This post may contain affiliate links.

Pinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden Image

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.

a plate with crispy air fryer salmon

Air fryer salmon convinced me to buy an air fryer.

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

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!

two salmon fillets in an air fryer

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).

Dietary Note

For a gluten free salmon, be sure to use a gluten free soy sauce or tamari.

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.
air fried salmon with salad on a plate

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon

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!

tender air fryer salmon with seasoning on a plate with salad

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.
  • Try it with 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.
  • Make It Bite-Sized. See this recipe for Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

Air Fryer Salmon

4.85 From 415 reviews . Help us out! Review HERE.Help out & review HERE

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 18 minutes

Servings: 2 servings
This quick air fryer salmon recipe makes perfectly crisp, moist fillets. Pair with vegetables or potatoes for an easy, healthy meal!

Ingredients
  


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

Serving: 1(of 2)Calories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 34gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 94mgPotassium: 861mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg

Join today and start saving your favorite recipes

Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes and access FREE meal plans.

Sign Me Up

More Tasty Salmon Recipes

Did you try this recipe?

I want to see!

Follow @wellplated on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #wellplated. I love to know what you are making!

Did you try this recipe?

I want to see!

Follow @wellplated on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #wellplated. I love to know what you are making!

You May Also Like

Free Email Series
Sign Up for FREE Weekly Meal Plans
Each includes a grocery list, budget, and 5 healthy dinners, helping you save time, save money, and live better!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

Learn more about Erin

Leave a Comment

Did you make this recipe?

Don't forget to leave a review!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




The maximum upload file size: 5 MB. You can upload: image, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here

  1. 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.5 stars

Load More Comments

  1. I made this last night for my family of boys and they loved it! No exaggeration – my 4 year old and 7 year old both ate dinner fast and loved it because if the caramelized, dark crispy edges that air frying provided. made with teriyaki veggies and jasmine rice – felt like a healthy bento box. You can see in the pictures the salmon was picked at before I could even take a picture5 stars

    3
  2. Absolutely loved this recipe! Comes together in less than 15 min. Sauce is made of simple ingredients you already have on hand. Taste is 10/10. Definitely adding to my dinner rotation!5 stars

    1
  3. This recipe is utter perfection! Paired it with some veggies and a salad and we had dinner in less than 30. If you haven’t tried this already, what are you waiting for??5 stars

    1
  4. The glaze and cooking method get 10/10 for flavor & ease…however my salmon didn’t caramelize as much as hers did. I noticed in her demonstration video she used a basket air fryer, and I have a toaster oven/air fryer model. I also doubled the recipe to feed my family instead of just using two salmon fillets so maybe that made a difference? The salmon was definitely not dry; the most moist I’ve prepared. Definitely recommend it— I would use this recipe again!5 stars

    1
    1. Thanks for the feedback on how it turns out doubling it and using a different air fryer model! So glad you enjoyed it, Rebecca!

      1
  5. Fantastic recipe..
    I WILL NEVER AGAIN COOK SALMON ANY OTHER WAY THAN IN THE AIRFRYER!
    It turned out beautiful and moist… This was first time for me COOKING this way as I usually do it under the grill/broiler…..I only cooked salmon for 6 minutes.. Could not believe the end result…
    Will definitely make this again….5 stars

    1
  6. Hi Kelly! I don’t believe you would need to adjust the time. I would definitely watch the internal temperature since you prefer a just cooked filet. Hope you enjoy it!

    1