This air-fry salmon is crisp and tender and only slightly crunchy at the edges, similar to sear pan. You can cook fresh or frozen salmon in the air fryer and this post shows you how to do both!

We’re big salmon fans here – so much so that I’m a bit skeptical about cooking it in the air fryer. Especially because we have a slow-cooked salmon recipe in the oven, which is our choice.

But I was fascinated to see if I could make delicious, tender and flashy salmon in the air fryer and I’m happy to report that the verdict was a resounding YES.

If you don’t feel like turning your cooker on in the summer or maybe using your oven to roast vegetables or potatoes, you can cook your salmon in the air fryer and not have to worry about different temperatures or adjust cooking time for several items in the oven at one time.

And the good news is that you can cook fresh or frozen salmon in the air fryer! That’s right you can cook frozen salmon in the air fryer without having to thaw it first! Talk about saving time.

Because we’ve all been there, right ?! You forget to pull the salmon out of the freezer and then wonder how you can safely thaw it in time for lunch. Now you can throw it frozen in the air fryer!

If you are a fan of salmon and have an air fryer at home, this recipe is for YOU!

Ingredients you will need

Notes on Ingredients:

Fresh Salmon: I’m a big fan of the salmon at Trader Joe’s. I’m talking more about my love of this type of salmon in my recipe for black salmon tacos.

Frozen salmon: You don’t need to thaw it before cooking it in the air fryer but if you have the time, ideally you want to defrost it first before tossing it in the air fryer to get the best texture while cooking.

Olive oil: or any neutral oil will do

Lemon juice: adds brightness and acidity to the marinade

Garlic: I like to use microplane to grate garlic into the marinade so it incorporates well and you don’t get small chunks on your salmon.

Dijon mustard: adds a tangy flavor to the salmon and pairs well with garlic and lemon!

Salt and pepper: … Obviously.

How to Make Fresh Salmon in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Cut a piece of salmon into files even if it’s not already cut.

Step 2: Add marinade ingredients to a small bowl.

Step 3: Whisk together marinade until combined.

Step 4: Brush marinade on salmon files covering all sides (except skin).

Step 5: Cook in pre-heated air fryer at 390 degrees F for 7-8 minutes, or until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

How to Make Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer

Ideally you would defrost the salmon before cooking (and cook them according to the fresh salmon instructions above). But in case you don’t have the time or you forget, here’s how to cook it in the air fryer from freezing.

Step 1: Cook frozen salmon in the air fryer at 390 degrees F for 7 minutes to thaw.

Step 2: Brush defrosted salmon with the marinade. Cook for another 7-9 minutes, or until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Expert Tips

1. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the salmon. If it reads 135 degrees F or higher, it’s fine to take it out and let it rest for five minutes – the temperature should come up to 145 degrees.
2. If your piece of salmon is thin – less than 1 1/2 inches thick – you can reduce the cooking and checking time after 5 minutes.
3. If your salmon has not reached temperature after 7 minutes cooking time, put it back in the air fryer and check every 1-2 minutes, until it comes to temperature.
4. The recommendation for food safety is 145 degrees. However, some chefs cook their salmon to medium which is an internal temperature of about 125 degrees F. Food for thought!
5. Warm up your air fryer or regular cooking times!

Air Fryer Salmon Frequently Asked Questions

Should I defrost frozen salmon before cooking in the air fryer?

If you want the best texture, similar to what you would expect with fresh salmon, my recommendation is to defrost the salmon before cooking in the air fryer. However, if you can’t defrost it first, you can still cook it in the air fryer, it takes about twice as long to cook fresh.

Does frozen salmon taste different?

In my opinion, it’s a little more dry after cooking than fresh.

Is frozen salmon as healthy as fresh?

Yes! Freezing any food, whether it’s products or proteins, helps lock down all the nutrition.

Do you recommend wild caught or farmed salmon?

I recommend whatever fits your values, budget and taste preferences. There is a misconception that wild catch is always better for you and more sustainable but not all fish raised on a farm are created equally. I remember a prominent Boston seafood chef once saying “think of farmed fish like you would farm vegetables, some do it right, others do it cheaply.” And having worked with seafood councils in the past, I know how sustainable their farming practices can be.

What are the nutritional benefits of salmon?

Salmon is high in a number of vitamins and minerals, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are well-studied for their role in heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention.

What type of air fryer do you have / recommend?

I use a Phillips XXL Air Fryer that has a capacity of 3 lbs / 4 qt. I did a lot of research and asked colleagues and friends for recommendations and this one came out on top. (link – at no extra cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and buy)

For more air fryer inspiration, check out my other recipes below!

If you like this recipe, be sure to give it a 5 star rating below. If you do, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

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