and promotes browning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Salmon
What is the best air fryer to use for salmon?
The market is flooded with excellent air fryers, and many are suitable for cooking salmon. Based on performance and user reviews, I personally recommend and use the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer and the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer with ClearCook (Amazon affiliate links). Both offer consistent cooking temperatures and are easy to clean. Consider features like basket size and digital controls when choosing an air fryer for your needs.
Why is air frying salmon a superior cooking method?
Air frying salmon offers several advantages. It yields incredibly moist and tender salmon that’s cooked to perfection. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, and cleanup is minimal. The hands-off cooking process allows you to focus on preparing other parts of your meal. Furthermore, air frying is a healthier alternative to pan-frying or deep-frying as it requires significantly less oil. The results truly speak for themselves – delicious, healthy, and convenient!
How long does cooked air fryer salmon last?
Air fryer salmon is perfect for meal prepping. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently until warmed through. It’s a great way to have healthy protein readily available for salads, grain bowls, or quick dinners.
Explore More Air Fryer and Fish Recipes
Dive into more delicious air fryer recipes:
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I’m genuinely excited for you to try this air fryer salmon recipe! My family absolutely loves it, and it’s become a regular on our dinner menu due to its ease and deliciousness. It’s the ideal weeknight meal solution and yet another fantastic way to utilize your air fryer.
If you try this healthy Air Fryer Salmon recipe or any other recipe from Feel Good Foodie, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Your feedback is greatly appreciated. And if you capture any photos of your culinary creation, please share them with me on Instagram – I love seeing your versions and sharing them on my stories!
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Air Fryer Salmon Recipe Card
Quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe that delivers seared edges and a tender, flaky center in just 10 minutes. A healthy, low-carb, and low-calorie meal option.
5 from 37393 votes
By Yumna Jawad
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Entree
Calories: 276
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Video
[Link to Video (if available)]
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Tartar sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub each salmon fillet with olive oil and season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Cooking times may vary between air fryer models.
- Open the air fryer basket and check for doneness using a fork. The salmon should flake easily. If needed, return the salmon to the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Recipe Notes
Storage: Leftover air fried salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze, place cooked salmon pieces in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Recommended Equipment: For optimal results, I recommend using the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer or the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer with ClearCook (Amazon affiliate links).
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.
Nutrition
Calories: 276kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 75mg, Potassium: 842mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 191IU, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutritional information is an estimated value and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Diet: Gluten Free
Cuisine: American
Course: Entree
