Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but few methods are as simple and still delicious as air-frying. This easy, step-by-step guide on how to cook salmon in the air-fryer aims to help you cook up the most luxurious salmon dishes that come together in a snap of the finger. In less than 15 minutes, you'll have a scrumptious, gorgeous main course that makes all those dinner nights feel like a feast at a five-star restaurant.
How to Choose Salmon
Usually, it is better to purchase fresh salmon (and other seafood) if possible. You can easily get them from a neighborhood fishmonger. But since not everyone has access to a nearby fish market, frozen salmon is also a wonderful choice.
Frozen salmon is also a good alternative if you are unsure of the quality of the fresh fish at the market. It's often flash-frozen on the boat as soon as it is caught—in order to maintain its freshness.
Once you've chosen the salmon, move on to prepping it for the cooking process. For a detailed, complete guide on this process, check out our guide on how to prepare salmon.
How Long to Cook Salmon In the Air Fryer
From my own experience, salmon takes less than 15 minutes to air fry. It’s a huge plus for those who like a quick and easy meal that still tastes absolutely divine.
There's one small notice: When it comes to temperature, air fryers from different models can cook differently. If you just bought a new air fryer, to avoid the salmon from burning on top, check on the fish after 8 minutes of frying. It is always preferable to slightly undercook salmon and then adjust the cooking time as necessary.
How to Make Salmon in an Air Fryer
The process is as simple as can be. That is, after all, the whole point of the air fryer. Once you have seasoned and placed the fish in the air-frying basket, your meal is essentially hands-off from there.
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F.
- Step 2: Season the salmon with a spice mix of choice.
- Step 3: Pat both sides of each salmon filet dry with a paper towel to ensure that the seasoning sticks well.
- Step 4: Brush oil over each salmon filet or spray the air frying basket with oil.
- Step 5: Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the desired level of doneness, place 2-3 filets in the air fryer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes.
If you're cooking large servings, consider dividing the salmon into 2 batches or more to prevent the basket from becoming too crowded.
- Step 6: Check its doneness (lightly flick a fork into the meat to check for flakiness) and add an extra 2-3 minutes of air-frying if needed.
- Step 7: When the salmon is done, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a clean plate to rest.
- Step 8: Garnish and enjoy!
For a more detailed guide into what to do when air-frying salmon as well as the best ideas on how to serve it, check out our Air Fryer Salmon and Potatoes Recipe and Air Fryer Salmon Sticks Recipe.
How to Store Leftover Air-Fried Salmon
Salmon is a fantastic choice for dinner preparation as it can last for a week if stored properly in the fridge. You may even freeze it for later use! Here are some suggestions for storing salmon:
- In the fridge: Store the leftover salmon filets in a tightly sealed container, and reheat them quickly in the microwave for 2 minutes before serving.
- In the freezer: First, make sure the salmon is thoroughly cooled to room temperature. Then, to keep the fish from clinging to the container's sides, cover it with parchment paper. Write the starting date on the container to keep track of its usage easier. Frozen salmon often lasts for around 2-3 months.
Luna Regina
Writer, Author