I would have never guessed making salmon in an air fryer would have produced the most tender and juicy salmon every time. I promise this Perfect Air Fryer Salmon will become your new way to conquer salmon in the kitchen.
I have to admit, I was totally, totally against the idea of purchasing an air fryer. And not just a little bit against it, but really, really against it. I figured an air fryer was going to be another small appliance we rarely used. Who else has lots of those?
And not only did I think we were not going to use it, I especially did not want another “thing” on my kitchen counter. Extra stuff on my kitchen counters is really one of my pet peeves. I really despise anything being dumped on them, whether it’s mail, car keys, computers…take them to your room and keep them there! But that’s a rant for another day.
Anyway, I really did not want this new appliance and felt it was going to be a waste of money. However, my husband kept insisting on getting one and he finally just pulled the plug and ordered it even though I was not feeling it. I’m so glad he did not listen to me.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy here.
Are Air Fryers Worth Buying
Air Fryers are really kind of ugly and this one kind of reminds me of Darth Vader’s head/mask thing, but oh my gosh, it’s the best appliance ever. Yes they are worth it! There are lots of air fryers out there, but I do particularly love my air fryer. In fact, here are the best-rated large capacity air fryers available and mine is always among them. If you can grab this air fryer for under $150, you are getting a great deal. In fact, you can read the 5-star reviews on this air fryer here.
In the air fryer, everything comes out crispier, juicier and always perfectly cooked in an incredibly short amount of time. Tatar tots in the air fryer are the best. Chicken in the air fryer, breaded or not is so juicy, tender and delicious. When it comes to making dinner, even ribeye steaks are awesome in the air fryer and I can’t even believe I was willing to try that. Anyway, you get it, it’s worth every penny.
There is no preheating time and the cleanup is very minimal. The air fryer locks in all the juices so you barely have any mess to cleanup. It even makes the perfect crostini toast. I would not recommend an air fryer smaller than a 5.3 quart, it would just be too limiting.
Do Air Fryers Really Work
Look at that beautiful flaking of the salmon after being in the air fryer, it’s absolutely perfect. So, yes, they really do work in producing the best tasting food.
The air fryer locks in the juices as it cooks and rewards you with the perfect tasting salmon.
For your air fryer salmon, you’ll want to use fillets that are the same thickness. These were both
1-1/2-inch fillets. And they were out of the fridge for about an hour to warm them up.
Since my boys fish for salmon every summer, all of our salmon is wild caught and still has the bones. I find the bones are easily removed with needle nose pliers since they do not tear apart the fish.
How To Air Fry Salmon
Here are the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. It’s best not to crowd things too much. All you have to do is place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket and turn on your air fryer for the appropriate amount of time. It’s that easy!
Does An Air Fryer Brown Food
You can see how beautiful the color is when they are finished, not to mention extremely juicy and tender.
Salmon has been on the menu a lot more since I started making it this way.
When you reheat food that’s been cooked in an air fryer, it remains juicy and tender, as if the juices were locked in…it is amazing.
If you’ve been waiting to get an air fryer, I hope this propels you to make it happen. Please check out my other air fryer recipes here.
There are so many things you can make in an air fryer, in fact, the possibilities are endless. I know my kid’s would love these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. And who wouldn’t love a batch of these Air Fryer Spicy Sweet Potato Fries? And who would have thought Air Fryer Roasted Corn would turn out so perfect. And holy wow these Copycat Taco Bell Air Fryer Crunch Wraps sound over the top. But these Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls also sound crazy addictive along with this Air Fryer Chicken recipe that uses buffalo sauce!
One year ago I shared my Grapefruit Cranberry Martini with you, have you made it yet? Five years ago this quick dinner of Loaded Sausage and Gravy Baked Potatoes came into my life and is still a quick dinner for us. Seven years ago I learned to make Chicago-Style Hot Dogs at home and shared them with you. Eight years ago these Cornmeal-Blueberry Scones made me feel like spring in the middle of winter. And nine years ago this Asparagus Popover won me over.
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Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 wild caught salmon fillets with comparable thickness, mine were 1-1/12-inches thick
- 2 tsps teaspoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 tsps paprika
- generously seasoned with salt and coarse black pepper
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Remove any bones from your salmon if necessary and let fish sit on the counter for an hour. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season with paprika, salt and pepper.
- Place fillets in the basket of the air fryer. Set air fryer at 390 degrees for 7 minutes for 1-1/2-inch fillets.
- When timer goes off, open basket and check fillets with a fork to make sure they are done to your desired doneness.
Notes
Nutrition
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kyle says
Before you know it you’ll be buying a sous vide stick! (But they’re small and you can put it in a drawer) It’s my new favorite gadget. Easy to use and perfect results. It’s the only way I’ll poach eggs anymore!
Cathy says
I have one! However, the air fryer is so fast and works with a lot more foods than the sous vide stick. I cannot say enough good things about the air fryer.
Sandra says
I’m going to try the salmon.
We’ve been using our air fryer to cook chicken wings. No breading or deep frying. Healthy. Cook on 390 for 25 min; take out and pour any sauce you like. Put back in to crisp up about 3 to 5 min more. Delicious.
We’ve made 20 in a 6 qt fryer. Great for a party.
Joshua Sims says
I’ve found my favorite wings are Instant pot for 10 minutes with immediate quick release. Then 10/15 min in the AirFryer at 350 or so to crisp. The IP makes them stay really juicy.
josh says
25 minutes??? That seems like overkill for an air fryer
Billie says
Oh my goodness. Turned out fantastic!! My sis and I used smoky paprika. I love my Air fryer!!
Cathy says
So glad you loved it.
Derek Barksdale says
AGREED!!
Pat says
Can some of you tell me what your favorite sides are to have with salmon. Thank y’all
Joe says
I loved this recipe and although its a little late, and I also didn’t want another ugly thing to put on my counter. I find myself cooking almost everything in the air fryer.
KalynsKitchen says
Such a good idea; I am definitely going to try it! Thanks for the shout-out for my sweet potato fries!
Joyce B. Scott says
I also cooked the sweet potato fries! This meal was amazing! Love my AirbFryer. Best Christmas present ever!
Nancy says
I bought an air fryer. I’m Almost 84 I love the things I can do in it especially fish and chicken thenders. I am so glad,I bought it. I bought it with gift cards my kids gave me fo Christmas. Best Christmas gift ever’
Cathy says
It is honestly the best thing ever.
David says
I bought my wife one. She and I both love cooking with it. Everything from pork chops, steaks, grilled shrimp, cod, salmon. All come out great. Fun in the kitchen experimenting together. We got the xl capacity Secura from Amazon. Love it !!!
helen vernon says
I can’t wait to try this salmon.
Cathy says
Enjoy.
Lori says
Tried this recipe tonight for the first time and it was awesome! So quick and also moist and delicious! Didn’t want to heat up the house by turning on the oven and now I’ll always make salmon in the air fryer to save time and enjoy the benefits!
Cathy says
So glad to hear it. The air fryer is perfect for summer!
Sheila Sandor says
I cannot wait to try this recipe, and I will let you know how it goes. Before I try this I have one question…I have never seen a fish recipe where they mention the skin. I usually take my off after a few minutes of cooking it. Should I take the skin off of the salmon before I cook it?
Cathy says
You don’t have to. It will slip right off the skin once cooked.
Tim McCaffery says
Nice recipe and advice. Have wild salmon filets, frozen, from Costco (6-8 oz. each). Quick thawed them, only 1” thick. Tried 3-4 minutes and they were close. Quick, simple and tasty! TY
Sandy says
Which air fryer do you recommend?
Cathy says
There is a link in this post to my air fryer.
Kenani says
Hello, I’ve sent off for your email recipes, one reason is my Pinterest no longer has the ability to save recipes, I don’t know why, but I’m looking forward to your email.
Pat sloan says
I bought steel cut salmon at Costco and decided to try your recipe. It was so easy and DELICIOUS.. I would definitely try this for company. I am so happy I have an Air Fryer.
Cathy says
So glad to hear that!
lisa says
do you preheat your air fryer before you put the salmon in or do you turn it on once the salmon is inside?
Cathy says
I have never preheated.
Bonnie says
Does an air fryer brown the food?
Cathy says
Yes it does.
Terry Ann says
Can you put frozen salmon filets in it?
Cathy says
Hmmm…I mean you could, but I have no idea how long to cook them for. You’ll have to experiment. However, I think you’ll have better luck with thawed.
Crystal says
Im trying frozen ones as we speak; however, i did thaw them first.
Richard C Calvert says
I ended up cooking my frozen at 390 for 10 minutes and 330 for 4 more. Turned out pretty good.
Kimberly Beato says
Just tried this awesome recipe!!! Thank you so much it was delicious!
Cathy says
It’s definitely the best! Glad you liked it.
Lisa says
I know you mention removing bones, but I did not see if the skins should be removed too. Do you keep the skin on or off for this?
Cathy says
I keep the skin on and the fish slides right off the skin once cooked. Most salmon sold in stores have the bones removed. We fish for our own salmon here in the Pacific Northwest so bone removal is on us.
Wendy says
Does the fish smell up the house when cooking in the air fryer? It smells pretty pungent when I bake it in the oven. Thanks!
Cathy says
My house never smells fishy, even when baking. I think if your fish has a really fishy smell while raw, that could continue during the cooking process. With the air fryer I never notice a smell.
Lois Thomsen says
If cooking something smelly in the air fryer, like fish or even brussels spouts, you can put a cookie sheet on top of your stove and place your fryer on that, and use the air fryer with your vent fan on.
Cathy says
Go right ahead.
Crystal says
Or just bring the air fryer outside!! That’s one thing i love about it… so easy to move around.
Gracie Elizondo says
Enjoyed it very much! Great recipe
Lindy says
Can I cook salmon on a cedar plank in my air fryer?
Thank you.
Cathy says
Hmmm, I don’t really know. But I would not want to block any of the air blowing around my salmon in the air fryer.
Lori Buswold says
Use some slightly damp cedar chips in the drip pan.
Eduardo Jaramillo says
When do you use the lemon wedges in your recipe?
Cathy says
I squeeze lemon on the salmon before serving, but it’s not necessary if you don’t want it.
Joe says
I haven’t used the “secura” air fryer yet. how is it? Salmon in the air fryer is one of my favorites. and thanks for the recipe going to see how it turns out vs. how i’ve been doing it.
Jamie says
I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to cook this in my Tefal air fryer because the rotating paddle would break up the salmon, but I simply removed the paddle and it cooked perfectly!
Thanks for sharing the recipe – like you, salmon is going to be on our menu much more from now on!
Jamie
Cathy says
Awesome!
blackbiz says
We re still overwhelmed at how quickly and perfect salmon can cook in the air fryer. In fact, almost anything cooked in the air fryer always has come out wonderful. After our air fryer brussels sprouts recipe tests, we started experimenting more with this fantastic way to cook. It s a great way to get dinner on the table, especially for two after a long days work.
Burgess Nichols says
This looks great! I usually buy my salmon from Vital Choice Wild Seafood in Bellingham, WA (since we live in Boston, MA) and the fillets arrive flash sealed and frozen.
I thaw them out in a pot of cold water and that sits in the refrigerator for most of the day.
I’ll definitely leave it out for the hour ahead of cooking as you suggested. I could eat this fish raw I like it so much, so the worst thing that could happen to me (which happens with salmon in restaurants most of the time) is for it to come out dry!
I look forward to following your postings.
Burgess
Cathy says
Enjoy!
Gray Anderson says
My kitchen is tiny and I hate clutter. I buy my air fryer to eat more healthy, not oil, excessive grease, etc. But, even when have to move the air fryer the best recipes are coming from it.
Clare McDermott says
We just bought a Ninja Air Fryer for Christmas. The recipe book is very limited..no vegan recipes..has anyone used this brand…nervous about trying it out
Cathy says
The best thing you can do with an air fryer is to jump in and try things. They are very easy to use and the possibilities are endless.
Joz Hill says
Love, love love my Ninja!! Use Google to get a recipe for pretty much anything!
Katie says
This recipe is AMAZING! Will definitely be added to the weekly rotation in our home. I am an avid home cook and this is the best salmon I have ever made. The way the air fryer cooks keeps the fish so moist and delicious. Highly recommend! Thank you!
Gina says
Hello, did you use the bake/ roast setting?
Cyndi says
Made the salmon for my son and I tonight. Soo good and moist. Went to get more and he ate the rest. Next time I will make twice as much!
Deb says
Do you turn the Salmon fillets during cook time?
Cathy says
Not necessary.
Debi D. says
I usually don’t review recipes but I had to tell you my story because you’ve changed my attitude about Bella, my air fryer, completely! I boughtair het when air fryers first became the rage. I didn’t want to invest more than I had to in something I wasn’t sure I’d use so Bella is an entry point girl. No fancy stuff on her – a simple temperature and timer dial is all she’s got. The first thing I made in her was a disaster. It was chicken tenders and I’m not sure what I did wrong, but I’m pretty sure it was everything. Though I’m sure the fault was mine, and not hers, I banished Bella to a dark closet and pretty much forgot about her. In the meantime I purchased an Instant Pot and Bella became just a bad memory. Every once in a while, when I’d spot her gathering dust on the shelf, I’d feel a twinge of guilt and think I should give her a second chance. I did that tonight using your salmon recipe and my faith in the air fryer is renewed. It was delicious – flaky, flavorful, perfect. My husband hates the fishy taste that salmon can sometimes have so I soaked the filets in milk overnight. I cooked the recipe almost exactly as directed, using grapeseed oil to coat the filets and mixing 1 tsp. each of smoked and plain paprika with the salt and pepper to season. We used a pineapple habenero sauce to glaze after cooking. It was devine. Thanks for restoring my faith in air fryer cooking. I can’t wait to try more of your recipes and more air fryer cooking in general!
Lynn says
Hi. Thanks for sharing! I tried it and it was good! If i have leftovers. How would you suggest i warm it up to not have the salmon be dry?
Cathy says
I microwave it covered, with a tiny bit of water in the dish. It’s never dry.
Sonja Caywood says
This was the best salmon I’ve ever made! Excellent! Thank you!
Cathy says
So happy to hear that!
Jan says
We’ve made this the past two nights and love it! We change up the seasonings, but the salmon is cooked perfectly! My kiddos are inhaling it! Thanks!
Cathy says
Enjoy!
Kevin Smith says
Will be trying your salmon recipe soon, but a couple I enjoy are to make a mixture of lemon juice (squeeze one lemon) and/or lime juice, and minced garlic and blend it in a small blender to liquify it and then pour it over the salmon filets, then add salt and pepper (I use a smoked chili sea salt combo in a grinder) and let them sit for 30 minutes to an hour before putting them in the air fryer. The other option is to dice up red and yellow peppers and cook them in red wine or an olive oil vinaigrette dressing and add salt and pepper to taste, and then pour that over the salmon and let sit to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Enjoy!
Deb says
Wow amazing recipe, looked like photo and I used cilantro lime seasoning and brushed a small amount of butter on the last two minutes. So good.Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
Couldn’t be easier! Made it tonight, and everyone loved it! Thanks for the quick and easy “recipe” 🙂
Jodie says
Do you have to leave it out an hour before? Does it just take longer to cook if not out?
Cathy says
Anytime something is colder, it will take longer to cook. Just keep an eye on it.
JACQUELINE says
Wow! This Salmon recipe is the BOMB!😋 Even my picky Granddaughter loved it!
Thanks!😊👍🏽❤
Cathy says
Glad to hear it.
Jessica Kess says
I wonder if I can use this cooking method for mahi mahi? I’ve searched for mahi mahi airfryer recipes and they all seem to be breaded and I dont want breaded.
Cathy says
It would work great!
S. Riem says
I made this tonight for dinner. It was so good I have left overs so I will be taking it to work tomorrow can’t wait to have it. It was so simple to make.
Terry says
This looks delicious! I recently bought and air fryer, however it does not have a basket, it comes with 3 trays and a cylinder that turns to make french fries etc. Can I still follow the same directions?
Thank you,
-T-
Vanessa says
Remove the cylinder first.
Angie D says
Used this recipe to try salmon for the first time. I have never eaten any seafood other than Captain D’s breaded fish. I have been missing out!! This was so good and easy!! Thank you so much!!
Tee says
Just made your recipe, and its delish. I bought my air fryer today and was able to try your recipe on 2 fillets for tasting and fryer testing. Amazing! Made 5 more! Thank you again! Btw: for the thicker fillets, I sliced through the middle halfway to allow the lemon juice and spices inside.
Cathy says
Thank you!
Dale says
Superb…Absolutely Superb.
Thanks for sharing
Cathy says
So glad to hear that!
Greg says
You are correct, it was perfect. This is now how i’m going to cook my salmon. Added more spice, but that was it.
Cathy says
Awesome!
Trailsnet says
The salmon looks great; but how about the veggie? Is it possible to stick carrots or zucchini in with the salmon to cook that at the same time?
Cathy says
Depending on the veggie the cooking time would be different and the air fryer is not my fave for all veggies.
Greg says
We live in Europe so temps are in Celsius , would help to specify C or F .
Cathy says
I am in America so all temps are Fahrenheit. That is usually included so it might have been left off by mistake. However, I’m sure if something said 400 degrees it would be more obvious that was not Celsius.
Colleen says
I’m making this tonight! I just stumbled on your page and read your bio. I also went to UCD and one of my college roommates lives in McMinnville- small world! 😀
Cathy says
How fun and yes small world!
Shannon says
Used this to make 2 salmon fillets and 2 mahi-mahi filets at the same time with the same seasoning. SOOOOO GOOOOD!! Thank you.
Cathy says
So glad!
Angela says
I will definitely be trying this tomorrow with the new instant pot air fryer lid!
I’ll let you know how it goes…. until then!
Olivia Ray says
I will try this recipe, but quick question…what temp does the salmon end up coming out with? I usually like a medium rare temp. Would I need to adjust the temp or time in a any way?
Vicki Floyd says
It came out medium rare for me with this recipe. I prefer it a little more done, so I popped it in for an extra 2 minutes.
Tishara says
Tried the salmon recipe you had and it turned out EXACTLY like you said!! Delicious and juicy!!
Thanks
Kimberly Susan Miskiewicz says
Oh, my! I just got my Air Fryer a month ago and am loving it! This recipe is the going to be my go-to recipe for salmon. It is so moist, tender, flavorful and EASY. Thank you!
Andrea says
I’m trying the salmon tonight. I’m going to also cook shrimp. I’m so excited!! I haven’t hardly used my stove since we got the air fryer as a gift!!
Kasey Ahmann says
Do you use the air fry setting? I have a roast setting too not sure which to use
Cathy says
Do you have an air fryer?
Wendy Earwood says
Delicious! Loved the salmon. Super moist and yet a nice crisp coating on the outside. I only recently jumped on the air fryer bandwagon and I can tell you I’ll never jump off…hahaha I love making meals without all the kitchen being heated due to the oven being used so the air fryer not only allows me enjoyment in cooking, but Im saving energy/electricity as well. Kudos for the inventor of this machine and kudos to you for a delectable recipe. This is a keeper recipe!
Kayla D. says
This recipe is amazing. So simple and so so good! Easy and amazing. Even my picky husband loves it. I made it two nights in a row for dinner, first using stuffing as a side dish (random I know but super good) and then the second night I used an Italian herb pasta as my side. THANK YOU FOR MAKING DINNER EASY AND GREAT WITH THIS ONE. 🙂
HotMoltenSmegma says
Great recipe…five stars!
Charlie Trotter says
I like salmon fish. I use chefman air fryer. Can I use this air fryer to make salmon recipe?
Vanessa Ward says
So Good and EASY PEASY!!!! I added some dill on top before cooking. I set timer for 5 minutes as suggested, and cooked 2 minutes longer. Thank you for the recipe. I will make again and again.
Jake says
I am going to try this, I just recently bought an air fryer and made an awesome ribeye steak with it.
This looks really good!
Epiphany Henry says
Worked Perfectly! Very moist and I love the crisp on the skin! I will continue to use this instead of the oven.
Ghulam Mohyudin says
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
Taylor says
Iam going to try this recipe tonight. Iv been making tilapia with balsamic glaze and it turns out amazing. Ran out of my glaze and just realized I have Salomon. I hope this is just as tasty
Susan Dubose says
I feel like I really need to use my air fryer more – this looks wonderful! I usually poach my salmon but I might try this recipe next time.
Don says
This salmon was amazing!
Callie says
I just bought air fryer. This recipe is perfect to give it a go for the first time. It’s easy and I love salmon. Can’t wait to make it. Thanks for all the tips.
Krissy says
My hubby was able to enjoy the best fish I’ve ever made for him with this recipe. I mixed smoked and regular paprika per other reviews. After looking at the recipe again though, I realized I completely forgot to rub the oil on the salmon. Oops. I simply brushed a little oil in the air fryer and flipped them about halfway through the cooking cycle. Very simple/quick (important since I’m vegetarian and do not want to handle fish or poultry too much) and yielded 10 out of 10 from hubby. Thanks for the winning recipe.
Ben says
This is the most amazing recipe! Thank you!
Lisa Warren says
Made this tonight and it was DELICIOUS! This will be my go-to recipe from now on.
Lisa says
Omg, So dellicious. I really like it. I made it tonight, my family like too. Thank you so much!
Emily Stimpson says
the most tender and juicy salmon
Karo says
Seriously unbelievable salmon. Gone are the days of dry, pan-cooked fish. This was easier, less messy, *quicker*, and 10x tastier. Thank you for this!
Christine beirne` says
I truly had my doubts – I usually steam the salmon in packets in oven. This was so much easier and we loved how there was a slightly crisp crust with incredibly moist salmon. The only change I made instead of using the oil, I sprayed my fish with avocado oil, then added the spices. Perfect!
Kenny Bales says
Thanks! I’ll be trying this Saturday. 😂
CD says
This recipe deserves 5 stars and it is fantastic. I just don’t like scrolling through endless chatter to get to a recipe.
That said… this recipe rocks and is as simple as everyone says. Within 10 minutes my fish was prepared and cooked. 5 minutes later my air fryer was clean and we were eating. Yummmy. I’m coming back for more recipes.
J Nicolé says
Just cooked one large filet, surprised it cooked so fast, so perfectly. So flaky and juicy! Will be my go-to way to cook salmon 🍣💤😌
J Nicolé says
Don’t forget the lemon 🍋🍋!!!!!
Steve Bumgarner says
We have always used a cast iron skillet to cook our salmon filets. After reading your recipe, I talked my wife into letting me cook two filets in the air fryer. I followed your recipe exactly. The salmon was the best I have ever tasted! We will never cook our salmon any other way! No smell in the house, no greasy stove top to clean, and perfect fish! Thank you for your recipe!
Cathy says
Great news!
SHAI ELLBERGER says
The salmon comes out tasting amazing but I have had a hard time with the skin of the salmon sticking to the air fryer. It not only comes off the salmon partially, but it really sticks to the grate and is very hard to clean. Is there a trick to avoiding this?
Cathy says
Spray the the grate with cooking spray.
Lyr Lobo says
In Colorado at 6500 feet, I cooked fresh salmon that I cleaned, patted dry, and from room temperature. I warmed the air fryer for 4 minutes while I cut the salmon into strips.
For 1.25 pounds of fish, I used less than 2 tsps of olive oil, salt and pepper. I cooked it at 390 degrees for a total of 10 minutes with a quality check at 8 minutes into the cooking cycle.
It was great! Thank you!
Radwa says
This looks amazing and easy to make; I can’t wait to try it.