How Long to Cook Salmon in an Air Fryer at 375°F – A Guide to Perfectly Cooked Fish

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious fish fillets with perfectly crispy skin. Air frying locks in moisture and cooks the salmon fast for a meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes.

But if you’ve never cooked fish in an air fryer before, you might be wondering how long you should cook salmon at 375°F to get it just right.

In this article, we’ll walk through exactly how long you need to cook salmon fillets in an air fryer set at 375°F Follow these simple tips and timing guidelines to get tender, flaky salmon every time

Benefits of Cooking Salmon in an Air Fryer

Before diving into cook times. let’s look at why air frying is one of the best ways to cook fish

• Fast cooking – Air frying cooks food much more quickly than a traditional oven. Salmon fillets can be done in 10-15 minutes.

• Crispy skin—Air moves around the food to give the fish skin the perfect crunch.

• Moist inside—Air-frying salmon locks in the moisture, so the inside stays soft and juicy.

• Easy cleanup – With no oil spatter, air frying makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.

• Versatile – Air fried salmon goes well with so many healthy side dishes and salads.

• Uniform cooking – Hot air cooks food evenly so no worries about undercooked spots.

Factors That Affect Salmon Cook Time

To get perfect results every time, there are a few factors that impact how long salmon needs to cook:

• Fillet thickness – Thinner fillets around 1 inch thick will cook faster than 1 1/2 inch fillets.

• Air fryer model – Different air fryer brands vary slightly in heating efficiency and airflow.

• Quantity of fish – Cooking a larger batch will add a few minutes to the cook time.

• Desired doneness – Salmon cooked medium rare will take a little less time than if cooked all the way through.

So while general cook time guidelines apply, you’ll want to check for doneness and account for these variables. Now let’s look at exactly how long to cook salmon fillets at 375°F.

Cook Time Guidelines for Air Frying Salmon

For salmon fillets about 1 inch thick, here are the approximate air fryer cook times:

• 1 fillet – 8-10 minutes
• 2 fillets – 10-12 minutes
• 4 fillets – 12-14 minutes

For thicker salmon fillets around 1 1/2 inches, add 2-3 extra minutes to the times above.

These cook times are for fresh salmon fillets at room temperature when they go into the air fryer basket.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for flawlessly cooked air fryer salmon:

1. Cut salmon into fillets – For uniform cooking, slice any thicker salmon piece into individual 4-6 oz fillets.

2. Pat dry and season – Dry the fish so the exterior gets crispy. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, etc.

3. Preheat air fryer – Heat air fryer to 375°F. Use nonstick spray or oil to lightly coat the basket.

4. Add fillets skin-side down – Place fillets in a single layer without overlap for even cooking.

5. Cook for 8-12 minutes – For 1-inch thick fillets, cook 8-10 minutes. For 1.5 inches, go 10-12 minutes.

6. Flip halfway (optional) – Gently flip fillets halfway through if you want the skin super crispy.

7. Check for doneness – Salmon should flake easily and reach 145°F internally when done.

8. Let rest then serve – Allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

And that’s it! In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have tender, flaky salmon ready to enjoy.

Handy Tips for Air Frying Salmon

• Brush fillets with oil or melted butter before cooking for added moisture and flavor.

• Spray the basket with oil instead of nonstick spray that can leave residue.

• Use a meat thermometer to check the inner temp, not just appearance.

• Add lemon slices or fresh herbs on top of the cooked salmon for extra flavor.

• Use a foil sling under the fillets if concerned about them sticking.

• For the best texture, air fry wild-caught salmon rather than farmed Atlantic salmon.

• Cook an entire salmon side in the air fryer by cutting it into individual fillets first.

With the right timing for your preferred thickness and quantity, you can achieve delicious air fryer salmon in less time than delivery. Just use an instant-read thermometer and adjust cook times as needed. In no time, you’ll get the hang of making perfect salmon with crispy skin and a tender, moist interior.