Whether it's Chinook, sockeye, coho or Atlantic, salmon has long been a favorite fish at the dinner table. This healthy fish option is equally at home in the oven, in the pan, or on the barbecue. But what about the air fryer?
Cooking salmon in an air fryer circulates hot air to cook the fish quickly and evenly. It's often a healthier way to cook, offering crispy, golden-brown, moist salmon with less oil and fewer calories. It also retains the fish's moisture and unique, delicate flavor. Here's how to cook salmon in the air fryer with impressively easy results.
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
Preparation is key to achieving a delicious and flavorful air fryer salmon recipe.
Choosing your salmon
While fresh salmon is the highest-quality choice for salmon recipes, frozen salmon is convenient and cost-effective. Just thaw properly to maintain the texture and flavor. Defrost them safely by thawing them overnight in the fridge, or if you're rushed you can put each sealed fillet in a bowl of cold water, changing it every 30 minutes.
Choose individually frozen fillets, as they're easier to thaw than a solid block. Plan ahead and thaw them overnight in the fridge, or if you're rushed you can put each sealed fillet in a bowl of cold water, changing it every 30 minutes until they're thawed. Avoid thawing at room temperature or with hot water, as it can affect the quality of the fish and could allow bacteria to grow.
Ensuring a crispy skin
Choose skin-on fillets if you want a crisp skin when cooking salmon in an air fryer. Remove excess moisture by patting your fillet dry with a paper towel before cooking. Lightly brushing the skin with olive oil or melted butter enhances that crispy texture.
Seasoning and marinating
As an alternative to butter, give your salmon a flavor boost by seasoning or marinating it before cooking. Check out our Lemon & Herb Seasoning for a citrus zip or whip up a sweet and tangy marinade with our Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. Grill Mates Applewood Rub complements French's Dijon Mustard with Chardonnay Wine to create the smoky flavor for this Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
How Long to Air Fry Salmon
With the salmon prepped, it's time to crisp it up in the fryer. Preheat it to 400F (200C) to ensure an evenly cooked fillet with a crispy skin.
An 8-10 minute frying time is the norm, but you can leave thicker fillets for a little longer. It's easy to overcook salmon in an air fryer, so keep a close eye on it. If the fish flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it's done. It's better to slightly under-cook salmon a little as it will continue to cook slightly after frying.
How to Serve Your Air Fried Salmon Recipe
Now that your salmon is tender and ready to serve, it’s time to present your delicious fish dish. Here are a few simple ideas to impress dinner guests:
Pair with complementary flavors
A simple squeeze of lemon can sharpen salmon’s rich, buttery taste, while a drizzle of honey can add a touch of sweetness. Try a sprinkle of dill or a pinch of our Lemon Pepper Seasoning to enhance the fish’s taste profile still further.
Add a sensational side dish
Make your salmon a complete meal by serving it with side dishes like roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or asparagus, as in this Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus dish. Sides of quinoa, wild rice, or mashed potatoes help to make it a heartier meal.
Plate it with care
Add a pop of color to your salmon by garnishing it with fresh herbs such as chopped chives or parsley. Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or crushed almonds over it will add texture. Plate it on a bed of mixed greens to make it even more appetizing.
Storing and Using Leftover Air Fried Salmon
Got leftovers? Keep cooked salmon fresh for up to three days in a refrigerated airtight container, or for up to two months in the freezer, wrapped in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag. Reheat it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and covered with foil. Put it an oven at 275F (135C) for 10-15 minutes, or an air fryer at 350F (175C) for 5-7 minutes.
You can use that leftover salmon as a feature ingredient in some other dishes, especially salads. This Supreme Salmon Salad is an example. It mixes raspberries, white wine vinegar, and our Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning.
Salmon also makes great fish tacos, in warm tortillas with avocado, shredded cabbage, and chipotle sauce. Or dice it and fry it in a pan with cooked rice, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil for delicious salmon fried rice.
Other Salmon Recipes
Got salmon on your mind? Here are a few other delicious recipes to try:
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
Your air fryer is an easy and healthy way to cook other dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
