Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious fish right at home. The air fryer cooks food using super heated air and requires little to no oil, resulting in salmon that is crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
While cooking salmon in the air fryer is quite simple, knowing exactly how long to cook it can be tricky. The cooking time can vary based on a few key factors like the thickness and cut of the salmon, whether it has skin on or off, the size of the air fryer, and personal preference for doneness.
Follow this guide to learn how long you should cook salmon fillets, steaks, and portions in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks for the best results.
Factors That Affect Salmon Cooking Time
There are a several factors that impact how long salmon needs to cook in an air fryer:
Thickness and Cut
Thicker cuts of salmon like steaks will take longer to cook than thinner fillets or portions. Whole salmon fillets will also take a bit longer than individual portioned cuts. For example, a 1-inch thick salmon steak may take 10-14 minutes while a 1/4-1/2 inch thick fillet may only need 8-10 minutes.
Skin On vs Off
Salmon cooked skin-on will typically take a couple minutes longer than salmon cooked skinless. The skin helps insulate the flesh a bit more, meaning it will cook more slowly. Skin also provides added texture and flavor.
Size of the Air Fryer
Larger air fryers allow for more airflow and space around the salmon, so cooking time can be a couple minutes shorter than smaller compact air fryers. Check your air fryer manual for model-specific temperature and timing.
Doneness Preference
The longer you cook salmon, the more well done it will be. If you prefer your salmon rare or medium rare, opt for shorter cook times. If you like it medium well to well, cook it a little longer. Test for doneness and check internal temps with a meat thermometer if needed.
How Long to Cook Salmon Fillets
For skin-on or skinless salmon fillets that are cut into individual 4-8 oz portions, follow these air fryer cooking times:
1/4 to 1/2 inch thick salmon fillets:
– Rare: 6-8 minutes at 390°F
– Medium rare: 8-10 minutes at 390°F
– Medium: 10-12 minutes at 390°F
– Medium well: 12-14 minutes at 390°F
– Well done: 14-16 minutes at 390°F
1/2 to 3/4 inch thick salmon fillets:
– Rare: 8-10 minutes at 390°F
– Medium rare: 10-12 minutes at 390°F
– Medium: 12-14 minutes at 390°F
– Medium well: 14-16 minutes at 390°F
– Well done: 16-18 minutes at 390°F
3/4 to 1 inch thick salmon fillets:
– Rare: 10-12 minutes at 390°F
– Medium rare: 12-14 minutes at 390°F
– Medium: 14-16 minutes at 390°F
– Medium well: 16-18 minutes at 390°F
– Well done: 18-20 minutes at 390°F
These times are based on a standard sized air fryer basket/tray and medium sized fillet portions. For larger air fryers or whole salmon fillets, add 2-3 minutes. For smaller compact air fryers or individual portion sizes, subtract 1-2 minutes.
How Long to Cook Salmon Steaks
Salmon steaks are thicker bone-in or boneless cuts from the salmon fillet. Follow these guidelines when air frying salmon steaks:
1-inch thick salmon steaks:
– Rare: 10-12 minutes at 390°F
– Medium rare: 12-14 minutes at 390°F
– Medium: 14-16 minutes at 390°F
– Medium well: 16-18 minutes at 390°F
– Well done: 18-20 minutes at 390°F
1 1/2-inch thick salmon steaks:
– Rare: 14-16 minutes at 390°F
– Medium rare: 16-18 minutes at 390°F
– Medium: 18-20 minutes at 390°F
– Medium well: 20-22 minutes at 390°F
– Well done: 22-24 minutes at 390°F
2-inch thick salmon steaks:
– Rare: 18-20 minutes at 390°F
– Medium rare: 20-22 minutes at 390°F
– Medium: 22-24 minutes at 390°F
– Medium well: 24-26 minutes at 390°F
– Well done: 26-28 minutes at 390°F
Brush steaks lightly with oil before cooking for browning. Baste with extra oil or sauce halfway through if desired. Salmon steaks may need a few extra minutes in a large air fryer.
How Long to Cook Salmon Portions
Salmon portions are often the pre-cut boneless and skinless options you find fresh or frozen at the grocery store. Here are the estimated cook times:
4-6 oz salmon portions, 1/2 to 1 inch thick:
– Rare: 8-10 minutes at 390°F
– Medium rare: 10-12 minutes at 390°F
– Medium: 12-14 minutes at 390°F
– Medium well: 14-16 minutes at 390°F
– Well done: 16-18 minutes at 390°F
8 oz salmon portions, 1/2 to 1 inch thick:
– Rare: 10-12 minutes at 390°F
– Medium rare: 12-14 minutes at 390°F
– Medium: 14-16 minutes at 390°F
– Medium well: 16-18 minutes at 390°F
– Well done: 18-20 minutes at 390°F
Smaller portion sizes may cook faster, while larger cuts may need an extra 2-3 minutes. Partially frozen portions may also require a couple extra minutes. Check for doneness before removing.
Tips for Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer
Follow these tips for the best air fried salmon.
Use Oil and Seasonings
Lightly brush or spray salmon with oil before cooking. Oil helps promote browning and crisping on the outside of the salmon. Season as desired with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or salmon seasoning blends.
Preheat Properly
Always preheat your air fryer fully before adding salmon. This helps ensure it cooks up crispy and browns evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd
Cook salmon in a single layer and avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Flipping halfway through may be needed for thicker cuts.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness. Cook to 145°F for medium rare salmon or 160°F for well done.
Let Rest Before Serving
Let salmon rest 3-5 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for a tender, flaky texture.
Add Veggies or Sides
Toss vegetables, potatoes, or other sides in oil and seasonings to cook alongside the salmon for an easy meal.
How to Tell When Salmon is Done
It can be tricky knowing exactly when salmon is cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Here are some ways to check for doneness:
– Use an instant read thermometer to check the inner temperature.
– Check opacity and flake test – salmon should be opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork when done.
– Look for visual cues – cooked salmon will appear lightly browned on the outside and opaque and buttery looking on the inside when cut into.
– Time it – follow the recommended cook times for thickness and doneness level.
– If undercooked, put back in for a few more minutes. If overcooked, take note for next time.
The safest bet is using a thermometer for a precise temperature check. This helps ensure your salmon reaches the proper internal temperature to destroy any bacteria without overcooking.
Air Fryer Salmon Cooking Temperatures
While air fryer cooking times can vary, the air fryer temperature should remain the same:
– Cook salmon at 390°F for all cuts, thicknesses and doneness levels.
– 390°F creates the ideal crispy cooked exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
– Adjust only cook times, not temperature, to achieve desired doneness.
– Preheating at 390°F for 3-5 minutes is recommended.
Some air fryer models max out at 400°F. In that case, 400°F can be used. Avoid going under 390°F as salmon may not brown or cook sufficiently.
Internal Temperatures for Doneness
Use these guidelines for Salmon internal temperatures based on doneness preference:
| Doneness Level | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 110°F (45°C) |
| Medium Rare | 125°F (50°C) |
| Medium | 140°F (60°C) |
| Medium Well | 150°F (65°C) |
| Well Done | 160°F (70°C) |
Salmon is best enjoyed at medium rare to medium doneness to retain moisture and flavor. aim for 145°F for medium rare or 150-160°F for well done salmon.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Last?
Properly stored, cooked salmon lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage.
Here are some salmon storage guidelines:
– Store cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
– Use within 3-4 days for peak freshness and quality.
– Freeze salmon for 2-3 months in airtight packaging if not eating within 3-4 days.
– Do not store at room temperature more than 2 hours.
– Signs salmon has gone bad include off odors, slimy texture, or green discoloration.
With proper storage times and temperatures, you can enjoy delicious air fried salmon all week long.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon tastes amazing on its own, but here are some delicious ways to serve it:
– Salmon rice bowls with veggies and sriracha mayo or teriyaki sauce
– Salmon tacos or burritos with avocado salsa
– Blackened salmon with Cajun spiced potatoes and corn on the cob
– Salmon salad with mixed greens, cranberries, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette
– Smoked salmon and cream cheese stuffed baked potatoes
– Garlic parmesan salmon with zoodles or pasta
– Salmon poke bowls with seaweed salad, edamame, mangos, and pickled ginger
– Salmon burgers or salmon cakes with tartar sauce on brioche buns
– Salmon Caesar salad with romaine, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing
Get creative with healthy, flavorful ingredients that complement the salmon. The air fryer helps make quick and easy salmon meals a breeze any night of the week.
Common Questions
Should you flip salmon in the air fryer?
Flipping halfway through is recommended for thicker salmon steaks over 1-inch thick. This allows both sides to cook evenly. Thinner fillets usually don’t need flipping.
Should you air fry salmon frozen or thawed?
Salmon can be cooked frozen or thawed in the air fryer. Add 1-3 extra minutes if cooking from frozen to account for the chilled center.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
It’s not generally recommended, as it can interfere with airflow. The basket is designed for maximum air circulation. Lining with foil can cause uneven cooking results.
What oil is best for air frying salmon?
A light brushing or spray of avocado oil or olive oil work great. Their high smoke points make them ideal for air frying.
Is air fried salmon healthy?
Yes! The air fryer allows you to cook salmon with little to no added fat, keeping it a healthy protein choice full of omega-3s and nutrients. Avoid deep frying.
Conclusion
Air frying is one of the easiest, healthiest ways to cook salmon to crispy, flaky perfection in just minutes. By following the thickness-based cook times for different cuts like fillets, steaks, and portions, you can achieve your desired doneness from rare to well easily.
Air fry salmon at a steady temperature of 390°F and adjust only cook times as needed. Let it rest before serving for tender salmon ready to top salads, bowls, tacos, and more. With the proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers all week long.
The air fryer yields quick, easy salmon without flipping, brushing with oil or constant monitoring. In no time at all, you can enjoy delicious, healthy salmon meals your whole family will love.