My obsession with my air fryer continues. In this week’s saga, I’m sharing how to air fry salmon. It’s SO good! So quick! And it’s cooked well, but not dry.
This is a new favorite at our house for sure. Air fryer salmon is quick and easy as well as healthy. It’s been added to the rotation of air fried wings, air fryer steak, and air fryer fish.
Related: 40 Easy 30-Minute Dinner Ideas, 60 Easy Dinner Recipes, and Favorite Things to Make in My Air Fryer.
I have air fried both fresh salmon as well as frozen. I must admit that I prefer fresh.
But, as I only grocery shop once a week or less during this season of my life, having lots of dinner options I can pull from our freezer just makes sense for us. So, we do both just depending what we have on hand.
To air fry frozen salmon all you have to do is thaw it first. Otherwise, it’s no different than air frying fresh, unfrozen salmon.
How to Thaw Frozen Salmon:
You can thaw frozen salmon a couple of ways, but what I usually do is (if it’s packaged inside a sealed bag, the filet itself) I will put it in a bowl with very warm water in our sink. This typically takes anywhere from 5-8 minutes depending on the size of filet.
I season the salmon before air frying. This can be things like: garlic powder or salt, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, cayenne, pepper, or a seasoning mix I have. If you are unsure, start with salt and pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you leave the skin on before air frying salmon?
Yes, I do. I leave the skin on for the entire process. I remove the skin before eating (so I even leave the skin on when serving).
Do you have to flip salmon when air frying?
No, I don’t. I cook the salmon skin side down (so the skin is touching the air fryer or parchment paper) and I don’t flip it while it cooks.
Can you use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, you can. For air fryer salmon you can either brush the bottom grate with a little oil or add parchment paper under your salmon before air fryer.
How Do You Keep Salmon from Sticking to your Air Fryer?
Two methods for this. First, you can lightly brush the air fryer bottom grate with oil before adding the salmon and cooking.
The other option is to use parchment paper. Yes, you can use parchment paper in your air fryer. I will add parchment so it fits under the salmon, but not bunch it together or have lots of loose paper on the sides of the air fryer (see photo below).
The parchment paper will curl up some as it cooks, so that’s why you don’t want an excess amount, but you also want enough that it fits under the entire piece of fish you are cooking.
How Long Do You Air Fry Salmon For?
You can see (or print) the recipe card below for all the details, but I air fry salmon at 390°F for 8 minutes. I find this cooks the fish well, but doesn’t dry it out.
This can vary some depending on the size or thickness of the salmon you are cooking, but somewhere between 7-9 minutes will likely work well.
You can serve this alongside a broccoli salad, risotto, pasta salad, broccoli slaw, mushy peas, or steamed rice.
Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top of this air fried salmon and enjoy! xo. Emma
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Ingredients
- 6 ounce salmon filet
- 1 teaspoon seasoning (of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
- lemon wedge ( for serving)
Instructions
- If your salmon is frozen, thaw first.
- Prep your air fryer by either brushing the bottom rack with a little oil OR adding parchment paper.
- Brush the top of the salmon with oil and season well.
- Add to the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 8 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
easy and delicious <3
Quick and delicious – my new favourite salmon recipe!
soooo easy, I would eat this every day!!
I am always looking for new recipes, especially healthier easy air frier recipes. This is going to the top of my “to try” list. Thank you!
I loved the series about the air fryer since I’ve been gifted one and wasn’t sure what to actually use it for – and I especially likes this salmon recipe as it is so easy and turns out delicious! 10/10 recommended.
This is great, thanks! Will definitely be trying it out 😊
I air fry salmon all the time. It really tastes great and is so easy. I have a large fryer so I can cook several pieces at once.
Getting my Air Fryer later today_thank you for your Salmon receipes
Simple. Just what I wanted
Me gusta todo lo presentado y me gusta cocinar
This is so helpful- thanks!
We make this all the time!
Going to try tonight seems too easy … thx
This is so helpful!!!! I love the air fryer series, please keep them coming! I had never thought to air fry fish but I’m absolutely trying it.
I am so glad it’s not just me. I bought an air fryer for myself as my Black Friday present and I want to use it every day. Shrimp, chicken, steaks, potatoes, sweet potatoes. . . it’s all so good and easy! I can’t believe I waited so long to try it. Please bring on the air fryer recipes, Emma! I will happily and fully support this journey.
I would love more air fryer recipes!
Thank goodness! I am pretty obsessed at the moment so I’m so glad it’s not boring everyone. Lol.
Talk about timely! I’m cooking salmon tonight for dinner (it’s been air-thawing all day) and was planning to pull out my air fryer for its accompaniments – little did I know that I could use the air fryer for the salmon itself. Thanks very much for this tip!
Enjoy! I’m making this again tonight with risotto at our house too. 🙂