The Easiest Way to Cook Salmon at Home
Cooking salmon in an air fryer is one of the quickest and most reliable ways to prepare a healthy meal. The intense circulating heat inside an air fryer creates perfectly cooked salmon that is moist inside with lightly crisp edges. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or adding protein to your favourite bowl or salad, this method works beautifully every time.
Salmon can be tricky to cook on the stove or oven because it dries out quickly or becomes unevenly cooked. The air fryer eliminates these issues by cooking the fish evenly from all sides. The best part is that it requires less oil, cooks faster and keeps your kitchen clean with minimal effort.
How Long to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer?
Most air fryers cook salmon perfectly at 180°C for 8–12 minutes. Thicker fillets may require an additional 1–2 minutes. You’ll know your salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C.
If your fillets are thin or skinless, reduce the cooking time slightly. For people who prefer salmon slightly softer and medium-cooked, aim for 58–60°C internal temperature. Always adjust based on your air fryer's size and power.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this simple process for delicious, restaurant-quality salmon:
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
- Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help them brown.
- Step 3: Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika or your favourite rub.
- Step 4: Lightly brush the fillets with olive oil or leave oil-free for a healthier option.
- Step 5: Place fillets skin-side down in the basket, leaving space around them for airflow.
- Step 6: Air fry for 8–12 minutes without flipping.
- Step 7: Rest for 2 minutes before serving.
That’s all it takes — simple, consistent and ready in under 15 minutes.
Seasoning Ideas That Always Work
Salmon is a versatile fish that absorbs flavours beautifully. Here are some easy seasoning blends to try:
- Lemon Herb: Lemon juice, garlic, thyme or dill.
- Butter Garlic: Melted butter, garlic paste and parsley.
- Honey Soy: Honey, soy sauce and grated ginger.
- Cajun Spice: Paprika, black pepper and Cajun seasoning.
- Sweet Chilli Lime: Sweet chilli sauce with lime zest.
These flavours pair well with salads, rice, roasted vegetables or grain bowls.
Should You Keep the Skin On?
Yes — cooking salmon with the skin on helps retain moisture and protects the flesh from overcooking. In the air fryer, the skin crisps beautifully. If you don’t want to eat the skin, you can remove it easily after cooking, as it will peel off cleanly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To get consistently great results, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket, which blocks airflow.
- Skipping preheating, resulting in uneven texture.
- Using too much oil — air fryers need very little.
- Overcooking the fish, causing dryness.
- Not drying the salmon before seasoning.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon pairs well with many sides, making it an easy addition to a balanced meal. Try serving it with:
- Air-fried or oven-roasted vegetables
- Garlic butter rice or lemon rice
- Quinoa, couscous or barley salads
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Mashed potato or sweet potato
- Warm bread with herb butter
For lunch boxes, flake the salmon and add it to pasta salads, poke bowls or wraps.
Why Air Fryers Are Great for Salmon
Air fryers cook salmon faster than ovens, produce fewer dishes than pan-frying and deliver consistent results every time. You’ll get juicy fish without the risk of burning the outside or leaving the inside raw. It’s ideal for busy households, meal prepping or anyone who wants healthier meals without spending long in the kitchen.
If you’re trying to incorporate more seafood into your weekly diet, the air fryer makes the process effortless and enjoyable.
Looking for a Quality Air Fryer?
At The Living Styles, we stock top-rated air fryers from reliable brands. These brands are known for their strong heating performance, durability and user-friendly controls — perfect for cooking salmon and many other everyday meals.
Explore our full air fryer collection here: Buy Air Fryers Online.
