Air Fryer Salmon (15 Minute Recipe)

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This Air Fryer Salmon recipe is ready in under 15 minutes making it perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make, foolproof, and results in tender flaky salmon every time!

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What Type of Salmon to Use

The best type to use is a matter of preference. The most common types of salmon include:

• Wild and/or Sockeye: Known for its deep red color and rich, oily flavor. It is considered one of the most flavorful types of salmon.
• Atlantic: It is farm raised and has a milder flavor than wild-caught salmon.
• Pink: It is the smallest of the Pacific salmon and has a mild, delicate flavor.

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. So I usually try to look for wild-caught salmon.

Skin On or Skin Off

Cooking salmon with the skin on can help to add flavor and keep the fish moist. The skin will also protect the flesh of the salmon while it cooks, this helps prevent it from over-cooking or drying out.

Cooking salmon with the skin off will allow the fish to cook more evenly, and the flesh will be exposed to more heat which can be desirable for some cooking methods. Keep in mind the flesh will be more delicate and may dry out more easily without the skin to protect it.

When cooking salmon with the skin on, it’s a good idea to remove it after cooking. It’s super simple to do so, and will usually glide right off. The skin will be crispy and delicious and the flesh will be tender and moist.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

1. Pat salmon dry completely using paper towels.
2. Brush the salmon with olive oil. Sprinkle spices over the fish and rub them into the flesh.
3. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the salmon in the air fryer basket.
4. Air fry.

Air Fryer Temperature

I recommend 370 degrees.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

Cook time will vary based on the air fryer brand you use and the thickness of your salmon. It will take 10-12 minutes.

How to Tell When Salmon is Cooked

• Temperature: Use a meat thermometer and ensure the fish has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the fish.
• Appearance and Touch: Perfectly cooked salmon will have a light pink color and will be opaque throughout. The flesh will also start to flake when pressed with a fork.
• It’s important to note that salmon can be cooked to varying degrees of doneness, some people prefer it cooked through while others prefer it medium-rare at 135 degrees. Decide what works for you.

Dry, Overcooked Fish

Overcooked salmon is dry and has little flavor. Fish (along with meat) will continue to cook when you remove it from heat. This is why it’s important to pay attention to how long the fish cooks.

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.

Additional Ways to Season it

• Homemade BBQ Rub
• Homemade Cajun Rub
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning

How to Store Leftovers

Store the salmon tightly covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

Leftovers can be frozen tightly sealed for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

How to Reheat

I recommend you use the air fryer or oven. If using the oven, place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the salmon with foil and place it in the oven at 275 degrees until warm.

If using the air fryer, reheat it on 200 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until warm.

If you use the microwave, be swift! Don’t leave it in too long. It will dry out the fish.

Pair With These Recipes

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Vegetables
Smoked BBQ Baked Beans

Be sure to check out our guide on What Goes Well with Salmon and Best Side Dishes.

More Salmon Recipes

Baked Salmon in Parchment Paper
Baked Salmon Stuffed with Crab Meat
Maple Glazed Salmon
Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Cajun Salmon
Salmon Fried Rice with Vegetables
Salmon Rice Bowl
Easy Salmon Bites

Pair with this Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon.

Top the fish with my Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe.