How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to cook salmon in air fryer is one of the best kitchen skills you can master. This simple cooking method delivers restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests without the stress.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to perfect your technique, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to cook salmon in the air fryer from start to finish, including preparation, seasoning, cooking, and serving.

Table of Contents

Why You Should Learn How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

Before diving into the step-by-step guide to cooking salmon in air fryer, let’s understand why this method has become so popular:

Benefits of Air Fryer Salmon:

✅ Speed: Cooks in 6-11 minutes (faster than oven)
✅ Crispy exterior: Mimics pan-searing without oil
✅ Moist interior: Even heat prevents drying
✅ No odor: Less fishy smell than stovetop
✅ Easy cleanup: No greasy pans to scrub
✅ Foolproof: Consistent results every time
✅ Versatile: Works with any seasoning or marinade
✅ Healthier: Requires minimal oil

What You Need to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

Essential Equipment:

Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
Instant-read thermometer (highly recommended)
Paper towels (for drying)
Small bowl (for mixing seasonings)
Pastry brush or spoon (for oil/glaze)
Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

Basic Ingredients:

Salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter)
Salt and pepper
Your choice of seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, etc.)

Optional Add-ons:

Lemon wedges
Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, cilantro)
Glazes or marinades
Additional spices

How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Salmon

Selecting Salmon: When learning how to make salmon in air fryer, the quality of your fish matters.

Best Types:

Atlantic salmon: Most common, mild flavor, affordable
King salmon: Rich, buttery, higher fat content
Sockeye salmon: Deep red color, robust flavor
Coho salmon: Medium flavor, firm texture

What to Look For:

Bright, vibrant color (pink to deep red)
Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
Fresh, ocean smell (not fishy)
Moist appearance without being slimy
Even thickness for consistent cooking

Skin-On vs. Skinless:

Skin-on: Holds together better, skin crisps nicely
Skinless: Cooks slightly faster, easier to eat

Thickness Matters: Aim for fillets that are 1 inch thick for the most consistent results when learning how to air fry salmon.

Step 2: Bring Salmon to Temperature and Dry Thoroughly

Temperature Prep: Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.

Drying (CRITICAL STEP): This is the most important step in how to cook salmon in air fryer for crispy results:

Remove salmon from packaging
Pat dry with paper towels on all sides
Press firmly to remove all moisture
Let air dry for 2-3 minutes if time permits
Pat dry one more time before seasoning

Why This Matters:

Moisture creates steam
Steam prevents browning
Dry fish = crispy exterior

Step 3: Season Your Salmon

Basic Seasoning Method:

For Simple Garlic & Herb Salmon:

Brush salmon with olive oil or melted butter (1 tbsp total)
Mix together:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sprinkle generously over salmon
Gently press seasoning into the fish

For Honey Dijon Glazed Salmon:

Mix in a small bowl:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Brush over salmon fillets

For Asian-Style Salmon:

Whisk together:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- Grated garlic and ginger
Brush over salmon (save extra for basting)

Seasoning Tips:

Season both sides lightly, but focus on the top
Don’t over-salt (especially with glazes containing soy sauce)
Apply seasonings just before cooking (not hours ahead)
For fresh herbs, add in the last 2 minutes

Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Why Preheat: Preheating ensures even cooking and better browning when you cook salmon in air fryer.

How to Preheat:

Set air fryer to 400°F
Run for 3-5 minutes empty
While preheating, prepare your basket

Prepare the Basket:

Option 1: Spray basket with cooking spray
Option 2: Line with aluminum foil, then spray
Option 3: Use parchment paper liners (pre-cut with holes)

Pro Tip: If using foil or parchment, cut slits for air circulation.

Step 5: Arrange Salmon in the Air Fryer

Proper Placement: This is key to how to make air fryer salmon successfully.

Do’s:

✅ Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on)
✅ Leave 1 inch space between fillets
✅ Position in a single layer
✅ Center thicker portions in the basket
✅ Ensure fillets aren’t touching

Don’ts:

❌ Don’t overcrowd the basket
❌ Don’t stack fillets
❌ Don’t let pieces overlap
❌ Don’t place on top of each other

How Many Fillets:

Small air fryer (3-4 qt): 1-2 fillets
Medium air fryer (5-6 qt): 2-4 fillets
Large air fryer (7+ qt): 4-6 fillets

If You Need to Cook More: Cook in batches. The first batch won’t get cold if you:

Keep warm in oven at 200°F
Tent with foil
Serve second batch first (stays warmest)

Step 6: Set Temperature and Time

Standard Settings for Fresh Salmon:

Temperature: 400°F
Time:
- Thin (½-¾ inch): 6-7 minutes
- Medium (1 inch): 8-9 minutes
- Thick (1½ inch): 10-11 minutes

Cooking Process:

Place basket in air fryer
Set temperature to 400°F
Set timer based on thickness
Close air fryer
Do not open until minimum time

Important: Different air fryer models may vary. Check at the minimum time first.

Step 7: Monitor and Check for Doneness

When to Check:

Check at minimum time for your fillet thickness
Add 1-2 minutes if needed
Check again

Three Ways to Test Doneness:

Method 1: Thermometer (BEST)

Insert into thickest part
Target: 145°F (fully cooked) or 135-140°F (medium)
Remove at 135°F and let rest (temperature rises 5-10°F)

Method 2: Fork Test

Gently press with fork
Should flake easily
Center should be slightly firm
Opaque throughout (for fully cooked)

Method 3: Visual Cues

Light golden brown on top
Opaque flesh (not translucent)
White protein (albumin) may appear
Edges slightly crispy

What If It Needs More Time:

Add 1-2 minutes
Check again
Repeat until done

Pro Tip: It’s better to slightly undercook. Salmon continues cooking as it rests.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Resting: This final step in how to cook salmon in the air fryer is crucial:

Remove salmon from air fryer
Transfer to serving plate
Let rest 3-5 minutes
Temperature will rise 5-10 degrees
Juices redistribute
Perfect texture achieved

Serving Suggestions:

Squeeze fresh lemon over top
Sprinkle with fresh herbs
Add a pat of butter
Drizzle with reserved marinade (if safe)
Serve with your favorite sauce

Plating Ideas:

Over rice or quinoa
Alongside roasted vegetables
On a bed of greens
With mashed potatoes
In a salmon bowl

For more creative serving ideas and recipe variations, check out these air fryer salmon recipes that showcase different flavors and presentations.

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Two Methods:

Method 1: Direct from Frozen

Best for: Quick weeknight meals

Don’t thaw
Rinse frozen salmon under cold water
Pat dry as much as possible
Brush with oil
Season generously
Cook at 400°F for 11-14 minutes
Check at 11 minutes, add time if needed

Timing: Add 3-5 minutes to fresh salmon times

Method 2: Two-Step Thawing (RECOMMENDED)

Best for: More control and better texture

Step 1 – Thaw:

Place frozen salmon in air fryer
Set to 360°F
Cook for 7 minutes
Remove and pat dry

Step 2 – Cook:

Season as desired
Return to air fryer
Cook at 400°F for standard times (6-11 minutes)
Check for doneness

Total Time: 13-18 minutes

Why Two-Step is Better:

More even cooking
Better crust development
Easier to season
More control over doneness

How to Cook Different Cuts of Salmon in Air Fryer

Salmon Fillets (Standard)

What: Individual portions, most common Thickness: Usually 1 inch Temp: 400°F Time: 8-9 minutes Best for: Everyday meals

Salmon Steaks

What: Cross-section cuts, bone-in Thickness: Usually 1-1.5 inches Temp: 400°F Time: 10-12 minutes Best for: Special occasions

Salmon Bites/Cubes

What: 1-inch chunks, no skin Thickness: 1 inch on all sides Temp: 390°F Time: 5-8 minutes (flip halfway) Best for: Bowls, salads, appetizers

How to Make Salmon Bites:

Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes
Remove skin and bones
Toss with marinade
Marinate 10 minutes to 2 hours
Arrange in single layer
Flip at 3-4 minutes
Brush with extra marinade
Cook until done

Whole Side of Salmon

What: Large piece, serves 4-6 Thickness: Varies Temp: 375°F (lower to prevent burning) Time: 12-15 minutes Best for: Entertaining

Special Instructions:

May need to cut to fit
Cook in batches if needed
Check thickest part first
Thinner tail may need foil cover

Seasoning Variations: How to Cook Air Fryer Salmon Different Ways

Classic Lemon Herb

Ingredients:

Olive oil
Lemon zest and juice
Fresh dill or parsley
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper

Method:

Brush with oil
Sprinkle with seasonings
Top with lemon slices
Cook as directed
Add fresh herbs after cooking

Teriyaki Glazed

Ingredients:

Teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Sesame seeds
Green onions

Method:

Brush salmon with teriyaki
Cook for 6 minutes at 400°F
Brush with more teriyaki
Cook 2-3 minutes more
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions

Cajun Blackened

Ingredients:

Cajun seasoning
Paprika
Brown sugar
Cornstarch (for extra crisp)

Method:

Mix all seasonings
Brush salmon with oil
Coat generously with spice mix
Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes
No flipping needed

Mediterranean Style

Ingredients:

Olive oil
Oregano
Basil
Sun-dried tomatoes
Feta cheese

Method:

Season with herbs
Cook as directed
Top with tomatoes and feta last minute
Serve with tzatziki

Maple Mustard

Ingredients:

Maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Garlic
Soy sauce

Method:

Whisk all ingredients
Brush on salmon
Cook at 390°F (lower temp to prevent burning)
Watch last 2 minutes

Troubleshooting: Common Problems When Cooking Salmon in Air Fryer

Problem 1: Salmon is Dry

Causes:

Overcooked
Temperature too high
Not enough oil
Fillet too thin

Solutions:

Use thermometer, remove at 135°F
Let rest 5 minutes
Brush with more oil/butter
Reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes
Choose fattier salmon (Atlantic)

Problem 2: Not Crispy Enough

Causes:

Salmon not dried properly
Too much marinade
Didn’t preheat
Overcrowded basket

Solutions:

Pat completely dry
Remove excess marinade
Always preheat 3-5 minutes
Cook in batches
Add cornstarch to seasoning

Problem 3: Undercooked in Middle

Causes:

Fillet too thick
Temperature too high
Not enough time

Solutions:

Cook longer (add 2-3 minutes)
Lower temp to 375°F for thick fillets
Check thickest part with thermometer
Butterfly very thick pieces

Problem 4: Skin Sticking to Basket

Causes:

Basket not greased
Skin too wet
Removed too quickly

Solutions:

Spray basket generously
Dry skin thoroughly
Let cook fully before removing
Use parchment liners

Problem 5: Uneven Cooking

Causes:

Fillets different sizes
Basket overcrowded
Didn’t preheat

Solutions:

Choose similar-sized fillets
Leave space between pieces
Always preheat
Rotate basket halfway (some models)

Problem 6: Smoking Air Fryer

Causes:

Dripping marinade
Too much oil
Dirty basket

Solutions:

Add water to drawer
Use less oil
Clean basket before cooking
Lower temperature to 375°F

Problem 7: Glaze Burning

Causes:

Too much sugar
Temperature too high
Applied too early

Solutions:

Brush glaze in last 2 minutes
Lower temp to 375-390°F
Use less glaze initially
Watch carefully at end

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Every Time

Before Cooking:

✅ Choose fillets of even thickness
✅ Let salmon sit at room temp 15-20 minutes
✅ Pat completely dry with paper towels
✅ Measure thickness at thickest point
✅ Preheat air fryer to 400°F
✅ Spray basket or use liners

During Cooking:

✅ Don’t open air fryer unnecessarily
✅ Check at minimum time first
✅ Use instant-read thermometer
✅ Watch glazes in last 2 minutes
✅ Don’t flip (unless making bites)
✅ Remove at 135-140°F for medium

After Cooking:

✅ Let rest 3-5 minutes
✅ Add fresh herbs after cooking
✅ Squeeze lemon over top
✅ Serve immediately for best texture
✅ Store leftovers within 2 hours

Storage and Reheating Guide

How to Store Cooked Salmon:

Cool to room temperature (within 2 hours)
Store in airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 3 days
Label with date

How to Freeze Cooked Salmon:

Cool completely
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
Place in freezer bag
Remove excess air
Freeze up to 2 months
Thaw in fridge overnight

How to Reheat Air Fryer Salmon:

Best Method – Air Fryer:

Temperature: 350°F
Time: 3-5 minutes
Check at 3 minutes

Alternative – Stovetop:

Heat skillet over medium-low
Add splash of water or broth
Cover and warm gently
3-4 minutes

Cold Option (Recommended):

Serve over salads
Add to grain bowls
Make salmon salad
Use in sandwiches

Why Cold is Better: Reheating can dry out salmon. Cold, flaked salmon over greens with a good dressing is delicious!

Meal Prep with Air Fryer Salmon

Weekly Prep Strategy:

Sunday Prep:

Buy 4-6 fillets
Season differently (variety)
Cook all at once
Cool and store separately
Pair with different sides

Monday: Honey Dijon salmon with quinoa and broccoli
Tuesday: Asian salmon bites in rice bowl
Wednesday: Lemon herb salmon over salad
Thursday: Cajun salmon tacos
Friday: Leftover salmon bagel with cream cheese

Time Saved: 40+ minutes during the week

Batch Cooking Tips:

Cook same-thickness fillets together
Use different seasonings for variety
Cool quickly (spread on sheet pan)
Store in individual portions
Label with seasoning type

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon

Vegetables:

Air fryer asparagus (cook while salmon rests)
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Sautéed green beans
Roasted broccoli
Cauliflower rice
Air fryer sweet potatoes

Grains & Starches:

White or brown rice
Quinoa
Couscous
Orzo pasta
Mashed potatoes
Greek lemon potatoes

Salads:

Simple mixed greens
Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Asian noodle salad
Cucumber tomato salad
Kale salad

Sauces:

Tzatziki
Lemon butter sauce
Dill cream sauce
Tartar sauce
Soy ginger sauce
Honey mustard
Sriracha aioli
Chimichurri

Complete Meal Ideas:

Mediterranean Plate:

Air fryer salmon
Couscous
Cucumber salad
Tzatziki
Hummus and pita

Asian Bowl:

Teriyaki salmon
Rice
Edamame
Cucumber
Pickled ginger
Soy sauce

American Classic:

Lemon herb salmon
Mashed potatoes
Green beans
Dinner roll

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you flip salmon in the air fryer?

No! The circulating air cooks evenly without flipping. Flipping can break delicate fish.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for salmon?

Yes, recommended. Preheating for 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking and better browning.

Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer with salmon?

Yes! Line the basket with foil for easy cleanup. Just ensure air can still circulate.

Should salmon be room temperature before air frying?

Ideally, yes. Let sit 15-20 minutes for more even cooking, but it’s not essential.

How do you keep salmon from sticking to the air fryer?

Spray the basket with oil, use parchment liners, or line with foil before cooking.

Can you cook salmon with the skin on in the air fryer?

Yes! Place skin-side down. The skin crisps nicely and protects the flesh.

What temperature do you cook salmon in the air fryer?

400°F is the sweet spot for crispy exterior and moist interior.

How do you know when air fryer salmon is done?

Use a thermometer (145°F), check if it flakes easily, or look for opaque flesh.

Can you marinate salmon before air frying?

Yes, but pat off excess marinade before cooking to prevent soggy texture and smoke.

Is air fryer salmon healthy?

Very! It’s high in protein and omega-3s, and uses minimal oil compared to pan-frying.

Advanced Techniques for Air Fryer Salmon

Creating a Perfect Crust:

Add 1 tsp cornstarch to your seasoning mix for extra-crispy exterior.

Preventing White Albumin:

Don’t overcook
Remove at lower temp (135°F)
Let come to room temp before cooking
Use gentle heat (375°F) for delicate salmon

Making Crispy Skin:

Score skin in crosshatch pattern
Pat extra dry
Spray skin with oil
Cook skin-side down entire time
Add extra minute if needed

Glazing Techniques:

Before cooking: Thick glazes only
Halfway through: Best for honey/teriyaki
After cooking: Sugar-heavy glazes

Testing Doneness Without Thermometer:

Touch test:

Rare = soft (like your cheek)
Medium = slight resistance (like your chin)
Done = firm (like your forehead)

Budget-Friendly Tips

Save Money on Salmon:

Buy frozen in bulk (cheaper per pound)
Watch for sales (stock up and freeze)
Consider farm-raised (less expensive)
Buy skin-on (usually cheaper)
Purchase whole sides and portion yourself
Check discount seafood section
Compare prices: fresh vs frozen

Stretch Your Salmon:

Make salmon bites (feels like more)
Serve in bowls (pair with grains)
Use in tacos (smaller portions)
Add to salads (protein boost)
Make salmon cakes (with leftovers)

Kid-Friendly Air Fryer Salmon

Making Salmon Kids Will Eat:

Salmon Nuggets:

Cut into bite-sized pieces
Season lightly (garlic, salt, pepper)
Serve with ranch or honey mustard
Make it fun (dinosaur shapes)

Sweet Glazes:

Honey butter
Maple syrup glaze
Teriyaki (mild)

Hide the Salmon:

Mix into mac and cheese
Add to pasta
Make salmon burgers
Blend into rice bowls

Tips:

Start with mild seasonings
Remove skin (easier for kids)
Cut into small pieces
Pair with favorite sides
Let them dip in sauces

Seasonal Variations

Spring:

Lemon dill salmon with fresh asparagus

Summer:

Grilled-style salmon with mango salsa

Fall:

Maple glazed salmon with roasted squash

Winter:

Teriyaki salmon with hearty root vegetables

The Science Behind Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

How It Works:

Rapid air circulation at 400°F
Convection cooking surrounds fish with heat
Maillard reaction creates golden crust
Even heat distribution prevents hot spots
Moisture retention from quick cooking

Why It’s Better Than Other Methods:

vs. Oven Baking:

Faster (half the time)
Crispier exterior
No preheating large oven

vs. Pan Searing:

Less oil needed
No splatter mess
More hands-off
Easier cleanup

vs. Grilling:

Works year-round
More control
No flare-ups
Indoor convenience

Master How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

Now you know exactly how to cook salmon in air fryer from start to finish. This versatile cooking method delivers consistently delicious results with minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Quick Recap:

✅ Choose quality salmon, 1 inch thick
✅ Dry thoroughly with paper towels
✅ Season with your favorite flavors
✅ Preheat air fryer to 400°F
✅ Arrange in single layer, skin-side down
✅ Cook 8-9 minutes for 1-inch fillets
✅ Check with thermometer (135-145°F)
✅ Rest 3-5 minutes before serving

Key Success Factors:

🎯 Pat dry – Most important for crispy results
🎯 Preheat – Essential for even cooking
🎯 Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between fillets
🎯 Use thermometer – Most reliable doneness test
🎯 Let rest – Allows temperature to rise and juices to redistribute

The beauty of air fryer salmon cooking is that once you master the basics, you can experiment endlessly with different seasonings, glazes, and serving styles. From simple weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining, air fryer salmon is a skill that will serve you well for years to come.

Start with the basic garlic and herb recipe, get comfortable with the timing and technique, then branch out to explore the infinite possibilities. Before you know it, you’ll be creating restaurant-quality salmon dishes in your own kitchen with confidence and ease.