Air Fryer Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

• Simple. Cooking salmon in the air fryer is easy. Just turn on your air fryer, coat the salmon in some oil and spices, then add the fish to your air fryer basket. That’s it.
• Quick. You’ll only need 9 minutes (plus 1-2 minutes prep time) to make this recipe. I often make this dish when I’m running short on time and need to make a fast lunch or dinner.
• Flavorful. I like to use a simple spice rub made with pantry staples to add tons of flavor to the salmon. The spice blend is actually the same one I use for my air fryer chicken thighs recipe. 🙂
• Crispy skin. One of my favorite parts is the skin, which the air fryer cooks to crispy perfection. It’s so good, especially with the spice rub.

Want to make this in the oven instead? There’s instructions for that in the recipe card below.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below are my notes on what you’ll need for this easy salmon recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable list of ingredients.

• Salmon Fillets – My favorite types of salmon are Coho or Sockeye salmon. Coho has a slightly milder flavor. You can buy fillets from the store, or buy a larger piece and have it cut into smaller fillets.
• Olive Oil – Keeps the salmon from sticking to the air fryer basket. A little oil also makes the outside of the salmon nice and crispy in the heat.
• Seasoning – Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked or sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. I use this same all-purpose blend as a spice rub for my air fryer chicken thighs.

Can I Use Frozen Salmon?

Yes, but you need to thaw it first. I often freeze Coho salmon fillets for later, then when I’m ready to use them I’ll thaw them overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, just follow the recipe as directed.

How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer

Here’s how to make restaurant-quality salmon in your air fryer in just two quick steps. Scroll to the recipe card for printable recipe instructions. 

• Cook. Nestle the fillets inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400ºF for 9-10 minutes, until the inside of the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Check the salmon at the 9 minute mark.

Can I Cook Salmon in the Oven Instead?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make this recipe in the oven instead. Season the salmon fillets as directed and arrange them on a lined baking sheet. Cook at 400ºF for 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. To get the top and edges nice and crispy afterward, pop the baked salmon under the broiler for an extra minute.

And if you’re looking for another delicious baked salmon recipe, give this pistachio crusted salmon a try.

Tips for Success

If you’ve never used your air fryer to cook salmon before, I encourage you to try it! These are some final tips to keep in mind:

• Cooking times can vary. Depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your air fryer model, the exact cooking times might vary. Most air fryer salmon is done in 9-10 minutes.
• Used same-sized fillets. Try to find salmon fillets that are similar in size and thickness so that they cook evenly. 
• Avoid non-stick sprays. Rubbing the salmon with oil before cooking is the best way to prevent it from sticking. Do NOT use non-stick sprays on the air fryer basket. Aerosol cooking sprays, like PAM, will damage the basket coating and smoke in high heat.
• Preheat the air fryer. This ensures that the salmon cooks quickly and evenly. It also gives the salmon a nice sear on the outside.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you double or triple this recipe, you’ll need to work in batches to avoid over-crowding the basket. The hot air needs space to move around the salmon so that it cooks evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve With Air Fryer Salmon

This salmon goes well with a side of fresh spring mix salad and steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. I’ll also serve it with roasted asparagus or roasted delicata squash, depending on what veggies are in season. For a heartier dinner, enjoy this salmon over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or flavorful saffron rice. 

Storing and Reheating Leftover Salmon

• Refrigerate. Let the salmon cool completely, and then store it airtight in the fridge for up to 2 days. 
• Reheat. Warm the salmon in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or enjoy leftover salmon cold. To reheat salmon in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350ºF and then warm the salmon for 3-4 minutes or so, until hot throughout.

I like to add cold leftover salmon to salads, avocado toast, or deviled eggs. Reheated salmon is also delicious when added to a maple tofu bowl with rice and greens, or this creamy broccoli casarecce pasta.