If you’ve ever been intimidated to cook a piece of salmon, I have the most brilliant, fail-proof hack: put it in the air fryer. I’m not kidding! it is so fast, so easy, mess-free, and will leave your salmon with a lovely crust on the outside and a tender, flaky texture on the inside.
Delicious Air Fryer Salmon
Y’all, I was so hesitant to embrace the Air Fryer. I’m actually a minimalist in the kitchen. I want tools that do a LOT, and I don’t have a ton of space for storage. BUT, because it’s my job to research recipe hacks for you, I took the Air Fryer plunge, and I have to tell you: I’ve changed my tune.
The air fryer is now my go-to gadget for cooking salmon, air fryer steak, air fryer buffalo wings, air fryer chicken strips, and even air fryer chocolate chip cookies.
Which Air Fryer is the Best?
This gadget, especially the 5.8 quart Cosori Air Fryer (I have the white one), is absolutely fantastic. I’ve tested several of the top-rated air fryers (including Ninja brand and Instant Pot) and the Cosori is my favorite. It’s easy to use, slick on my counter, and easy to clean.
Why Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Besides the fact that cooking salmon in the air fryer is super quick and convenient, it also creates the most delicious texture. The outside of the salmon is nice and crisp while the inside is flaky and buttery …YUM!
Ingredients for Salmon in the Air Fryer
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 (8-10 ounce) salmon filet
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, to finish
Ingredient Modifications and Variations
- Amp up the flavor – this salmon recipe is simple and delicious as-is, but if you’re looking to amp things up a little bit, feel free to smear a sauce (or sprinkle seasoning) over top of the salmon filet before it heads into the air fryer. The sauces from these recipes: herb crusted salmon, cilantro lime salmon, BBQ salmon kabobs would all be really excellent pairings for your air fryer salmon.
- Make it a full meal – if you’re looking to maximize efficiency, turn your air fryer salmon into a full meal by following the veggie directions in the salmon portion of our 3 Full Air Fryer Dinners article.
How To Make The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Salmon
- Prep – Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Drizzle with EVOO and season – drizzle the olive oil over the salmon filet and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Air fry – add the salmon filet, skin side down, to the air fryer basket, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice, then serve – finish the salmon with a squeeze of lemon juice, serve, and enjoy!
How to Know When Salmon is Cooked
Salmon is truly an easy fish to cook (especially when you’re cooking it in the air fryer!), but there definitely is a sweet spot when it comes to doneness. Salmon that hasn’t been cooked quite long enough can be raw on the inside (which is delicious in a sushi roll, but maybe not what you’re wanting here), and salmon that is overcooked tends to be dry, firm, and chalky (also not what we want!).
All that to say, if you’re new to salmon, you may be wondering how you’ll know when your filet is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Here’s the test: if your salmon is semi-firm to the touch (press on the thickest portion with two fingers) and flakes easily with a fork, then it’s perfect!
What to Serve with Air Fried Salmon
Serve your air fryer salmon alongside any veggie and starchy side combo that you love! Below, you’ll find our best recommendations for all kinds of perfect accompaniments.
Salads
- Italian Side Salad
- ​Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Best Spinach Salad with a Spicy Lemon Salad Dressing
- Winter Salad with Pears and Candied Pecans
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Veggie Sides
Starchy Sides
- Pan Fried Sweet Plantains
- Orzo with Roasted Vegetables
- Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
- Roasted Potatoes
- Chilled Spring Veggie Rice Salad
- Perfect Quinoa
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover air fryer salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored this way, it’ll last for 3-5 days. To reheat, either…
- Pop the salmon the microwave for 30-seconds to 1 minute.
- Pan-sear in olive oil for 3ish minutes on each side until it’s warmed through.
- Put it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Put it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Another really great option is to enjoy your leftover salmon cold in a salmon salad (just sub in salmon for the tuna in this tuna salad recipe) or on top of one of the salads listed above.
FAQS About This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Just for You
Seafood Recipes
Want more recipe ideas like this?
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1, 8-10 ounce salmon filet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice to finish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon filet and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add the salmon filet, skin side down, to the air fryer basket, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Finish the salmon with a squeeze of lemon juice, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Amp up the flavor – this salmon recipe is simple and delicious as-is, but if you’re looking to amp things up a little bit, feel free to smear a sauce (or sprinkle seasoning) over top of the salmon filet before it heads into the air fryer. The sauces from these recipes: herb crusted salmon, cilantro lime salmon, BBQ salmon kabobs would all be really excellent pairings for your air fryer salmon.
- Make it a full meal – if you’re looking to maximize efficiency, turn your air fryer salmon into a full meal by following the veggie directions in the salmon portion of our 3 Full Air Fryer Dinners article.
Nutrition
