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 fast, circulating heat cooks the fish evenly, keeping it moist inside while gently crisping the edges. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or adding protein to salads and bowls without extra mess.
Salmon can dry out easily when pan-fried or baked in the oven. An air fryer reduces that risk by cooking the fillet evenly from all sides, using very little oil and far less time, while keeping cleanup simple.
How Long to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer
Most salmon fillets cook perfectly at 180°C for 8–12 minutes. Thicker cuts may need an extra minute or two. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C.
For a slightly softer, medium-style finish, remove the salmon at around 58–60°C and let it rest briefly. Cooking times can vary depending on fillet thickness and air fryer performance.
Step-by-Step Method
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
- Step 2: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to help it brown.
- Step 3: Season with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, or your preferred seasoning.
- Step 4: Lightly brush with oil, or leave oil-free for a lighter option.
- Step 5: Place fillets skin-side down in a single layer.
- Step 6: Cook for 8–12 minutes without flipping.
- Step 7: Rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Seasoning Ideas That Always Work
- Lemon Herb: Lemon juice, garlic, dill or thyme
- Butter Garlic: Melted butter with garlic and parsley
- Honey Soy: Honey, soy sauce and fresh ginger
- Cajun Style: Paprika, pepper and Cajun spice blend
- Sweet Chilli Lime: Sweet chilli sauce with lime zest
Should You Cook Salmon With the Skin On?
Yes. Keeping the skin on helps protect the flesh and retain moisture during cooking. In an air fryer, the skin crisps nicely and can be removed easily after cooking if you prefer not to eat it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the basket, which blocks airflow
- Skipping preheating
- Using too much oil
- Overcooking the salmon
- Not drying the fillet before seasoning
What to Serve With Air Fryer Salmon
- Roasted or air-fried vegetables
- Lemon rice or garlic butter rice
- Grain salads with quinoa or couscous
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Mashed potato or sweet potato
Leftover salmon works well flaked into wraps, pasta salads, or lunch bowls.
Why an Air Fryer Works So Well for Salmon
An air fryer cooks salmon faster than an oven and with less mess than pan-frying. It delivers consistent results, making it easy to cook fish evenly without drying it out — ideal for everyday meals and healthier cooking.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Cooking Fish
If you’re cooking seafood regularly, look for a model with stable temperature control and enough basket space to allow proper airflow. You can compare air fryers suitable for everyday seafood cooking to find an option that fits your kitchen and cooking style.
