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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.

Air fryer salmon on a plate with salad

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.

Two salmon fillets in an air fryer

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.

Dietary Note

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

  • 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

  1. Dry the salmon, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Sauce being drizzled over salmon
  1. Stir the glaze together. Spread the mixture over the salmon.
Two pieces of fish on foil
  1. 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).
Two pieces of fish on foil
  1. 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.
Easy air fryer salmon on a plate

What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon

Salad and air fryer salmon on a plate

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!
  • Salmon Marinade. This salmon marinade uses soy sauce for salt and umami, honey or pure maple syrup for sweetness (salmon loves sweet!), and Dijon mustard for balance and zip.
  • 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!

Honey garlic air fryer salmon on a plate

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

How Do I Air Fry Salmon 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.

Do I Need to Wrap the Salmon in Foil?

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.

Should I Air Fry Salmon Skin Off or 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).

Do I Have to Flip Salmon in the Air Fryer?

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.

How Do I Keep Salmon from Sticking 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

4.68 from 195 votes
This quick air fryer salmon recipe makes perfectly crisp, moist fillets. Pair with vegetables or potatoes for an easy, healthy meal!

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

Servings: 2 servings

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

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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!

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169 Comments

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  1. This was delicious and so so easy! I followed the recipe exactly and first batch was awesome. Tweaked sauce a bit just to our sweetness preference and made a second batch. Also awesome.
    Perfect weekenight meal that takes no time but tastes like it did. Definitely keeping in my dinner rotation. Thank you for a great recipe.5 stars

  2. This is delicious. I have had air fried salmon before, but the glaze in this recipe really puts it over the top.5 stars

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