Air Fryer Salmon: A Quick and Easy Way to Make a Delicious and Healthy Meal

Salmon is a popular fish for its delicious taste and high nutritional value. It’s also incredibly versatile, as it can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the easiest and healthiest ways to cook salmon is in an air fryer.

Air fryer salmon is not only is it quick and easy, but it also requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to pan-frying or deep-frying. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about cooking salmon in an air fryer.

This Recipe for air fryer salmon is split into two parts, the first is for tips, suggestions, instructions, and why you should make the salmon in the air fryer. and the second part for the recipe card to save or print it. You can jump directly to the salmon air fryer recipe from here.

Recipe One: Air fryer salmon 

Recipe Two: Air fryer salmon breaded

Tips and suggestions for air fryer salmon recipes

Choosing the Right Salmon

When it comes to cooking salmon in an air fryer, it’s important to choose the right type of salmon. Fresh or frozen salmon fillets are both great options for air frying. Look for fillets that are about 1 inch thick, as these will cook evenly in the air fryer. If using frozen fillets, make sure to thaw them first before cooking.

Preparing the air fryer salmon

Before cooking the salmon in the air fryer, make sure to season it with your favorite spices or marinade. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and lemon juice, or get creative with your favorite spices and herbs. Just make sure to season the salmon evenly on both sides.

Cooking the Salmon

To cook the salmon in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking. Place the salmon fillets in the basket, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time. To check if the salmon is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.

Serving Suggestions 

Once the salmon is cooked, you can serve it with your favorite sides. Some great options include roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, you can also use the air fryer to cook your side dishes alongside the salmon. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Cleaning the Air Fryer

After cooking the salmon in the air fryer, it’s important to clean the air fryer thoroughly to prevent any leftover fishy smells or flavors from transferring to your next meal. Wait for the air fryer to cool down completely before cleaning it. Then, remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water.

If there are any stubborn stains or residues, you can also use a non-abrasive sponge or a soft-bristled brush. Make sure to dry the basket and tray thoroughly before storing them.

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Most asked questions about making Salmon in the air fryer

How long should you cook salmon in air fryer?

Arrange the fillets in the air fryer basket ensuring they are not touching. Cook the salmon for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness and model of your air fryer. For fillets, about 1 inch thick, 8 to 9 minutes should suffice. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

What temperature do you cook salmon?

To bake salmon, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and cook 6-ounce fillets for 11 to 14 minutes, or a single side for 15 to 18 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees F when measured with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of the salmon. After baking, let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.

What is the best type of salmon to use in an air fryer?

When it comes to air frying salmon, it is recommended to use skin-on salmon fillets with a thickness of around 1 inch. Coho, sockeye, and Atlantic salmon are good options for air frying, as they have a firm texture that holds up well during the cooking process. However, you can use any type of salmon that you prefer as long as it meets these criteria.

Should you use oil when cooking salmon in Air Fryer?

It’s not necessary to use oil when cooking salmon in an air fryer, but it can help to enhance the flavor and texture. Some people prefer to lightly coat the salmon with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and to promote browning. However, be mindful of the amount of oil used as too much can cause the salmon to become greasy.

Can you cook frozen salmon in air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen salmon in air fryer. However, it may take longer to cook than thawed salmon, and the texture may not be as good. It is recommended to thaw the salmon first for the best results.

How do you prevent salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To prevent salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can coat the basket with a light layer of cooking spray or brush a small amount of oil onto the salmon before placing it in the basket. You can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the basket before adding the salmon.

Just make sure to leave some space around the salmon to allow for proper air circulation. Additionally, avoid moving the salmon around too much during cooking, as this can cause it to stick to the basket.

Can you cook salmon with vegetables in the air fryer at the same time?

Yes, you can cook salmon and vegetables in the air fryer at the same time. However, it’s important to choose vegetables that cook at the same temperature and time as the salmon. Some good options for vegetables that work well in the air fryer with salmon include asparagus, broccoli, green beans, and zucchini.

You can toss the vegetables with a little oil and seasoning before placing them in the air fryer basket alongside the salmon. Just make sure that the vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. It’s also a good idea to check the salmon and vegetables halfway through cooking to make sure that they are cooking evenly and not sticking to the basket.

How do you clean the air fryer after cooking the salmon air fryer?

To clean the air fryer after cooking salmon, first, make sure it has cooled down completely. Then, remove the basket and any other removable parts and wash them with hot water and dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean any residue or stuck-on food.

For any stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the surface. Rinse the parts thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Finally, wipe the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on the air fryer, as this can damage the coating or finish.

In conclusion, air fryer salmon is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this delicious and nutritious fish. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can make a perfectly cooked salmon fillet in no time. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, try cooking salmon in your air fryer!

2 Recipes for air fryer salmon to save or print

Recipe One: Air fryer salmon without breading

Recipe Two: Air fryer salmon breaded