The air fryer has become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets for its ability to make deliciously crispy foods without all the oil of traditional frying. It’s a great way to cook up healthy meals fast, which is why air frying is such a perfect cooking method for lean, omega-3 rich sockeye salmon fillets.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about cooking sockeye salmon in the air fryer You’ll learn
- Benefits of sockeye salmon and why it’s ideal for air frying
- How to choose fresh sockeye fillets
- Best seasonings and aromatics to flavor the fish
- Step-by-step instructions for frying sockeye fillets
- Tips for getting the best texture and preventing dryness
- Serving ideas for your crispy air fried salmon
So let’s get started! Here’s how to make tender, flaky sockeye salmon with crispy edges in your air fryer.
Why Sockeye Salmon is Great for Air Frying
Sockeye salmon, which is sometimes called red salmon, is great for air-frying because it has a lot of great qualities:
- High in healthy omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA
- Richer flavor than other salmon varieties
- Flesh has deep red-orange color when cooked
- Firm texture holds up well to frying and crisping
- Lower fat content than Atlantic farmed salmon
The combination of firm flaky texture and high heat produces salmon fillets with a beautifully crisped exterior encasing the tender moist interior when air fried—the best of both worlds!
Choosing Fresh Sockeye Fillets
To air fry salmon like a pro, start with the freshest fillets possible:
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Look for fillets that are around 1 to 11⁄2 inches thick. Thinner cuts will dry out.
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Bright red-orange color and firm, elastic texture are ideal.
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Make sure the cut surfaces are glistening but not slimy.
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Avoid any fishy or ammonia odors.
The best sockeye fillets will be sushi-grade, which means you can eat them raw. This top quality ensures amazing results when cooked.
For convenience, thawed vacuum-sealed fillets work beautifully. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before frying.
Seasoning Your Sockeye Fillets
One of the best parts of air frying salmon is that you can add so much flavor with quick and easy seasonings:
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Extra-virgin olive oil – Brush lightly over fillets to helpconduct heat.
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Kosher salt – Sprinkle over just before frying.
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Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a little kick.
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Lemon pepper – Delicious citrusy flavor.
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Cajun seasoning – For some heat and depth.
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Old Bay seasoning – The classic seafood spice blend.
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Green herbs like dill, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or basil – Chopped fresh or dried.
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Garlic – Minced or powdered enhances the flavor.
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Citrus zest – Orange, lemon, or lime adds brightness.
Get creative with your own blend of seasonings!
Step-By-Step Instructions for Air Frying Salmon
Follow these simple steps for perfectly air fried sockeye salmon:
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Pat fillets dry – Remove any excess moisture with paper towels. Damp fish will steam instead of fry.
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Brush lightly with oil – A thin layer ensures even browning. Olive or avocado oil work great.
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Season the fillets – Sprinkle with desired seasonings right before frying.
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Preheat air fryer – Set to 400°F which gives the best crispness.
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Grease air fryer basket – So fillets don’t stick. Use oil or spray.
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Add fillets to basket – No overlapping. Fillets should not touch.
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Air fry for 8-10 minutes – Until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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Check for doneness – Salmon is safely cooked when it reaches 145°F internally.
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Let rest 5 minutes – This finishes the cooking process for tender, flaky texture.
And your restaurant-quality air fried salmon is ready to enjoy!
Handy Tips for Air Fryer Success
Follow these tips and tricks to get the very best results:
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Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air flow is crucial for even crisping.
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Flipping halfway through may help fillets cook more evenly.
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Spray fillets with a little oil if they aren’t browning sufficiently.
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Cook an extra minute or two if you like your salmon extra crispy.
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Internal temperature should reach 140-145°F for food safety.
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Baste with a few teaspoons of melted butter or olive oil once done for added flavor and moisture.
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Transfer to a wire rack after cooking to allow excess fat to drain off.
Preventing Dry Air Fried Salmon
It’s easy to overcook salmon in the hot air fryer and end up with parched, dried out fillets. Here are some ways to prevent that:
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Don’t cook at over 400°F. The high heat of an air fryer can overcook fish very quickly.
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Fry for the minimum recommended time, check often, and remove promptly when done.
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Brush with oil or melted butter helps keep the fish moist.
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Baste again with extra butter or olive oil as soon as its finished cooking.
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Always allow a 5 minute rest to finish cooking without drying out.
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Cook at a lower temp (375°F) if your air fryer runs hot.
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Marinating in oil, acidic ingredients like citrus or vinegar, and fresh herbs boosts moisture.
Serving Your Air Fried Sockeye Salmon
The crispy, crunchy top and tender interior of air fried salmon pair beautifully with:
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Lemon or lime wedges, fresh dill, and tartar sauce for classic fish and chips flavor.
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Leafy salad greens, vinaigrette, and roasted veggies for a healthy salad.
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Steamed asparagus or broccolini and rice pilaf or quinoa.
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In tacos, sandwiches, flatbreads or poke bowls for easy weeknight meals.
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On top of arugula salad with shaved parmesan and balsamic reduction.
Take your air fried salmon from boring to gourmet in no time with creative toppings and sides!
Become an Air Fryer Salmon Master
Now you know all the secrets to making foolproof air fried sockeye salmon right at home. Follow the step-by-step method for salmon with a perfectly crispy browned crust and moist, flaky interior every time.
Be sure to use the freshest wild-caught sockeye fillets and flavor them boldly with your favorite herbs, spices, citrus and oils before air frying. Keep an eye on cook times, and let the fish rest before serving for the best texture.
Once you get the basic technique down, you can experiment with exciting new seasonings and creative serving ideas. Air fried salmon also pairs nicely with roasted veggies, so try making a whole meal in your air fryer.
Does air fried salmon keep?
Salmon cooked in an air fryer is a great way to prepare meals ahead of time. For easy and quick lunches and dinners, you can just add it to salads and grains. It will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked salmon for up to three months. The next day, thaw it in the fridge and heat it up until it’s hot all the way through.
How to make air fryer salmon
Cut the salmon fillets into even sizes and pre heat your air fryer. You can also purchase them already pre-cut into the fillets. You can remove the skin if you’d like, but it’s not necessary to do so.
Season each fillet with garlic, paprika, salt and pepper and drizzle a little olive oil on top. I love adding paprika to salmon because it makes it look so beautiful when it’s cooked. For the best taste, rub the spices into the salmon before putting it in the air fryer.
Depending on the thickness of the salmon and the exact air fryer you have, the time could range. But the salmon in the air fryer should be done in about 7 to 9 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it easily flakes off. Then you’re ready to serve it.
Perfect Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
FAQ
Do you have to flip salmon in an air fryer?
How much time for salmon in an air fryer?
Should you rinse sockeye salmon before cooking?
What temperature should sockeye salmon be cooked to?
How do you cook sockeye salmon in an air fryer?
Air fryer sockeye salmon is flaky and delicious. It’s usually cooks up in less than 10 minutes, and can be customized with so many different seasonings. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salmon and rub into the surface. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper onto the salmon along with the smoked paprika.
Are airfryers healthy?
Air fryers should be used sparingly, as very high temperatures when cooking food – especially those rich in starch, such as potatoes, cassava and other roots – can produce a chemical called acrylamide, which is harmful to the human body and has carcinogenic potential.
Can You air Fry frozen sockeye salmon?
Yes, you can cook frozen sockeye salmon in an air fryer by adjusting the cooking time by an additional 5 – 7 minutes. What are some good seasonings to use when air frying sockeye salmon? Lemon, garlic, dill, Cajun, and blackened seasonings are excellent options to use when air frying sockeye salmon.
Can you cook frozen salmon in an air fryer?
Cook with the skin side down. For best results, you’ll want to place your salmon in the air fryer basket skin side down to cook. Want to skip the thawing? You can use frozen salmon too. Frozen salmon can also be cooked in the air fryer without having to thaw it out. Follow the instructions as is and add a couple more minutes.