Quick & Easy Air Fryer Salmon (Perfectly Cooked Every Time!)
Wondering how long to cook salmon? Get perfectly flaky air fryer salmon every time! This easy recipe is ready in minutes. Quick, healthy, and delicious! Check it out!

Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of perfectly cooked salmon. ever wondered how long to cook salmon so it's flaky and moist? this air fryer salmon recipe is your answer.
It is foolproof, even if you're a bit of a numpty in the kitchen, like i sometimes am.
Air Fryer Salmon: Your Weeknight Winner
This recipe is not just any old salmon recipe. it is your ticket to a tasty, healthy meal in minutes.
Originating as a modern twist on classic salmon preparations, the air fryer method slashes cooking time. it takes about 13- 17 minutes tops.
It is so blimmin' easy and yields 2 perfect servings.
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Salmon (Perfectly Cooked Every Time!) Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce/170g) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon/15ml olive oil
- 1 tablespoon/15ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon/5ml dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon/2.5ml garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon/1.25ml salt
- 1/4 teaspoon/1.25ml black pepper
🥄 Instructions:
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush or drizzle marinade over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. If the fish has skin and is prone to sticking, put the skin side down.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Check the thickest part of the fish with an instant-read thermometer. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove salmon from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
Honestly, the main benefit here is speed and health. salmon is packed with omega-3s, you know. it is good for the brain and the heart, innit? this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something quick and nutritious.
What makes it special? well, it's the ease and the flavour. you'll get that lovely, restaurant-quality baked frozen salmon flavour without any fuss.
Talking of frozen salmon, you can use frozen salmon in air fryer , it works the same way but you should take additional time and make sure to use the thermometer.
It is that good!
Now, onto the bits and bobs you'll need...
Okay, mate, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's what you'll need to nail this air fryer salmon recipe. It's easier than queuing for the Post Office, honestly.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Alright, pay attention, because precise measurements are key. we're aiming for perfection, not "near enough is good enough." you will need two salmon fillets, each about 6 ounces or 170 grams .
Don't panic about skin on or off, it's up to you. also, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil – extra virgin, if you're feeling posh.
You'll also need 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice, freshly squeezed mind you, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of dried dill and ½ teaspoon (2.
5ml) of garlic powder. finally, don't forget ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) each of salt and pepper.
Quality Indicators: For the salmon, look for bright pink flesh. It should smell fresh, not fishy! Avoid anything that looks dull or slimy. Trust your gut (literally).
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens, innit? for the essential spice combo, dill and garlic powder are your best mates.
They bring a subtle sweetness and a garlicky kick. lemon juice is key here, it really wakes everything up. think of it as the flavour enhancer and don't scrimp!
If you are in a pinch and no lemon? a dash of white wine vinegar is a quick sub option.
Honestly, it works surprisingly well. or maybe you're feeling a bit more adventurous? a tiny pinch of smoked paprika can add depth.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this, promise. the only essential tool is an air fryer. that's it! a small bowl for mixing the marinade is handy, and a basting brush helps get the marinade all over the salmon.
But if you don't have one, just drizzle it with a spoon, no worries.
Don't have an air fryer? don't worry mate, let me tell you how long to cook salmon in the oven.
If you are in this situation, try a baking tray lined with foil. simple!
Air fryer salmon recipes from frozen? frozen salmon in air fryer? absolutely! i've cook frozen salmon in air fryer when i've forgotten to defrost, too.
Air fryer frozen salmon? frozen salmon air fryer recipes? you'll want to add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Air fryer salmon from frozen? also bake salmon from frozen for even more versatility. baked frozen salmon in the oven works well too.
You might like grilled frozen salmon recipes for something different. baked salmon from frozen requires just a little bit more time.
Honestly, how long to cook salmon in an air fryer is a game-changer. It's so quick and easy. I’ve been there, staring at a frozen salmon fillet wondering what to do.
Right then, let's get stuck in! air fryer salmon is a total game-changer. honestly, it's so quick and easy, even i can't mess it up! i mean, who doesn’t love salmon? i bet there's a stat somewhere that proves everyone's obsessed.
Anyway... let's talk how long to cook salmon in that magical air fryer.
Air Fryer Salmon: Your New Weeknight Hero
This recipe is all about getting flaky, delicious salmon on your plate FAST. No faffing about! We're talking minimal effort, maximum flavour. It's proper sorted, I tell ya.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, mise en place. sounds fancy, doesn't it? basically, just get everything ready! pat your 2 (6-ounce/170g) salmon fillets dry with some paper towel.
Then, in a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon/15ml olive oil, 1 tablespoon/15ml lemon juice, 1 teaspoon/5ml dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon/2.
5ml garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon/1.25ml salt, and 1/4 teaspoon/1.25ml black pepper. smells good already, eh? a little tip, always get ready every thing before.
From Zero to Dinner in Minutes
Time to cook!
- Brush the marinade all over the salmon. Don’t be shy!
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) for 3 minutes. Important: Don’t skip this step!
- Pop the salmon into the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren't piled on top of each other.
- Air fry for 8- 12 minutes . Check the thickest part of the fish to be 145° F ( 63° C) .
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Ace Air Fryer Salmon
Here are a few things i've learned along the way. don't overcrowd the air fryer. the salmon will be better.
Also, pat the salmon dry. don't get me wrong now. it gets the salmon all crispy. and the main one is, check the internal temperature! this is the key to perfectly cooked salmon.
Air fryer salmon recipes from frozen are interesting but require expertise to avoid drying out the fish.

Alright, let's talk salmon, shall we? you know, the "it" fish of the healthy eating world? this air fryer salmon recipe? honestly, it's a game changer.
Forget slaving over a hot oven. the air fryer makes it ridiculously quick. plus, clean up is a breeze. no more fishy-smelling pans!
Recipe Notes: Salmon Superstar Edition
Here's the lowdown to ensure salmon perfection.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, right? slap that gorgeous salmon on a plate. a sprig of dill? fancy! try it over quinoa. asparagus on the side.
Boom. instant michelin star almost . for drinks, a crisp white wine or even a sparkling elderflower pressé does the trick.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? lucky you! pop it in the fridge. it will be good for about 3 days. freezing options? yeah, you can freeze cooked salmon.
Wrap it tight to prevent freezer burn. then, when you are ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating? gently does it. a low oven or a quick zap in the microwave. do not overcook it!
Variations: Salmon Your Way
Want to spice things up? add a bit of chilli flakes to the marinade. bam! spicy salmon. watching the carbs? skip the quinoa.
Try roasted broccoli instead. want a bit of sweetness? use maple syrup! the options are endless.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Salmon's packed with omega-3s. Good for your brain and heart. Protein galore. Keeps you feeling full. This air fryer version? It cuts down on extra fats. It is a win-win, really.
By the way, did you know? Air frying reduces the fat content of food by up to 75% compared to deep frying! Now, that's something to celebrate.
Now, how long to cook salmon depends a bit. thickness and your air fryer play a role. aim for an internal temp of 145° f ( 63° c) .
That's the magic number. for baked frozen salmon, you'll need more time. air fryer frozen salmon is surprisingly quick. grilled frozen salmon recipes need careful attention to prevent drying.
If you need baked salmon from frozen , add about 50% to the cooking time of a fresh fillet.
Many people ask about frozen salmon in air fryer . good news! you can absolutely cook frozen salmon in the air fryer.
For air fryer salmon recipes from frozen , just add a few minutes to the cooking time. the same goes for air fryer salmon from frozen, it's super easy to cook frozen salmon in air fryer ,
So go on! give it a go. frozen salmon air fryer recipes are your friend. this air fryer salmon recipe is so simple.
You will wonder why you didn't try it sooner. enjoy, love!

Frequently Asked Questions
Right, so how long do I actually cook salmon in the air fryer? I keep mucking it up!
Alright, no worries! For air frying salmon at 400°F (200°C), you're looking at about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. The key is to use an instant-read thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Think of it like brewing a perfect cuppa – it's all about getting that temperature spot on!
Is it better to cook salmon with the skin on or off? What's the best way?
That's down to personal preference, really! Skin-on salmon can be delicious, as the skin gets nice and crispy in the air fryer. If you're cooking skin-on, place the salmon skin-side down to start. If you prefer skinless, that works too – just keep an eye on it to prevent it from drying out. A little olive oil and a proper marinade can help with both, and ensure a moist, perfectly cooked salmon!
How long to cook salmon to make sure it's safe to eat, but not dry as the Sahara?
Nobody wants a dry bit of fish! The magic number, as mentioned, is 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet to check. Overcooking salmon is a cardinal sin, so pull it out as soon as it hits that temperature. Also, letting it rest for a minute or two after cooking helps the juices redistribute, keeping it lovely and moist.
Can I use this recipe with frozen salmon, or do I need to defrost it first?
While you can air fry frozen salmon, you'll get much better results if you defrost it first. It cooks more evenly, and the marinade penetrates better. Defrost it overnight in the fridge, or use the cold water method for a quicker thaw. Just make sure it's fully defrosted and patted dry before you start marinating and air frying!
What's the best way to store leftover air fryer salmon?
Pop any leftover salmon into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently in the air fryer or microwave, or flake it into a salad for a delicious and healthy lunch. You could even make some cracking salmon fishcakes with the leftovers! Just be sure it's piping hot all the way through if reheating.
Is air-fried salmon actually good for you? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you see.
Absolutely! Salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a brilliant choice for a balanced diet. Air frying is also healthier than deep-frying because it requires less oil. Just watch the sodium content of your marinade, and you've got yourself a nutritious and delicious meal. It's a win-win, really!
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