6 Minute Air Fryer Salmon

Love air fryer recipes? Try air fryer chicken tenderloins, air fryer hamburgers, and air fryer chicken thighs. It’s no secret that I use my air fryer almost every day, but my favorite use for it is cooking proteins, and salmon is no exception. I like things delicious and fast, and cooking salmon this way ticks both those boxes.

Why I love this recipe

Ready in 6 minutes. Fish is already one of the fastest-cooking proteins, and the air fryer makes it even faster. Best way to cook salmon. In my household, I used to strictly bake salmon, saute salmon, or pan-sear salmon, but once my air fryer arrived, it became my favorite way to cook this fish (along with air fryer salmon bites). It’s a healthy meal option. Salmon is a nutritious and healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and cooking it in the air fryer allows you to enjoy all of its health benefits without added oil or fat. Perfect texture and flavor. Nothing is worse than over-cooked rubbery salmon, and the air fryer guarantees the fish turns out crispy on the outside and perfectly flaky in the middle. Easy to customize. To the above point, I kept this recipe simple with a few seasonings but you can douse it in a sauce or marinade or use your favorite spice mix.

Ingredients needed

Salmon fillets. I prefer skin-on salmon filets as it helps to cook the fish more completely and evenly. Even if you don’t like the skin, you can easily discard it before serving. Olive oil. Although salmon is naturally oily, adding a touch of oil will help the seasonings stick to the fish and also prevent it from sticking to the basket. Salt and pepper. To taste. Brown sugar. The secret ingredient! Adding a touch of sugar helps caramelize the fish and gives it a crispy exterior and a very subtle sweetness. Spices. Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhance the flavor of the fish and gives it a lovely, smokey flavor. Sauce. Optional, but I like to glaze the freshly cooked salmon with some sweet chili sauce or a honey soy sauce.

How to cook salmon in the air fryer

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Season the salmon. Add the salmon and olive oil into a small bowl and mix. Add the salt, pepper, and spices, and rub them onto the fish. Ensure all sides of the fish are seasoned. Step 2- Air fry the salmon. Put the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket and air fry for 6 minutes. Remove the salmon and serve immediately.

Recipe tips and variations

Choose even-sized salmon fillets. Opt for fillets that are similar in size and weight. This will ensure the fish cooks evenly and completely at the same time. Use a meat thermometer. To ensure your salmon cooks perfectly, you can check the internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (source). Adjust the cooking time. For 6-ounce salmon fillets, the cooking time in my air fryer was 6 minutes. Depending on the make and model, you may need to cook it a little longer. Don’t overcrowd the basket. If needed, I cook the fish in batches, as adding too many to the air fryer basket will affect the overall texture. Add parchment paper. Or air fryer liners to the base of the air fryer. This makes cleanup an absolute breeze!

Storage instructions

To Store: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Air-fried salmon is healthy in itself, but you can round out the meal with other healthy side dishes like steamed vegetables, rice, and salads. You can also do as I do and air fry some vegetables WITH the salmon, like air fryer brussels sprouts, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer broccoli. To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled salmon in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to two months.