Air Fryer Salmon is a heartbreaker. Utterly tender and flaky inside, with a blush of crispness on top, it is so darn delicious it will make it basically impossible for you to ever order salmon in a restaurant again.
A firm believer that you don’t need to arm yourself with an array of fancy gadgets to cook a fantastic meal, I generally loathe purchasing new kitchen appliances.
Thus, it is no small announcement when I tell you that salmon cooked in the air fryer (this is the model I eventually bought) is something to brag about.
Call your mom, text a pic to that foodie friend, and post to social media.
You cooked a seriously tasty piece of fish that is hands-down better than 97% of the salmon I’ve ordered out.
- If you don’t have an air fryer but want to cook salmon, try my top-rated Instant Pot Salmon, Baked Salmon in Foil, or Broiled Salmon, along with these healthy salmon recipes.
- If you DO have an air fryer, then I share your obsession. Be sure to check out my full collection of air fryer recipes. (Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, and Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are on our menu almost weekly.)
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
You can cook salmon in the air fryer with any of your favorite seasonings, using the time and temperature in this recipe.
- The marinade I used for this recipe is very loosely based on the absolute favorite, back-pocket 5-Ingredient Maple Dijon Salmon from my cookbook. It’s a lovely blend of sweet and savory.
- You can also swap any of your favorite fish marinades or seasonings (this Miso Salmon would be fantastic).
The Ingredients
- Salmon. I prefer to cook this salmon with skin on, as the fillet holds together more easily, and I find skin-on salmon yields more moist and flaky results than salmon with the skin removed. For the best taste, seek out fresh salmon that is sustainably sourced. A delicious protein, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (which are heart healthy), B vitamins, potassium, and is naturally gluten-free and low carb.
- Brown Sugar or Honey. Brown sugar or honey gives the salmon the perfect amount of sweetness and helps it caramelize.
- Dijon Mustard. Tangy, zippy, and pairs wonderfully with the brown sugar/honey and soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce. A salty umami bomb that coats the salmon in scrumptious flavor.
- Ginger. While optional, adding a pinch to make salmon with ginger gives the sauce a subtle, lively touch and, as this Soy Ginger Salmon shows, it’s a stellar combo with the soy sauce.
- Garlic. A seafood flavor BFF (Garlic Salmon with Lemon Butter agrees).
The Directions
- Dry the salmon, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Stir the glaze together. Spread the mixture over the salmon.
- Add the salmon filets skin-side down to an air fryer basket lined with aluminum foil for easy clean up (you can coat with cooking spray for extra insurance if you like).
- Air fry the salmon at 400 degrees F for 6 to 11 minutes cooking time. ENJOY!
TIP!
The best way to know when salmon is done is to use an instant read thermometer like this one.
- Per the FDA, salmon should be cooked to internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the salmon.
- To make sure your air fry salmon isn’t dry, remove it around 135 degrees F, then cover it and let it rest. The carryover cooking will bring it to temperature, and your salmon will be moist and flaky.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon
- Asparagus. Asparagus and salmon are a classic pairing. While the salmon is in the air fryer, prepare this fast Grilled Asparagus or Roasted Asparagus, or make Air Fryer Asparagus.
- Other Vegetables. You can pair any veggie with salmon. For a comfort-food dinner, try Oven Roasted Potatoes or Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. For something green, Roasted Broccoli and Sauteed Brussels Sprouts are excellent.
- Salad. Salad is an ideal side dish with salmon. Ramen Salad or Asian Noodle Salad would pair perfectly.
- Whole Grains. Add some fiber and healthy carbohydrates to the meal by adding a serving of Lemon Rice or Instant Pot Brown Rice.
Seasoning Suggestions
- Garlic Lemon. Replace the Dijon mustard and soy sauce in this recipe with 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, increase the garlic powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons, and add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon while cooking.
- Honey Garlic. Use 2 tablespoons honey, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and omit the soy sauce and ginger. Season the cooked salmon with an extra pinch of salt.
- Teriyaki. Brush the salmon with your favorite teriyaki sauce prior to cooking (see this Teriyaki Salmon for inspiration).
- Dry Rub. Remove all liquids and add your favorite seasonings for the dry rub, such as smoked paprika, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Or try this special Salmon Seasoning combination of mine!
- Spicy Salmon. Season the salmon with your favorite Cajun seasoning, or try the seasoning from this Spicy Salmon recipe or this Buffalo Salmon.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- To Reheat. Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just warmed through.
Leftover Ideas
Flaked leftover cooked salmon can be used in many ways!
- Add it to scrambled eggs or Crustless Quiche (especially good with goat cheese and dill).
- Add it to Homemade Fried Rice.
- Serve it over a salad, such as this meal-prep-friendly Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad.
- Make Salmon Salad to serve in a sandwich, in lettuce wraps, or over greens or a bed of quinoa.
- Turn it into air fryed salmon patties by swapping it for the canned salmon in this Salmon Patty Recipe or the Salmon Quinoa Cakes in my cookbook.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Air Fryer. Perfect for any of your favorite air fryer recipes!
- Instant Read Thermometer. The best way to make sure your salmon is cooked through is using a meat thermometer.
- Liquid Measuring Cup. These are a must-have in my kitchen.
Salmon might just be the best dinner to make in the air fryer.
It’s quick, healthy, and completely foolproof. It will make meal time a breeze!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer! To make this recipe with frozen salmon, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F. Lay the salmon on aluminum foil in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes or until thawed. Drizzle the soy/mustard mixture over the top of the filets as directed, then cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
No, it is not necessary to wrap salmon in foil in the air fryer—in fact ,it will make it harder for it to crisp. Do line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
To help the fish hold together, I recommend to air fry salmon with the skin on—take the skin off salmon after cooking. I typically serve the salmon with the skin on, then let guests peel away their skin (the cooked salmon will flake off easily with a fork).
No. Thanks to the power of the heating element and constant heat circulation, unlike stovetop recipes like Pan-Seared Salmon, it is not necessary to flip salmon in the air fryer.
Be sure to line your basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. While it is not necessary, if it gives you peace of mind you can also coat the foil or paper with nonstick spray.
Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
- Pinch kosher salt
- Pinch black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch ground ginger optional
Instructions
- With paper towels, pat the salmon dry. Sprinkle lightly on both sides with salt and pepper.
- For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F according to the manufacturer’s instructions (for my air fryer, that is 3 minutes).
- In a small bowl or larger liquid measuring cup, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon, oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger (if using). Spoon all over the top of the salmon.
- Slide out the air fryer basket and set it on a heatproof surface. Place the fillets in the basket so that they are not touching.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 6 to 11 minutes, depending upon their thickness and your model (fillets around 1 inch will need 8 to 9 minutes). Do not overcook or the salmon will be dry. Salmon is done when it registers 145 degrees F on an instant read thermometer (I remove mine a few degrees early, let it rest, then the carryover cooking finishes the job). Check it a few times towards the end to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Enjoy hot, with a sprinkle of additional salt and pepper as desired.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate salmon in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just warmed through.
Nutrition
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I made this recipe last night. The glaze is super yummy (!), but I used coconut aminos instead of soy, since that’s what I had, and I think soy would have resulted in a bit deeper umami flavor. My salmon filets were evidently enormous because it took 12 minutes in the AF to cook. I wish I would have cut them in half. And I have decided that next time, I will cut them into bites and double the glaze recipe (using soy sauce). I made some sauteed spinach with shallots and crushed red peppers on the side, which complemented it well. I’m not eating grains right now, but rice would have been great. I will definitely use this recipe again and am so glad I found it!
Hi Marcia! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
My husband loves this recipe for salmon! Have it this way at least once a week
Hi Katherine! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Absolutely beautiful
Thanks Brenda!
I love salmon and have eaten it many times over the years. This was the BEST salmon I have ever eaten, anywhere. I followed the recipe to the letter and cooked it in the air fryer. Crisp on the outside, most and tender on the inside. This will be my go-to salmon recipe going forward. Outstanding!
Hi Don! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Made this salmon this eve. It was delicious! Served with brown rice, veggie medley and salad. The glaze really enhanced the salmon. Will definitely make again
Thanks
Hi Susan! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
Thanks Erin!
I loved your recipe. Everything turned out perfectly!
As you said, juicy on the inside, browned on the outside!!
Bookmarked for future use!
Looking forward to trying it again with Teriyaki sauce.
Much appreciated!!
Kez x.x.x.
Hi Darren! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I cook salmon all the time but have never tried it in my airfryer. Had to use tamari due to allergies but this was one of the most delicious salmon recipes I have ever made or tasted. Served it with Japanese fried rice and asparagus, everyone loved it and finished the extra salmon I had cooked for the next day!!!
Will absolutely keep this recipe and use in the future, so quick and easy. I’m off to check out your other recipes!!
Hi Denise! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I’ve made this a few times, and it always works out perfectly
Hi Maureen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Best salmon EVER! Cooktimes and flavors were spot-on. Thx!
Hi Allison! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
So yummy! Turns out perfect every time.
Hi Kali! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Thank you so much for this recipe! It was amazing!
Hi Molly! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Recipe was easy to follow and well laid out. The dish was delicious. Thank you
Hi Steve! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!