This air fryer salmon recipe delivers perfectly flaky and tender salmon fillets in under 15 minutes. It’s a healthy and flavorful option that’s ideal for quick meals.
After purchasing an air fryer, we quickly became enthusiasts. We love using it to prepare a variety of proteins and vegetables for easy and quick dinners. This air fryer salmon recipe has become one of our favorites due to its simplicity and delicious results.
The recipe ensures you have a flavorful, perfectly cooked salmon fillet ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s an excellent choice for meal prep or busy evenings when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
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Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Salmon
Fast and Easy
Air fryer salmon is the epitome of convenience. Unlike baked or pan-seared salmon, the air fryer version is ready in just 10 minutes and requires minimal effort. Its hands-free cooking process makes it nearly foolproof.
Versatile Seasoning Options
You can use any seasoning or marinade with air fryer salmon. Simply apply your chosen flavors to the fish, and follow the specified time and temperature in the recipe.
A sweet and savory salmon marinade is a great option, as well as a classic salmon seasoning or your favorite dry rub.
Restaurant-Quality Results
Cooking salmon in an air fryer yields a dish that rivals or surpasses the quality of most restaurant salmon. The ease and speed do not compromise the taste, making it worthy of sharing with friends and family or posting on social media.
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
Salmon: It’s best to use skin-on salmon as it holds together better during cooking and results in a more moist and flaky texture.
Brown Sugar or Honey: These add the perfect amount of sweetness and help the salmon caramelize.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, zippy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the brown sugar or honey and soy sauce.
Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor that enhances the taste of the salmon.
Ginger (optional): Adds a subtle, lively touch to the sauce, making it a great addition as seen in Soy Ginger Salmon recipes.
Garlic: A classic companion to seafood, enhancing the overall flavor.
Dietary Note: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Directions
1. Dry and Season: Pat the salmon dry to help it crisp up, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Glaze: Mix the glaze ingredients together and spread the mixture over the salmon.
3. Line Your Basket: For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the salmon skin-side down.
4. Cook: Air fry the salmon at 400°F for 6 to 11 minutes.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Salmon
Vegetable Pairings
Asparagus: A classic pairing with salmon. You can prepare Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Asparagus, or Air Fryer Asparagus while the salmon cooks.
Other Vegetables: Any vegetable pairs well with salmon. For a comforting option, try Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. For something green, consider Sautéed Brussels Sprouts.
Salads
Asian Noodle Salad: For a different twist, this salad pairs perfectly with salmon.
Arugula Salad: A classic green salad that complements the flavors of salmon.
Whole Grains
Instant Pot Brown Rice: Add fiber and healthy carbohydrates to your meal with a serving of brown rice.
Seasoning Suggestions
Garlic Lemon
– Replace the Dijon mustard and soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
– Increase garlic powder to 1 1/2 tpns.
– Add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
– Arrange slices of lemon on top of salmon while cooking.
Honey Garlic
– Use 2 tablespoons of honey and 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
– 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 before cooking. For inspiration, see a Teriyaki Salmon recipe.
Salmon Marinade
– Use soy sauce for salt and umami, honey or pure maple syrup for sweetness, and Dijon mustard for balance and zest.
Spicy Salmon
– Season with your favorite Cajun seasoning or use the seasoning from a Spicy Salmon recipe or a Buffalo Salmon recipe.
Leftover Ideas
Using Flaked Salmon
– Crustless Quiche or Scrambled Eggs: These are especially good with goat cheese and dill.
– Homemade Fried Rice
– Salmon Salad: Serve in a sandwich, in lettuce wraps, over greens, or on a bed of quinoa.
– Salmon Patties: Swap flaked salmon for canned salmon in a Salmon Patty Recipe or Salmon Quinoa Cakes.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
– Keep the Skin On: Air fry salmon with the skin on to help it hold together. You can remove it after cooking if desired.
– Don’t Wrap the Fish: Avoid wrapping salmon in foil in the air fryer to ensure it crisps properly.
– Don’t Flip the Salmon: The heating element and constant heat circulation in the air fryer make flipping unnecessary.
– Cooking Frozen Salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Lay frozen salmon on aluminum foil in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes until thawed. Drizzle with the soy/mustard mixture and cook for another 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
– Make It Bite-Sized: Try a recipe for Air Fryer Salmon Bites for a different serving option.
