Air Fryer Salmon

Short description

Air Fryer Salmon is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish with a lightly crisped edge and tender, flaky center. This simple method delivers restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly fast—cooks in under 10 minutes
• Moist, tender texture with crispy edges
• Minimal ingredients and easy cleanup
• Customizable with spices, glazes, or herbs
• Great for solo meals or weeknight dinners

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 (6‑oz) salmon fillets, thawed
• 1 tsp olive oil (or spray cooking oil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional flavorings: mixed herbs, garlic powder, lemon slices, glaze (e.g., mustard, honey, soy sauce)

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere and ensures better texture.
3. Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil or melted butter.
4. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices or glazes.
5. Place salmon in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down if applicable.
6. Cook for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 135–145°F.
7. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 7–10 minutes
Total time: 12–15 minutes

Variations

• Simple seasoned: Use garlic powder, salt, and smoked paprika for classic flavor.
• Sweet glaze: Mix mustard with maple syrup or brown sugar for a sticky, caramelized topping.
• Spicy Cajun: Rub with Cajun or blackening spice for a bolder taste.
• Asian-inspired: Brush with teriyaki or soy-ginger glaze before the final 2 minutes of cooking.
• Lemon herb: Top with fresh lemon slices and sprinkle with thyme or oregano.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes or in a low oven to maintain texture.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as salmon texture may dry out once thawed and reheated.

FAQs

1. Should I leave the skin on the salmon?

Yes, it helps retain moisture and prevents sticking. You can easily remove it after cooking.

2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps ensure even cooking and consistent results.

3. What internal temperature should salmon reach?

Salmon should reach 135–145°F for the best texture—firm but moist.

4. Can I cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?

Yes, but you’ll need to add 3–5 minutes to the cook time. Apply glaze or seasoning halfway through.

5. Should I flip the salmon?

No, there’s no need to flip—air circulates evenly in the fryer.

6. What seasonings go best with salmon?

Try garlic, dill, lemon pepper, paprika, or sweet chili for balance and flavor.

7. How do I keep salmon from sticking?

Use a bit of oil and optionally place lemon slices under the fillets.

8. Can I use this method for salmon bites?

Yes. Cut salmon into chunks, season, and air fry for about 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.

9. Is the air fryer better than pan-searing or baking?

It’s quicker and cleaner, with minimal oil and consistent results.

10. What should I serve with air fryer salmon?

Try roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Salmon is the ultimate combination of speed, ease, and deliciousness. Whether you stick with a classic seasoning or experiment with glazes and spices, you’ll get juicy, perfectly cooked salmon every time. It’s a must-have recipe for quick weeknight meals or healthy lunches—and once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Air Fryer Salmon

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• Author: Chef MARTHA
• Total Time: 12–15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Quick, flavorful air‑fried salmon—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside—ready in under 15 minutes.

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Ingredients

• 2 (6‑oz) salmon fillets, thawed
• 1 tsp olive oil (or spray cooking oil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional flavorings: mixed herbs, garlic powder, lemon slices, glaze (e.g., mustard, honey, soy sauce)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (≈200 °C). If your model heats quickly, a few minutes is enough. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
2. Pat salmon dry, rub lightly with olive oil or spray the basket to prevent sticking. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
3. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs/spices. Optionally, place lemon slices underneath. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
4. Place salmon skin‑side down (if applicable) in a single layer, allowing space between fillets for airflow. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
5. Cook at 400 °F for about **10 minutes** for 1‑inch‑thick fillets; adjust time for thicker or thinner pieces. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
6. Alternatively, air‑fry at 350 °F for 8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 135–140 °F for moist, medium doneness. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
7. For frozen salmon: pre‑cook at 400 °F for 5 minutes to thaw, season, then cook an additional 5–7 minutes or until done. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
8. Rest salmon for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Notes

• Cooking time varies with fillet thickness—thin tail pieces cook faster. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; moisture buildup can reduce crispness. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—about 145 °F or 135–140 °F for medium. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Air fry works great even for frozen salmon—no fishy smell, plus super convenient. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Although air‑fried salmon is quick and convenient, it can dry if overcooked—staying attentive helps. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus resting)
• Category: Main Dish / Seafood
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Contemporary / Healthy

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 (6‑oz) fillet
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 0–2 g
• Sodium: varies (approx 200‑300 mg without added salt)
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: approx. 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0–3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 94 mg