Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for air frying salmon, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Salmon – I usually buy a large fillet and cut it crosswise into narrow, 5-6-ounce strips, as shown in the picture below. You can also just buy the fillets already pre-cut. I prefer to use wild-caught salmon with skin (and the air fryer makes the best crispy skin!), but you can use any type of salmon that you prefer. Olive Oil – For brushing over the salmon. Avocado oil also works. Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor, or bottled for convenience. Spices – My simple blend is garlic powder, paprika (or sometimes I use smoked paprika), sea salt, and black pepper. If you like a kick, you can change it up and use Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or jerk seasoning. (I do this for date nights if my kids won’t be joining us — they can’t handle the heat yet.) Prefer something more sweet? You’ll love my maple salmon marinade, which leaves a little glaze on top of the air fryer salmon after cooking.
How To Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
How Long To Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer?
Air fryer salmon cook time will vary depending on fillet size and how done you want it, but in general, individual fillets will take about 6-10 minutes. Cook to 125-130 degrees F for medium rare, 130-135 degrees F for medium, or 140-145 degrees for well done. My air fryer, which nicely fits four fillets as pictured above, takes 6 minutes for a perfect (in my opinion) medium doneness.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftover salmon in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I usually repurpose the leftovers for another dish for variety — see ideas below! Reheat: It’s probably no surprise that reheating salmon in the air fryer is the best way to do so. The key is to use a lower temperature than you did for cooking it initially, otherwise it browns too much. Just a couple of minutes at 350 degrees F is perfect. I don’t recommend the microwave, as it dries out the fish, but it works okay in a pinch. Freeze: Store the salmon in an airtight container or zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, like most fish recipes, it tastes best fresh.
Serving Suggestions
All this air fried salmon recipe needs is a simple side dish! My weeknight dinners are typically a protein (like this one) and a vegetable or salad, but I often make a starch for my kids as well. There are so many ways to repurpose leftover salmon. I make a salmon bowl or a creamy salmon salad most often because… hello, ways to use up leftover veggies, too! It’s also yummy as a swap for chicken in a Cobb salad, stirred into fried rice, or mixed into pasta or zoodles with Alfredo sauce.
Veggies – Try my air fryer broccoli (pictured above), air fried cauliflower, air fryer carrots, or air fryer asparagus for a whole meal cooked in the same appliance. I love this approach for less dishes to wash — just cook the vegetables first! For other prep methods you can cook in parallel, my roasted asparagus (or cheesy asparagus casserole) or sauteed zucchini are great options that cook pretty quickly. Starches – Serve air fryer salmon with your favorite pasta or potato dish if you need something more filling. An air fryer baked potato makes the meal feel like comfort food to me! I make lighter swaps more often though, like mashed cauliflower (creamy and comforting), zucchini noodles (light and fresh for summer), or cauliflower rice (to serve this as a bowl meal). Salads – I serve this with salads when I want something easy and fresh without much effort. Mix up my Greek salad, creamy cucumber salad, or strawberry spinach salad — or choose from one of my other healthy salad recipes!
More Air Fryer Recipes For Dinner
If you like my recipe for air fryer salmon, you might also like these other air fryer recipes I keep on rotation for dinner:
My Favorite Tools For This Recipe
Air Fryer – You can’t make this recipe for air fried salmon without the air fryer, right?! I’ve had a few and this one is my favorite. The basket is a great size! Instant Read Thermometer – The best way to tell when your salmon is done. I love how this one reads the temp accurately in just a few seconds.
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