How to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer: Guide to Perfect Results

Learning how to cook salmon in an air fryer is one of the most valuable cooking skills you can develop for creating quick, healthy, and delicious meals. Whether you’re a complete beginner intimidated by cooking fish or an experienced home chef looking for a faster method, the air fryer makes salmon preparation foolproof, consistent, and incredibly convenient.

This ultimate guide will teach you everything about cooking salmon in an air fryer, from selecting the perfect fillet to achieving that ideal combination of crispy edges and tender, flaky interior. You’ll discover why the air fryer has become the go-to appliance for salmon, master the essential techniques that guarantee success, and learn professional tips that will elevate your results from good to extraordinary.

By the end of this guide, you’ll confidently know how to cook salmon in air fryer better than most restaurants, and you’ll be able to create perfectly cooked salmon in just 7-17 minutes, depending on whether you’re starting with fresh or frozen fillets.

Table of Contents

Why the Air Fryer is the Best Way to Cook Salmon

Before diving into how to cook salmon in an air fryer, it’s important to understand why this method has become so popular. The air fryer offers unique advantages that make it superior to traditional cooking methods in many ways.

Unmatched Speed and Efficiency

Fresh salmon: 7-10 minutes total from start to finish
Frozen salmon: 12-17 minutes without any thawing required
Minimal preheating: 3-5 minutes compared to 15-20 minutes for ovens
Energy efficient: Uses less electricity than heating a full oven

Superior Texture and Flavor

Crispy, golden edges similar to pan-searing but without the oil
Tender, flaky interior that stays incredibly moist
Even cooking throughout thanks to 360-degree air circulation
No fishy smell lingering in your kitchen like with stovetop cooking

Health and Convenience Benefits

75% less oil compared to traditional frying methods
Hands-free cooking: Set it and work on side dishes or relax
Easy cleanup: Just one basket to wash, no greasy pans
Foolproof results: Consistent temperature eliminates guesswork
Kitchen stays cool: Perfect for summer cooking

Choosing the Right Salmon for Your Air Fryer

Success in how to cook salmon in air fryer starts with selecting the right fish. Understanding the differences between salmon types, fresh versus frozen options, and ideal fillet characteristics will set you up for perfect results every time.

Fresh vs. Frozen: Which is Better?

Both fresh and frozen salmon work excellently when you cook salmon in air fryer. Here’s what you need to know:

Fresh Salmon:

Pros: Slightly firmer texture, immediate use, premium feel
Cons: Must be used within 1-2 days, more expensive, requires planning
Best for: When you’ve just shopped and cooking same day

Frozen Salmon:

Pros: Flash-frozen at peak freshness, lasts 6 months, cook from frozen, often less expensive
Cons: Takes a few minutes longer to cook
Best for: Meal prep, busy schedules, last-minute meals

Pro tip: “Fresh” salmon at grocery stores is often previously frozen anyway, so don’t hesitate to buy frozen – it’s frequently better quality and more convenient!

Types of Salmon: Which Works Best?

Atlantic Salmon (Farm-Raised):

Fat content: Highest (12-15%)
Flavor: Mild, buttery, universally appealing
Air fryer performance: Excellent – high fat prevents drying
Best for: Beginners, picky eaters, most forgiving option

Sockeye Salmon (Wild-Caught):

Fat content: Medium (8-11%)
Flavor: Rich, bold, intense salmon taste
Air fryer performance: Very good – needs careful timing to avoid drying
Best for: Those who love strong salmon flavor, higher omega-3 content

Coho Salmon (Wild-Caught):

Fat content: Medium (7-10%)
Flavor: Mild to medium, delicate texture
Air fryer performance: Good – cook at 390°F for best results
Best for: Lighter meals, those preferring subtler fish flavor

King Salmon (Wild-Caught):

Fat content: Very high (15-20%)
Flavor: Extremely rich, luxurious
Air fryer performance: Excellent – stays very moist
Best for: Special occasions, when you want the best

Ideal Fillet Characteristics for Air Frying

Thickness: 1 to 1.5 inches for even cooking (thinner cooks too fast, thicker too slow)
Size: 5-6 oz portions fit perfectly in most air fryer baskets
Cut: Center-cut fillets provide most uniform thickness
Skin: Either skin-on or skinless works (skin helps retain moisture)
Quality indicators: Bright color, firm texture, fresh ocean smell

Essential Tools and Setup for Cooking Salmon in Air Fryer

Before you begin learning how to cook salmon in an air fryer, gather these essential tools and ingredients. Having everything ready ensures a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.

Required Equipment

Air fryer (any brand/size works; 4-6 quart most popular)
Instant-read meat thermometer (critical for perfect doneness)
Paper towels (for patting salmon dry)
Basting brush or oil spray bottle
Tongs or fish spatula (for handling cooked salmon)
Small mixing bowl (for marinades/seasonings)

Basic Ingredients

Salmon fillets (fresh or frozen)
High-heat oil (olive, avocado, or spray)
Kosher salt or sea salt
Black pepper (freshly ground preferred)

The Master Method: How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer (Fresh)

This is the fundamental technique for cooking salmon in air fryer when starting with fresh fillets. Master this method and you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon in just 7-10 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare Your Salmon (2 minutes)

Remove salmon from refrigerator and let sit 15-20 minutes (room temperature salmon cooks more evenly)
Pat completely dry with paper towels on both sides – this is crucial for browning
Check for pin bones – run fingers along fillet and remove with tweezers
If using skin-on salmon, score skin with shallow diagonal cuts to prevent curling

Step 2: Season the Salmon (1 minute)

Brush both sides with oil – about ½ teaspoon per side (or 2-3 sprays)
Season generously with salt and pepper on the flesh side
Add optional seasonings (garlic powder, lemon zest, herbs – see variations below)

Step 3: Preheat and Prep Air Fryer (3-5 minutes)

Set air fryer to 390°F (400°F also works but watch timing)
Preheat for 3-5 minutes following your model’s instructions
Lightly spray basket with oil to prevent sticking

Step 4: Cook the Salmon (7-10 minutes)

Place salmon in basket skin-side down (or skinless side down if no skin)
Don’t overcrowd – leave space between fillets for air circulation
Cook for 7-10 minutes depending on thickness:

Thin fillets (0.75-1 inch): 6-7 minutes
Medium fillets (1-1.5 inches): 8-9 minutes
Thick fillets (over 1.5 inches): 10-12 minutes

Do NOT flip – air circulation cooks evenly without turning

Step 5: Check for Doneness (1 minute)

Start checking at minimum time (7 minutes for thin, 8 for medium, 10 for thick)
Insert thermometer into thickest part of fillet:

125-130°F = Medium-rare (moist, slightly translucent center)
130-135°F = Medium (recommended by chefs)
140-145°F = Well-done (FDA recommendation)

Visual check: Should flake easily with fork, edges golden and slightly crispy
If not done, cook in 1-minute increments, checking after each

Step 6: Rest and Serve (2-3 minutes)

Remove salmon carefully with fish spatula or tongs
Let rest 2-3 minutes on serving plate (carryover cooking will add 2-3°F)
Garnish with fresh lemon wedge and squeeze over top
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer (No Thawing Required)

One of the best features of how to cook salmon in an air fryer is that you can cook it straight from frozen! This two-stage method ensures perfect results in just 12-17 minutes with zero thawing required.

The Two-Stage Frozen Salmon Method

Stage 1: Thawing (6-9 minutes)

Remove frozen salmon from packaging
Pat away visible ice crystals with paper towels
Preheat air fryer to 390-400°F for 3-5 minutes
Place frozen salmon skin-side down in basket
Cook at 390°F for:

Thin fillets: 6 minutes
Medium fillets: 7-9 minutes
Thick fillets: 9 minutes

Stage 2: Seasoning and Finishing (5-8 minutes)

Open air fryer carefully (steam will release)
Brush salmon with oil
Season generously with salt, pepper, and desired seasonings
Add lemon slices on top if desired
Continue cooking at 390°F for:

Thin fillets: 3-5 minutes
Medium fillets: 5-8 minutes
Thick fillets: 7-8 minutes

Check temperature and doneness as described above
Rest 2-3 minutes before serving

Delicious Seasoning Variations for Air Fryer Salmon

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique of how to cook salmon in air fryer, it’s time to explore exciting flavor combinations. These variations will keep your salmon dinners interesting and delicious. For even more creative ideas and complete meal inspirations, check out this collection of air fryer salmon recipes featuring everything from Asian glazes to Mediterranean preparations.

Classic Lemon Herb

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 cloves minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Your Journey to Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Success

Congratulations! You now have everything you need to master how to cook salmon in an air fryer like a professional chef. From understanding why the air fryer is the superior method to executing perfect technique with both fresh and frozen salmon, you’re equipped to create restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

The beauty of this method is its incredible versatility and forgiveness. Whether you’re cooking salmon in air fryer for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing dinner guests, the results will consistently exceed your expectations. With cooking times of just 7-17 minutes depending on your starting point, healthy salmon meals are now accessible any night of the week.

Remember the key principles: proper temperature (390-400°F), don’t skip the oil, check doneness early, and let it rest. These simple guidelines ensure success every single time. Happy cooking!