How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
- by Omaha Steaks
- Last updated Jan 10, 2024
If you’re a salmon lover, you know this flavorful fish is delicious when grilled, pan-seared, or baked. But have you ever tried to air fry salmon? The results are fantastic! In just under 15 minutes, you will have salmon with perfectly seared edges and a tender, flaky center. Serve over salad or with your favorite side dishes for an easy, low-carb dinner perfect for a keto or lean protein diet.
How to Cook Salmon Fillets in the Air Fryer
Follow these simple instructions for the best air fried salmon.
1. Thaw Salmon Completely
Our salmon fillets are frozen at the time of catch for maximum freshness, pre-cut into perfect-sized fillets, and individually vacuum sealed (great for portion control). For thorough cooking, defrost your salmon before air frying. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick-thaw method. Place sealed salmon fillets in a bowl of cold water for approximately 30 minutes or until defrosted.
2. Preheat Air Fryer
Salmon fillets cook perfectly with an air fryer temperature of 400°F. Preheat your air fryer while you prepare the salmon.
3. Lightly Oil and Season Salmon Fillets
Once your salmon is thawed pat dry with a paper towel. Rub lightly with olive oil and season with your favorite seafood seasoning blend.
4. Place Salmon in the Air Fryer
Place seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer on the air fryer rack, leaving 1 inch between portions.
5. Cook 10-12 Minutes, Do Not Flip
For our 6 oz. Faroe Island Salmon Fillets, air fry cooking time is 10-12 minutes. Do not flip the salmon while cooking because it may stick to the basket and flake apart.
How do I know when my air-fried salmon is done?
How long to cook your salmon can vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the salmon. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature and once the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°, take it out of the air fryer.
6. Rest and Enjoy!
Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Air fryer salmon is a great topping for a salad or can be served with wild rice and a cooked vegetable. For a restaurant-style meal, top the salmon fillets with a decadent lemon caper beurre blanc sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Frying Salmon:
How do I keep my salmon from drying out?
If salmon is overcooked, it will dry out. Monitor the internal temperature and stop the cooking process when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Then allow your salmon to rest 2-3 minutes after air frying to allow the juices to redistribute. These steps will ensure your salmon filet is moist, tender, and flaky every time.
Can I air fry skin-on salmon?
Yes. If you prefer skin-on salmon, you can cook it in the air fryer with skin side down for best results.
Do I need to flip salmon halfway through cooking?
No. While most proteins require flipping halfway through the air frying process, there is no need to flip salmon fillets. Flipping may cause the delicate fish to stick to the air fryer basket and flake apart. For best results, leave the salmon undisturbed until it reaches 145°F internal temperature.
Can I air fry pre-seasoned salmon fillets?
Yes. Make this already easy cooking process even simpler using our pre-seasoned Lemon Dill Salmon Fillets or Marinated Salmon Fillets.
Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 6 oz. Omaha Steaks Faroe Island Salmon Fillets
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. seasoning of choice
Instructions
- Thaw salmon fillets in refrigerator overnight or, for quicker thawing, keep salmon in packaging or place in a sealable bag and immerse in cold water for up to 30 minutes or until salmon fillets are thawed.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Once the salmon is thawed pat dry with a paper towel. Lightly oil and season liberally.
- Place salmon fillets in single layer on air fryer rack or in basket leaving 1 inch between fillets.
- Cook 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F as measured by a meat thermometer. Do not flip.
- Remove from the air fryer, let rest 2-3 minutes and serve.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
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