Easy Air Fryer Salmon

This Easy Air Fryer Salmon recipe is quick to make using fresh or frozen fish. This post includes all of the tips on how to make tender, juicy, and perfect salmon.

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This post originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.

FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.

Can you cook fish in an air fryer? Absolutely! My 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Catfish is a hit! Overall, seafood works really well in the air fryer. I have also made Air Fryer Fish Sticks, Panko Breaded Bang Bang Shrimp and Shrimp Po Boys.

My catfish recipe is breaded, however, you can make fish with no breading in the air fryer, too! The great thing is, it doesn’t take long for seafood recipes to cook! They are ready in no time. This salmon will measure up to any grilled fish recipe.

If you are looking to make salmon patties in the air fryer, you can follow the linked recipe and the same cook times noted below.

Is Salmon Good in the Air Fryer

Cooking salmon is wonderful in the air fryer! It cooks the fish to the perfect texture. I like salmon that is moist and flaky. I’m not a fan of dry salmon.

Best Type of Salmon to Use

I like to use wild-caught salmon. It has a beautiful bright color and a buttery taste. The fish consume a natural diet and are lower in calories and fat.

Salmon that is sourced from the Atlantic is usually farmed. Farmed means antibiotics and food coloring (to give it a pink color) are used. This adds harmful chemical additives to the fish.

You can read more about What Type of Salmon is the Healthiest to Eat here.

How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

1. First, decide how you want to season the salmon. One of my favorite methods to use is lemon pepper seasoned salmon. I also always use a seafood seasoning when preparing seafood. I love Primal Palate.
2. You should also coat the salmon in oil. I like to use olive oil, but avocado oil and butter will work well too. Coat the salmon in oil and seasonings. Rub the seasoning into the salmon.
3. I leave the skin on the salmon. The air fryer will produce tender, flaky salmon. The skin will come right off when it’s cooked.
4. Air fry the salmon.

How Long to Cook/Cook Time

The time to cook salmon in the air fryer is minimal. Mine was ready in 10 minutes. Each air fryer brand is different and will cook at a different speed. Your salmon may need to cook for 10-12 minutes.

Air Fryer Temperature

I use 360 degrees because it’s the best temperature to use if you don’t want to overcook the salmon. Overcooked salmon is dry and lacks flavor.

Can You Use Frozen Salmon

If you are using frozen salmon, raise the temperature on the air fryer to 390 degrees and cook them for 8 minutes. Monitor the salmon closely. Overall, I recommend using fresh salmon. It will yield better results.

How to Tell the Fish is Done

When the fish is done, it will be a translucent pink in the middle. It should also look flaky. You can check out more tips on How to Tell if Salmon is Overcooked here.

How to Reheat

For leftovers, I reheat the salmon in the air fryer for 4 minutes on 360 degrees.

Other Salmon Seasonings and Flavors:

You can use a couple of teaspoons of any of the following, to substitute lemon pepper seasoning:

Cajun Seasoning
Smoked Paprika
Mediterranean Seasoning

Pair this Salmon with These Recipes

Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

More Salmon Recipes

Salmon Fried Rice
Keto Salmon Patties
Blackened Salmon
Crab Stuffed Salmon
Pan-Seared Salmon
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Maple Glazed Salmon
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Ninja Foodi Grill Salmon
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Traeger Smoked Salmon