How To Cook Salmon In The Air Fryer

Just when you thought cooking with an air fryer couldn't get any easier, you can add everybody's favorite fish to the long list of dishes the appliance can simplify. With just a few simple steps and a handful of minutes, you can have a tasty fillet of salmon on your plate.

Salmon is like a blank canvas. You can add any seasonings, rubs, or marinades you like — or pair it with your favorite sauce once cooked. Feel free to use your imagination. If you want to keep it as foolproof and quick as possible, you can't go wrong pairing the fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon, dijon, and a sprinkle of dried or fresh dill.

To get the best results, you want to make sure the salmon is bone dry. Pat down the fillet with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. Lightly coat the fish with olive oil — just a teaspoon will do. Then rub on seasonings or coat it with any sauce you choose. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, and pop in the salmon skin side down at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. There is no need to flip the fish halfway through. The result will be a perfectly cooked and nicely browned, tender piece of fish your fork will slide right through.

In addition to a quick cook time, the need for less oil, and minimal cleanup, there are quite a few advantages to cooking salmon in an air fryer. You can turn your salmon into a complete dinner with little-to-no extra effort by adding veggies. Anything from broccoli to asparagus to mushrooms will cook in about the same time. Toss them in sauce or a little olive oil and salt and pepper. Line the air fryer basket with the vegetables and place the salmon on top. If you enjoy crispy salmon skin, there is no need to remove it before cooking the fillets. When the fillets are finished cooking, take them out and peel off the skin. Pop the skin back in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes. Note that it will curl up as it crisps, so place a heat-safe trivet or rack on top to keep it flat.

Another advantage of using the air fryer is that you can take your salmon straight from the freezer to your plate with just one extra step. Essentially, you just need to defrost the fish and cook it per the instructions above. Place the frozen fillets skin-side down and defrost at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7 to 9 minutes, depending on thickness. Check to make sure they're frost-free, and cook an additional 6 to 11 minutes until done.