Air Fryer Salmon – easy and delicious!

Don’t wait to try air fryer salmon! Lightly crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, you love this easy cooking method. Perfect salmon in just 10 minutes. 

My favorite restaurant serves the best salmon, never overdone or dry, always with just the right amount of crustiness on the outside, and piping hot. Cooking salmon like that can be tricky. I often wondered how they achieve that perfect balance every time. What’s the secret? 

My aha! moment came when I used my air fryer to make salmon for the first time. Using an air fryer to cook salmon is the best idea ever. With a delicious glazed, almost caramelized crust, yet perfectly tender and super juicy on the inside, this recipe is a definite winner!

Every method for cooking salmon has advantages. Often I bake salmon. My toaster oven does a great job and lemon salmon with dill is one of my husband’s favorite meals. I make sheet pan walnut crusted salmon with Brussels sprouts and shallots often because it’s a one pan meal. Grilled salmon in foil is so easy, there’s no dishes to wash, and you don’t have to turn your oven on. Or you can grill salmon, no foil, for a smokier flavor! Next week, I’ll be posting a recipe for slow roasted salmon that yields the most tender, almost creamy salmon ever. 

BUT if you have an air fryer (and if you don’t, strongly consider buying one!), give air fryer salmon a try. In an air fryer, the hot air circulates rapidly around the food, giving it a nice crispy exterior without any added fat. Plus, it only takes 8-10 minutes.

Interested? Keep reading for more really delicious air fryer recipes. I just know you’ll be very pleased with how your salmon turns out. 

About this air fryer salmon:

Air fryer salmon is super easy to make. Get your air fryer preheating, and stir up a simple honey mustard glaze.

With only a few ingredients (honey, grainy mustard, olive oil, paprika, salt and pepper), this glaze has loads of flavor and caramelizes as the salmon bakes. 

Place the salmon fillets on the rack, sides not touching, and brush on the glaze.

Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes.

That’s it! Can you believe how easy that is? And you’ll love how it turns out every time!

Serve air fryer salmon with stovetop scalloped potatoes or Instant Pot risotto. It would be perfect with asparagus panzanella salad or bruschetta orzo salad. Try cooked salmon right on a salad or eat it on a bun with lettuce and tomato, or a dollop of creamy coleslaw.

Oh yum, now I’m thinking this salmon would make a great fish taco, with mango slaw. I know what I’m making for dinner tonight!

What temperature should salmon be cooked?

The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F and that’s what we usually aim for, or a tad bit less. However, there are differing opinions. Some cooks consider 145°F way overdone. They say 120°F is better, with a five to ten minute rest before serving. Experiment and choose whichever temperature you feel comfortable with.

Don’t have an instant read thermometer? Insert the tip of a sharp knife into the thickest part of the salmon. If the flesh looks mostly opaque and flakes easily, it’s done. Perfectly done salmon should be very slightly translucent in the center and easily separates from the skin.

The main point? Try not to overcook salmon because perfectly done salmon is so much better. It’s like the difference between a medium rare steak and a well-done steak. If you’ve tried both, you know what I’m talking about.

Thawing frozen salmon:

Frozen salmon fillets are so handy to have in your freezer but you may be wondering about the best way to thaw them. 

1. Thaw overnight in fridge (easiest and best way).
2. Submerge frozen salmon (in resealable bag) in cold water for 30-45 minutes.
3. Or don’t thaw it at all. Put the frozen fillets in your air fryer basket and proceed with the recipe. You’ll probably need to double the cooking time, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

How to make this salmon your own:

• Brush on any glaze you like. I use this Asian inspired soy sauce and brown sugar marinade recipe often when I grill or roast salmon. It’s so good!
• Try cooking vegetables with the salmon in the air fryer. 

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover salmon should be wrapped well and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat. It’s great cold, too. 

More air fryer recipes:

I’m finding that the more I use my air fryer, the more I like it! Try:

 

• Breaded air fryer pork chops — you won’t believe how good these are.
• Air fryer chicken nuggets — so much healthier than fast food!
• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer French toast sticks — so good dipped in maple syrup, my kids can’t get enough of these!
• Air fryer falafel — this vegetarian Middle Eastern treat is so delicious.
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts
• Garlic roasted potatoes — make these in your oven or air fryer.

Verdict: I’ve made this so many times since the first time I made it! It’s become my go-to way to cook salmon. It’s great if I just want to cook up some for myself for lunch, too. 
Husband’s take: Ben is very impressed by this salmon every time I make it!
Changes I would make: None are necessary, but have fun with seasonings!
Difficulty: Very easy.