Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon: A Game-Changing Recipe

Discover how to make incredibly moist, flaky salmon with a perfectly crispy exterior using your air fryer. This foolproof method delivers restaurant-quality results in just minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and elegant entertaining.
Air Fryer Salmon with golden-crispy seasoned top, flaky tender center, served on white plate with fresh lemon wedges and herbs
By Cook team
Published on November 28, 2024

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, and nowhere is this more evident than with salmon. The circulating hot air creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and moist – a combination that used to require professional kitchen equipment. Today, I’ll share my master technique for creating salmon that rivals high-end restaurants, right in your air fryer.

Preparation Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

8-10 minutes

Total Time:

15 minutes

Servings:

Variable (1, 2, or 4)

Ingredient Amount
Salmon Fillet 6 oz
Olive Oil 1 tbsp
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Lemon 1/2
Fresh Herbs 1 tbsp
Ingredient Amount
Salmon Fillets 12 oz
Olive Oil 2 tbsp
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Lemon 1
Fresh Herbs 2 tbsp
Ingredient Amount
Salmon Fillets 24 oz
Olive Oil 4 tbsp
Garlic (minced) 8 cloves
Lemon 2
Fresh Herbs 4 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

1- Prepare the Salmon (2 minutes)

  • Pat salmon dry with paper towels
  • Let rest at room temperature
  • Check for pin bones
  • Season generously

2- Season and Oil (2 minutes)

  • Brush with olive oil
  • Add minced garlic
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Add fresh herbs

3- Preheat Air Fryer (1 minute)

  • Set to 400°F (200°C)
  • Allow to fully heat
  • Spray basket lightly

4- Cook the Salmon (8-10 minutes)

  • Place skin-side down
  • Cook until desired doneness
  • Check at 8 minutes
  • Rest for 2 minutes

5- Final Touches (1 minute)

  • Squeeze fresh lemon
  • Add fresh herbs
  • Serve immediately

Pro Tips :

  • Always start with room temperature salmon
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
  • Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
  • Let rest before serving
  • Season just before cooking

The Science Behind Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

  • Understanding why the air fryer works so well with salmon helps perfect your technique. The rapid air circulation creates a Maillard reaction on the surface while keeping the moisture locked inside. This results in that restaurant-quality combination of crispy exterior and moist interior that’s often hard to achieve with traditional methods.

Nutritional Information (Per 6 oz Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 367
Protein 34g
Healthy Fats 24g
Omega-3s 2.3g
Vitamin D 815 IU

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should salmon be cooked to?
  • For medium-rare: 120°F (49°C)
  • For medium: 130°F (54°C)
  • For well-done: 140°F (60°C)

No, cook with skin on. It helps protect the salmon and keeps it moist. You can easily remove it after cooking if desired.

  • While fresh is best, you can use frozen – just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be slightly translucent in the center for perfect doneness.

  • Share your air fryer salmon success with #RidiculouslyGoodSalmon – and remember, perfect salmon is all about timing and temperature! 🐟✨

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