Air Fryer Salmon is utterly tender and flaky inside, with a blush of crispness on top. It’s quick and easy to make (cooks in 10 minutes!) and so darn delicious, it will make it basically impossible for you to ever order salmon in a restaurant again.
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Air fryer salmon convinced me to buy an air fryer.
I’m hesitant to purchase extra appliances (and let’s be honest, the air fryer is big), but as soon as I tasted air fryer salmon, I knew it was worth it.
As all of my air fryer recipes can attest, it’s more than earned its place in my kitchen!
While I love my Baked Salmon and Pan Seared Salmon, when it comes to speed and ease, you can’t beat the air fryer.
Plus the easy clean up is a total win.
The air fryer works especially well for lean proteins like Air Fryer Chicken Breasts and Air Fryer Fish. Its high-powered convection cooking can crisp their outsides without drying them out.
This air fryer salmon recipe is the best because it’s fast, flexible, and foolproof. You can use any seasoning or marinade (I love this sweet and savory Salmon Marinade or my go-to Salmon Seasoning), then follow the time and temperature in this recipe.
This salmon is ready in 10 minutes and cooks basically hands-free. It’s a backpocket dinner go-to!
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- 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.
- 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).
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
Dry and Season. Pat the salmon dry to help it crisp, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Stir the Glaze Together. Spread the mixture over the salmon.
Line Your Basket. For easy clean up, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Start the salmon skin-side down.
Cook. Air fry salmon at 400 degrees F for 6 to 11 minutes. 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 Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. For something green, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts are excellent.
- Salad. Salad is an ideal side dish with salmon. Asian Noodle Salad would pair perfectly for something different, or keep it classic with green Arugula Salad.
- Whole Grains. Add some fiber and healthy carbohydrates to the meal by adding a serving of 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).
- Spicy Salmon. Season the salmon with your favorite Cajun seasoning, or try the seasoning from this Spicy Salmon recipe or this Buffalo Salmon.
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.
- 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.
Cooking From Frozen
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.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Keep the Skin On. 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).
- Don’t Wrap the Fish. It is not necessary to wrap salmon in foil in the air fryer—in fact, it will make it harder for it to crisp.
- Don’t Flip the Salmon. Thanks to the power of the heating element and constant heat circulation, it is not necessary to flip salmon in the air fryer.
- Make It Bite-Sized. See this recipe for Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
Air Fryer Salmon
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Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
- Pinch kosher salt
- Pinch ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ 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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This salmon recipe is so quick, easy and delicious! We absolutely loved it. This was the first time I used sugar on salmon but not the last. I did add the pinch of ginger as well. I’m sure I’ll make this recipe soon again.
Glad you enjoyed it, Annika! Thank you!
I would make this recipe again
So glad to hear, TJ! Thank you!